NJCL 2020: a look
ahead
Latin Convention. It happens twice a year and is arguably the best part of participating in Classics. Of these two conventions, States and Nationals, there are certain key differences between the two that tend to lead to JCLers preferring one over the other. And, for me, that favorite convention is NJCL. A debatable opinion, I know, but hear me out. I will break down why NJCL convention is a necessity for all JCLers into three simple arguments.
Spirit is unlike anything I've ever done before. Even compared to States' spirit, if you've been to VJCL, Nationals is on a whole different level. The cheers, the props, the competition is all-encompassing. As a state, you march to the General Assembly, and you get to wear togas on the last day, in the summer heat! How exciting is that? You all wear the same props and t-shirts, which ends up looking super uniform altogether. Its a great bonding experience and helps get people out of their own heads. Virginia also tends to be on the winning side of spirit, so not going to say we're the best... but.. we're the best.
exciting is that? You all wear the same props and t-shirts, which ends up looking super uniform altogether. It's a great bonding experience and helps get people out of their own heads. Virginia has also had great experiences with the spirit competitions at the last few NJCL conventions, and hopefully this summer we'll get the opportunity to be a part of continuing that legacy!
With all the people on the campus at once, there are so many opportunities to make friends. A lot of people are there from all around the country with different backgrounds, perspectives, hobbies, and attitudes. No matter how anti-social or social you are, there will be a lot of various activities that can push you to find friends outside of your community or develop deeper relations with your fellow state JCLers. Statistically speaking, there will be at least one person at Nationals who you are bound to get along with really well... maybe you'll even be able to find your fated JCLove!
friends outside of your community or develop deeper relations with your fellow state JCLers. Statistically speaking, there will be at least one person at Nationals who you are bound to get along with really well...maybe you'll even be able to find your fated JCLove!
The amount of activities at National convention is honestly startling. When I attended my first Nationals, I was dumbfounded by the number of different kinds of events. There really is something for everyone at Nationals. Do you like to socialize? There's a dance, along with various other social opportunities, every night! Are you incredible at certamen? There's a competitive tournament, along with World Series Certamen as well! Are traditional sports more your style? There's soccer, swimming, volleyball, and ultimate frisbee, to name a few at Ludi! Are you an artist? Great, there's a competition for almost every medium! Are you looking for more enrichment exams? You can definitely count on multiple of those running every day! There is always something to do at NJCL, and no matter your ability, everyone is super welcoming and excited to participate! Personally, for example, I had never played ultimate frisbee before nationals, and then I got 4th in the tournament!
night! Are you incredible at certamen? There's a competitive tournament, along with World Series Certamen as well! Are traditional sports more your style? There's soccer, swimming, volleyball, and Ultimate Frisbee, to name a few at Ludi! Are you an artist? Great! There's a competition for almost every medium! Are you looking for more enrichment exams? You can definitely count on multiple of those running every day! There is always something to do at NJCL, and no matter your ability, everyone is super welcoming and excited to participate! Personally, for example, I had never played Ultimate Frisbee before nationals, and then I got 4th in the tournament!
All in all, there is so much to do at National Convention; it really is a wonderful space and opportunity for everyone involved. The students and chaperones are all really just happy to be there and learn and grow. Not only do you get to expand your vocal projection, your friends list, and your talents, but you are also able to get a feeling of what it's like to live on a college campus. Nationals is also in our home state of Virginia this year, so we have to represent our state well! I hold a very special place in my heart for convention and the opportunities it has brought me, and I hope you all get to do the same. The world is really your oyster during National Convention, and I hope you all attend and that you can make the most out of the best week of the year!
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spirit!
friends!
opportunities!
Written by Hayley Abell
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