Leaving the NJCL...for the NSCL
From '17 Slashers Claire Jeantheau and Anshu Sharma
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VJCL Fall Forum 2017
What's the one thing you will remember most from your time in the JCL as a whole? What will you miss the most?
Claire Jeantheau: One of my favorite memories from JCL is hanging out on the auditorium steps at Indiana University before That's Entertainment, watching a three-way spirit battle between JCLers from California, Illinois, and Wisconsin. I remember both laughing at their impromptu chants--like California's "Cali's got the drought!" followed by Illinois's "We have water!"--and being so impressed by the friendship and unity across the states. I think that sums up one of the things I'll miss the most about JCL--being surrounded by brilliant, welcoming people who are willing to risk the stares of bemused tour groups (of which there were many that night) to show that they care about something.
Anshu Sharma: I'll most remember the rush of meeting students I met at a state or national convention again at other conventions or events outside the JCL, such as cross-country races. I'm going to most miss walking around with groups of new JCL friends at National Convention.
What's the funniest thing that's ever happened to you at National Convention?
AS: My roommate's key at Troy wasn't working, so I pulled out mine, but I dropped it, and we had a moment of terror followed by a moment of laughter as we considered our would-be predicament if my key had slipped under the door and our gratitude at the fact that it hadn't.
CJ: While playing Open Certamen this summer at Troy, someone in our audience decided we needed pre-game mood music. It was at such a low volume that we didn't realize it was still playing in the middle of our rounds. When we did, every break between questions became a jam session to "Africa" by Toto, complete with terrible dancing.
Are you planning to come back as an SCLer? If so, what made you decide to come back?
CJ: Definitely! I'm coming back because I can't get enough of the infectious spirit and passionate people I've found in the JCL, especially as someone interested in continuing to study the Classics in college. I would also be honored as an SCLer at Nationals to be able to help make a JCLers' experience there as amazing as mine have been.
AS: I do plan on coming back. Randolph-Macon College has a great Latin program and one of the coolest SCLers ever, Grace McIntire, so I know I'll have a lot of support in my time in the SCL from SCLers within Randolph-Macon and from other schools.
What was the most enjoyable part about being a Slasher this past Convention?
AS: World Series and socializing with other SCLers were the most enjoyable parts about being a slasher, as they were unique from my past two JCL-only National Conventions.
CJ: Finally getting that coveted slash for my nametag! In all seriousness, I had a great time getting to meet some other rising college students interested in Classics and SCLers as well.
Haven't studied enough Latin? If you're planning on continuing study in Classics, please share what classes you're taking or planning to take this coming year.
CJ: This fall semester I'll be taking Latin 201 at Dickinson College, which is an introduction to Roman prose. While I don't yet know what's going to be offered this spring, I'd like to take another Latin language class then with one of the other awesome Classics courses at Dickinson, like Ancient Worlds on Film or Classical Mythology!
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently at Conventions (aside from more napping)?
AS: I guess I would read the convention programs slightly more thoroughly upon arrival at campus, so I'd be aware of campus-specific attractions, such as Trinity University's classical books display (which I missed), Indiana University's Art Museum, and Troy University's terra-cotta warriors and art museum, ahead of time, and I wouldn't put my room key or umbrella or other items in pockets that they might fall out from.