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Life & Work with Claire Jiang

Today we’d like to introduce you to Claire Jiang.

Claire Jiang

Hi Claire, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My Spanish and French-taking peers often ask me: why classics? When I first started taking Latin out of curiosity in the midst of the pandemic, I too asked myself this question. Four years later, I’m confident in saying that it was one of the best decisions I’ve made (cliche, I know, but true!).

Latin has helped me grow as a person through its intellectual challenge and rewarding return. It not only encourages my creativity through its historical, mythological, and artistic aspects but also gives me the opportunity to engage with other Latin-loving students, specifically within the Junior Classical League (JCL) community. Led by Latin enthusiasts, JCL provides an unmatched experience that expands one’s understanding of classical culture beyond the classroom. Throughout the first two years of studying Latin, I competed in various certamen (Latin-based quiz-bowl) tournaments across the state. In doing so, I discovered the leadership aspect of the Georgia Junior Classical League. After my first year as a JCL member, I decided to run as a candidate for the state board and help further expand the organization.

After serving as hostess during the 2022-2023 school year, I was fortunate enough to be reelected earlier this April as the 1st Vice President. Latin is so much more than the language itself: it is embedded with rich culture and history. It echoes through the laws we follow and the language we speak. Most importantly, for those who are lucky enough to experience it, there is community.

Four years of Latin have led me to conclude that most people see no value in a ‘dead’ language. I hope to encourage the world that the classics should be cherished.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Especially following the pandemic, I’ve continued to face challenges in expanding our organization outside the Atlanta area. Because many of our statewide events are near or in Atlanta, commute is a large issue for students farther away, and fundraising is also difficult. While online events are more accessible, in-person engagement is always more fulfilling. Moreover, students taking Latin and Greek have decreased as language programs are removing classic curriculums. In response, we have tried to facilitate peer tutoring and share more online academic resources to support students.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My role as the 1st Vice President of the Georgia Junior Classical League revolves around increasing membership and accessibility to the classics across the state. In addition to overseeing around 35 school chapters, I help organize both regional and statewide events. One of the largest events we host is the state convention around the time of Rome’s founding (April 21!), a weekend-long event where 700-1000 students compete in various classics-centered activities ranging from academic exams and certamen (Latin Quizbowl) to graphic arts and even Olympika/Ludi (sports events). More recently, I organized Praetoria, an annual virtual GJCL event focused on leadership within the GJCL. As one of the first events of the year, Praetoria provides a foundation for active participation in GJCL and JCL events throughout the coming months. Online activities such as Q&A, mixers, and guest speakers were offered to promote fellowship among chapters!

I also lead the Membership Advisory Committee (MAC), a student committee that discusses expanding membership throughout the JCL. MAC actively communicates with local chapters statewide, specifically small and future chapters, to increase interactivity and proximity among all members. This year, with MAC members, I started a buddy system where leaders from developed chapters partner with schools that offer Latin/Greek but do not yet have JCL chapters. In this way, our organization is expanding outreach to schools outside the Metro Atlanta area.

Moreover, I’m in the process of organizing a middle school event in the spring to grow engagement with younger students. We plan to offer workshops such as Roman numeral Sudoku, gladiator fights, and myth storytelling! Schools are beginning to offer language courses as early as 6th grade, and we are trying to encourage younger students to get involved as well. Lastly, National Classics Week is coming up in April, and I’m working with the National Junior Classical League student board to speak at Classicalia, a free-of-cost virtual event that aims to celebrate the classics. However, all of my work is not possible without the support of my state sponsors and other board members!

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
As a nonprofit, we work with other organizations in giving back to the community. This year, we’ve partnered with local animal shelters to make cat toys with donated fabric. In the past, school chapters have hosted food drives and fundraising events, made blankets and wrote cards to healthcare workers, and even volunteered at local senior centers! While the JCL is classics-focused, any student is welcome to get involved. We send out monthly newsletters and have a seasonal publication, the Alae Mercurii. Moreover, we started an art gallery on our website! This project intends to highlight classically-inspired art pieces. It’s an opportunity for artists to showcase work outside of in-person events, and submissions are open year-round. We encourage any interested students to reach out or submit work!

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Image Credits
Sadie Crowder, Tiffany Yao, Jiya Porwal, Joy Li

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