Thomas Jefferson

High School | Home of the Spartans

A New Look at Lifestyle

Posted 11/09/2011 by Mateo Rocha

The debut of a new section on the Journal brings a plethora of opportunities and eager reporters.

Artwork by Ed Gloor

A new section dedicated to the Lifestyles of Thomas Jefferson, the state of Colorado, and the diverse population surrounding the community is debuting in the TJ Journal to better report happenings not included in the other existing sections.

One interesting addition to the section that other features do not have is the Article Suggestion Box. This will allow students, parents, or any reader of the Journal to submit article ideas pertaining to a person of interest, or an even of interest. The suggestions will be revised by me and will be considered for full development as an article.

Creating a new branch to the Journal is an exciting notion for the staff and myself. I will be the editor of articles being submitted to the Lifestyle section. This addition opens up a wide range of opportunities for articles to cover an in-depth look into peoples’ lives and active cultures. Topics can range from tattoo art, to fishing in Colorado, to skateboarding.

However, these examples I have given for what can be contributed to the section does not limit the possibilities of what reporters for Lifestyle can cover. The initiation of a new category means there is an open mind for opinions and suggestions on how the section can function.

“I hope to see a new side of TJ come to fruition through the Journal. I think there is a cool culture of outdoor activities that are not publicized or well known, so this section will hopefully do so,” said Becca Hansen, Editor-in-Chief of the TJ Journal. As a possible Lifestyle reporter, Hansen would hope to contribute articles pertaining to backpacking and camping, since those are fields where she is best suited.

“Since there aren’t previous articles to base the future articles off of, this section has a broad horizon for what can be considered a ‘Lifestyle’ piece. Overall this is a pretty exciting change for the Journal,” said Hansen.

I personally will be contributing articles about snowboarding, skateboarding, underground art and other sub cultures with which I relate directly. Being an active snowboarder and skateboarder gives me perspective on these sub cultures that not most people know about. Lifestyle will give me a chance to present an in-depth look into these activities, which can range from promotional companies for board sports to a hyper local report on “boarders” in Denver.

Being the editor of a new section is a great undertaking. Setting the standard for the success and defining what types of ideas can be incorporated into this section will be a good task that I look to fulfill. I could expand the horizons of what the Journal has been publishing. Article contents may involve a day-in-the-life type of perspective on certain individuals and their activities, such as TJ Senior Jaron Bartozek’s love and acumen for graffiti art.

Be attentive to publications coming soon to the brand new Lifestyle section, debuting today.