This TJ tradition provides freshmen with mentors. by Robert Lampert photo by Manny Perez 
From Tuesday September 2 through Friday September 5, Thomas Jefferson seniors will be given the opportunity to adopt a freshman as their very own, as they take them under their wings teaching them the ins and outs of being in high school. Every day this week, at lunch, seniors are encouraged to come by with their chosen freshman and sign up in the front lobby outside the office. The process is free and takes up no more than a minute while walking out the door. But if lunch isn’t a good time, stop by on Wednesday during advisement for an encore chance to sign up. Yet if the idea of having your own freshman isn’t enticing enough, you might enjoy hearing that showing up with your freshman/senior counterpart as well as your adoption certificate allows you a discounted fee of only $2 into the Jamaican Jam, Friday September 5. As most of us know, being a freshman is certainly an interesting time in our lives. During the first year of high school, the word intimidation comes to mind. The Adopt-A-Frosh process is a long-running tradition at TJ that directly combats intimidation and opens the door for freshman to get out and meet new people, specifically upperclassmen who know the ropes. It is a great opportunity for seniors to spread their infinite amount of wisdom and high school wits to the up-and-coming youth of Thomas Jefferson. By doing this, freshmen are given the chance to learn from mature, responsible peers, as the seniors take on a mentoring role. Thomas Jefferson is really trying to stress the importance of seniors taking a proactive role in the lives of their freshmen. Vince Crespin, a senior this year, recalls his experiences as a freshman when adopted by TJ Alum Paul Woolfolk. "Paul was always really cool; he took me to lunch, but unfortunately no Jamaican Jam. That’s the perfect reason why we want to make the adoption process more meaningful." TJ is also trying to enforce a discounted fee on other school activities when showing proof of adoption. "We want to try and give the kids more opportunities for freshman/senior bonding," said Crespin. So whether you’re a senior looking to mold the mind a of freshman, or a freshman looking for some guidance along your way, then TJ’s Adopt-A-Frosh program is the perfect solution.
