The first steps for change at TJ.
by Martha Alvarez
photo by Many Perez
On Wednesday, September 17, 2008, a group of TJ students spent their Advisement and Excel time at the first Student Voice Forum.
They gathered to meet new people in the school and to make important decisions about the future of TJ. “The forum was a great way for new students to collaborate with seniors to create change,” said Junior Jasmine Kabera.
There have recently been many negative comments about the appearance of TJ, and Student Council felt the Forum was a perfect way to voice those complaints. Student leaders also believe it’s much easier to complain than it is to be part of making the change. The Forum began with the introduction of the student organizers, Asia Dorsey and Vince Crespin. Everyone was encouraged to be very open-minded and honest, but to keep they’re comments respectful and focused on the subject. “Meeting like this will encourage change in our school and include everyone’s opinions,” said Alex Carson, a sophomore who helped organize the Forum.
The meeting began with all the students in a big group discussion about the problems that were happening at TJ. Later they were separated into groups by grade. Students were asked to participate in mini-games after being separated into their respective classes.
Once every group was settled and introduced they were asked to list some of the positive things at TJ. There were many great examples, such as school spirit, the new computers, new windows, the trophy cases and our colorful senior parking lot. Along with the positives, there were some negatives about TJ, which included questions about gym cleanliness, hazardous bleachers, badly maintained locker rooms, old desks, outdated textbooks, cramped hallways and classrooms, and the invasion of potholes in the parking lot.
They then made a new list of the most important categories and were then redistributed into groups where the students tried to come up with more solutions for these problems.
Another point of discussion was fundraising. The groups compiled a list of many things that need to be fixed at TJ, but many of these fixes require large amounts of money. Most students at the forum mentioned new bleachers, bathrooms, and locker rooms, as something they would like, but they soon realized that would cost a great deal. So a better alternative was mentioned: to fix what there is. The leaders express that they won’t look as good as something new, but it would be better than what is available today. Students are hopeful that at some time in the future there will be more funds for these projects.
“TJ is a good school overall, but there are a lot of things that need to be done to improve its environment. Some students don’t take pride in their school, but there are many that do, and after today that has been made pretty apparent,” said Student Council Co-President Vince Crespin, who express that these ideas will surely benefit TJ in some way.
Dorsey, Crespin and the Student Council promote meetings like the Student Voice Forum to help encourage students to take the first steps in changing our school. “It’s a way for seniors to remember their school as something nice, and to know that they made it happen,” says Kabera.
