tjTODAY

02/27/2021

Science is a journey, not a destination

Hey TJ! It's Friday again, so here's our top article picks from the past week.

1) Science is a journey, not a destination - Neha Sripathi, one of the school winners at the virtual science and engineering fair, shared her journey analyzing data on the development of young gut microbiomes, all in a virtual environment
Link: https://www.tjtoday.org/31426/showcase/the-science-of-today-is-the-technology-of-tomorrow/

2) Virtual teamwork still makes the dream work - Jefferson girls’ field hockey successfully kicked off their tryouts in a hybrid setting
Link: https://www.tjtoday.org/31477/showcase/virtual-teamwork-still-makes-the-dream-work/

3) SGA unveils new wellness room - tjTODAY took a closer look at the new room designed as a space for students to relax and de-stress
Link: https://www.tjtoday.org/31463/showcase/sga-unveils-new-mental-health-and-wellness-room/

4) Icon for Hire combine rock, pop, and rap in “Amorphous” - Reviewing the latest release by the American rock band
Link: https://www.tjtoday.org/31493/showcase/icon-for-hire-combine-rock-pop-and-rap-in-amorphous/

As always, read more at tjtoday.org

The summer of 2020 was a bleak one for many, with the COVID-19 pandemic hitting and activities going virtual. However, senior Neha Sripathi decided to put this time to good use. At the end of August, while other rising seniors were preparing for their final year at Jefferson, Sripathi began a resear...

02/24/2021

The Academics Behind Real Time Strategy Games

Today, Feb. 23rd, TJ Broadcast's Alex Zhou took a closer look at real-time strategy (RTS) games, and how through their slow, methodical playstyle they could possibly be academically beneficial by reenforcing positive time management skills.

"Whenever we are playing RTSs, we are practicing the skill of prioritization, despite it not being exactly academic," junior Alex Zhou said. "Video games are not a homogeneous group of meaningless entertainment - some games have a lot of depth and complexity that you simply need to find."

Check out the full feature here at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoOKQEclFQw

Video games are not often thought of as being academically beneficial. Usually, they are viewed as a distractor and an activity that should be avoided at all...

02/23/2021

Virtual Valentine's Day

Last Monday, Feb. 15th, TJ Broadcast looked at how couples spent Valentine's Day while still separated due to the pandemic, and how they've worked around restrictions present to make the day still feel special.

"When I think about the issues with virtual relationships, I feel like they tend to grow apart if they're not together all the time," Jefferson alumnus Wyatt Marvil said. "But we are video calling so often that it's to hard not feel connected."

Check out the full feature here at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULU25got2qs

02/21/2021

Jason Wang: Scientist Dedicated to Service

As the week once more comes to a close, we've collected our top stories from the past week to keep you up to date on all things TJ!

1) Jason Wang: Scientist Dedicated to Service - tjTODAY took a closer look at senior Jason Wang and his recently published research paper on cyberbullying detection
Link: https://www.tjtoday.org/31395/features/jason-wang-scientist-dedicated-to-service/

2) The submit button: academic competitions move online - Due to restrictions presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, most competitions, including the AMC and USA Biology Olympiad Exam, have moved to a completely virtual format
Link: https://www.tjtoday.org/31378/features/the-submit-button-academic-competitions-move-online/

3) Young Game Developers Association hosts first meeting
Link: https://www.tjtoday.org/31452/news/young-game-developers-association-hosts-first-meeting/

4) “Judas and the Black Messiah” (2021): A revolution, a revolutionary, and a traitor - Max Vetter reviews the critically acclaimed film about the betrayal of Fred Hampton, Illinois chairman of the Black Panther Party, by FBI informant William O'Neal in the late 1960s
Link: https://www.tjtoday.org/31350/entertainment/judas-and-the-black-messiah2021/

As always, read more at tjtoday.org

Despite being notorious for limiting opportunities, the COVID-19 pandemic has simultaneously allowed room for ideas to prosper and projects to be pursued. For Jason Wang, a Jefferson senior, this meant carrying out research in cyberbullying detection and prevention through machine learning. As a stu...

02/17/2021

TJ’s Lecture Hall Receives a New Look

Today, Feb. 16th, TJ Broadcast took a closer look at the new mural being painted to decorate the bare walls of the Jefferson lecture hall. Despite COVID-19 restrictions and differing art styles, ten student artists have managed to overcome these challenges in order to brighten up this corner of the building.

"I've really enjoyed the time spent painting with other people, and most of the other students that I am painting with I've never met before," freshman Evelyn Li said. "And they're mostly upperclassmen, so it's really nice to see and learn from their leadership."

Check out the full feature here at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTYFRPjC5jM

Despite the limitations of virtual school, ten student artists have found new means to improve the look of TJ—by outfitting the bland walls of the lecture ha...

02/13/2021

A solitary second semester

With Friday coming along again, we've included here our top article picks from the past week!

1) Va. Gov. Ralph Northam announces plan to extend school to the summer - In response to the pandemic, Northam opened talks about schooling in the summer
Link: https://www.tjtoday.org/31191/showcase/va-gov-ralph-northam-announces-plan-to-extend-school-to-the-summer/

2) A solitary second semester - tjTODAY explored what a senior's second semester now looks like online
Link: https://www.tjtoday.org/31224/showcase/a-solitary-second-semester/

3) Sysadmins begin understudy program - A closer look into the new Sysadmin understudy program, who maintain the equipment and services housed in the Computer Systems Lab, including ION
Link: https://www.tjtoday.org/31203/showcase/sysadmins-begin-understudy-program/

4) Hayley Williams blooms in “FLOWERS for VASES / descansos” - A review of the Paramore's singer's recent surprise album
Link: https://www.tjtoday.org/31248/showcase/hayley-williams-blooms-in-flowers-for-vases-descansos/

As always, read more at tjtoday.org

Twirling around the dance floor at prom, relaxing with friends at the local coffee shop after school, throwing graduation caps into the air as your high school career finally comes to an end–these are the images that come to mind when we think “second semester senior year.” But for this year.....

02/09/2021

Jeff Chefs: The Culinary Clique of TJ

Today, Feb. 9th, TJ Broadcast talked with students about Jefferson Chefs, a Facebook group whose goal is to share Jefferson students' culinary creations and which seen a huge surge in popularity since its creation. Sharing photos of their latest baked goods or full meals, students have been able to forge bonds over a hobby not often present in a STEM-focused school.

"I think cooking and science are really synonymous for me,” senior Shan Lateef said on the relationship between his passion for STEM and cooking and baking. "And at TJ, I've personally never felt like my passion for culinary arts has been overshadowed by STEM."

Check out the full feature here at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_JwfFGoRVo

Jefferson Chefs came into creation at the start of the pandemic and has grown to a following of around 1,400 members. This Facebook group allows TJ students ...

02/06/2021

Stopping the spread from home

Hey TJ! It's Friday again, so here are our top article picks from the past week.

1) Stopping the spread from home - Gretchen Buckler, an epidemiologist and Jefferson alumna, talked to tjTODAY about her work and it has been affected by the pandemic
Link: https://www.tjtoday.org/31147/showcase/stopping-the-spread-from-home/

2) Jefferson alumni at center of stock market controversy - Vladimir Tenev, CEO of RobinHood and TJ graduate, was under fire last week for preventing users from buying stock in GameStop
Link: https://www.tjtoday.org/31088/showcase/jefferson-alumni-vladmir-tenev-at-the-center-of-stock-market-controversy/

3) “Euphoria” Season 1 (2019): Intimacy and artifice in one fantastic package - With the recent release of two new episodes, Max Vetter took a closer look at the original season
Link: https://www.tjtoday.org/31153/showcase/euphoria-season-1-2019-intimacy-and-artifice-in-one-fantastic-package/

4) Not American Enough? - Staff writer Elliott Lee argues against American-produced Minari being nominated in the Foreign Language category at the Golden Globes
Link: https://www.tjtoday.org/31085/opinion/not-american-enough/

As always, read more at tjtoday.org

Note: This article is part of a series where we ask Jefferson alumni to describe a day in the life of their careers, to help Jefferson students explore and evaluate different career paths and options. Uncontrolled diseases. Endless coughing. Many more deaths. This would be the reality for millions o...

02/04/2021

Virtual Snow Days?

Yesterday, Feb. 2nd, TJTV Broadcast took a closer look at the possibility of snow days in a virtual environment - and why FCPS should consider implementing them.

"Plus, snow days can act much like 'mental-health days' - giving both teachers and students a chance to reset," junior Elaine Li said. "Taking a break can restore energy, help performance, and increase concentration of students and teachers alike."

Check out the full feature here at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qG6JwYQtUqY

Virtual learning has dramatically impacted the way school is conducted. With students and teachers spending hours in front of their screens every day, they h...

01/30/2021

Labs in limbo

Hey TJ! With the week coming to a close, here are our top article pick to keep you up to date with all things TJ.

1) Labs in limbo - How has senior research been affected by the pandemic? tjTODAY took a closer look.
https://www.tjtoday.org/30999/showcase/labs-in-limbo/

2) Psychology Society hosts first club meeting
https://www.tjtoday.org/31082/showcase/psychology-society-hosts-first-club-meeting/

3) “Be Prepared”: the Scout’s motto - Staff writer James Ye argues that Boy Scouts were wholly unprepared for this year's pandemic
https://www.tjtoday.org/31064/showcase/be-prepared-the-scouts-motto/

4) To art or not to art: Why you shouldn’t take art as an elective - Staff writer Neeharika Valanki's opinion on TJ's art electives
https://www.tjtoday.org/31057/showcase/to-art-or-not-to-art-why-you-shouldnt-take-art-as-an-elective/

5) Japanese Culture Club hosts Taiko video project - A closer look into how JCC's annual taiko performance has changed as result of the pandemic
https://www.tjtoday.org/31048/news/japanese-culture-club-hosts-taiko-video-project/

As always, read more at tjtoday.org

A nurse stands at the entrance of the school, waiting to check temperatures. Orange stickers on the ground spaced five feet apart show students where to stand. Inside the classroom, teachers sit behind panes of plexiglass. This was the reality for seniors entering the building in order to conduct in...

01/27/2021

Wrestling Against COVID

As the wrestling season begins to come to a close this year, TJ Broadcast looked into the sport and how it has been affected by the pandemic - from having limitations on practices and finnicky meet schedules to some students being unable to participate due to health restrictions.

"TJ Wrestling is really small this year - we only have 7 wrestlers in total. And we have to take a lot of precautions, but when we have the doors open, it's nicely ventilated and we'll each take a corner and really spread out," senior Brianna Ta said. "And of course, we're always wearing masks during practice."

Watch the full feature here at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCWVIGjPGNo

With winter sports resuming, students have been able to take a breath of fresh air, away from the repetitive scenery of their homes. This year, the TJ Wrestl...

01/23/2021

Jefferson welcomes new elective: African American History

Hey TJ! It's Friday again, so here's our top picks for relevant student stories from the past week.

1) A season with virtual support - A closer look into how VHSL restrictions on spectators have affected Jefferson sports seasons this year.
https://www.tjtoday.org/30968/showcase/a-season-with-virtual-support/

2) Jefferson welcomes new elective: African American History - tjTODAY took a closer look at the new year-long elective that will be offered TJ students for the 2021-22 school year
https://www.tjtoday.org/30825/showcase/jefferson-welcomes-new-elective-african-american-history/

And to cap off our year: some looks at the trends and moments that defined 2020.
3) Top 10 of 2020: Albums
https://www.tjtoday.org/30962/showcase/top-10-of-2020-albums/

4) Top 10 of 2020: Pop Singers/Groups
https://www.tjtoday.org/30892/showcase/top-10-of-2020-pop-singers-groups/

5) Top 10 of 2020: Sports moments
https://www.tjtoday.org/30908/showcase/top-10-of-2020-sports-moments/

As always, read more at tjtoday.org

In the next school year, Jefferson students will have the opportunity to enroll in a new humanities elective– African American History. Completely new to Fairfax County Public Schools, the course explores the perspective and experience of African Americans from pre-colonial Africa to modern day No...

01/21/2021

Evan Huang: Basketball Phenom

Yesterday, Jan. 19th, TJ Broadcast covered freshman Evan Huang, a newcomer to the Jefferson varsity basketball team, and how the pandemic has affected his first basketball winter season.

“Being a freshman on a varsity basketball team can be extremely scary, but I think Evan has shouldered that with a lot of confidence,” sophomore Nathan Singhvi said. "He doesn't back away from scoring; instead, he takes the shot, thinking he'll make it."

Watch the full feature here at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvjvlYkEhtM

This year’s high-school basketball season has brought many alterations to the normal season, forcing players to adapt. COVID-19 restrictions have been more d...

01/15/2021

Jefferson Swim and Dive starts season undefeated

Hey TJ! It's Friday again, so here's a look at our featured articles from the past two weeks.

1) Powering through Academic Decathlon - tjTODAY looked into the new Jefferson Academic Decathlon team and exactly what the competition consists of.
https://www.tjtoday.org/30603/showcase/powering-through-academic-decathlon/

2) Jefferson Swim and Dive starts season undefeated - TJSD has started this year's season off strong, despite limitations presented by the coronavirus pandemic
https://www.tjtoday.org/30600/showcase/jefferson-swim-and-dive-starts-season-undefeated/

3) TJ Sends Love hosts first meeting - A closer look into the new club TJ Sends Love, where students create cards for children in hospitals in a relaxing, destressing environment
https://www.tjtoday.org/30596/showcase/tj-sends-love-hosts-first-meeting/

4) On two wheels - tjTODAY looked at the creation of Jefferson cycling, an unofficial club aiming to unite the cyclists of the TJ community
https://www.tjtoday.org/30519/showcase/on-two-wheels/

As always, read more at tjtoday.org

After a narrow win of 165-150 against West Potomac High School on Jan. 8, the Jefferson Girls Swim and Dive Team also defeated John R. Lewis High School with a score of 226-57 on Jan. 9. The Boys Swim and Dive Team also had a successful first week, with a winning score of 215-100 against...

01/06/2021

“Imposters” of TJ: Combating Imposter Syndrome

Hey TJ! As we move into the new year, TJ Broadcast explored the presence of imposter syndrome (feeling like a fraud among one’s peers) within the TJ community, and how deeply it has affected TJ students.

“Think differently - reframe your mindset.” freshman Zac Baker said on combatting his own imposter syndrome. “Escape that feeling that you need to be as good as everybody else, and realize that sometimes just doing the best you can do is all that you can do.”

Watch the full feature here at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTzW1X0o6HM

Imposter syndrome is a collection of feelings of inadequacy, characterized by a lack of self-confidence, anxiety, distrust in one's own capabilities, and irr...

12/16/2020

An Uninvited Guest: Christmas with COVID

As we move into winter break, TJ Broadcast looked into how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way TJ students celebrate their holidays, with both friends and extended family distant.

“I think we’re just going to try and cook a lot, and keep ourselves as busy as possible,” junior Liam D’Souza-Bohannon said.

Watch the full feature here at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_iXDXrnCMg

Starting as early as the end of Halloween, students look forward to the Christmas season. The holiday is an integral celebration and a time for family, frien...