New shadowing system more helpful

An eighth grade student sits in a Physics AP class, completely confused at the complicated equations the teacher is writing on the board. For middle schoolers like him, shadowing a junior or senior just doesn’t make sense.

The newly reformed shadowing process, in which prospective LAHS students exclusively shadow freshmen and sophomores, is effective and sensible.

Prospective students would be much more comfortable shadowing students of the same age group whom they can interact with on the same social and intellectual level. Also, by shadowing freshmen and sophomore students, shadows have the opportunity to make some new friends.

While some prefer to select the person they are shadowing due to familial relations or connections to certain friends, prospective students should explore their opportunities from an objective perspective.

Besides, the current shadowing process makes exceptions for shadows to attend junior and senior classes when their interests match a certain course that is not offered to freshmen or sophomores.

“One [shadow] really wanted to take a look at Culinary so we arranged it,” Assistant Principal Cristy Dawson said.

Shadowing freshmen and sophomores also gives shadows a more accurate view of what they will be experiencing in high school.

“Ninth and tenth graders have more classes where we can understand what’s going on,” Egan eighth grader Jonah Kelman said.

Furthermore, juniors and seniors often do not have the seven periods that incoming freshmen will most likely have. Many juniors and seniors also leave campus to go out to lunch. As the goal of shadowing is to help prospective students learn as much as they can about life at a particular school, the upperclassmens’ lack of classtime would waste shadows’ time.

In conclusion, the new shadowing process is logical in the sense that it provides a more comfortable and purposeful experience for shadows. Not only will students receive a realistic view of their near future in high school, but they also have the opportunity to explore their interests and possibly make new acquaintances and friends.