Linked Learning Increases Students’ Competence

By Hien Mai

At Kearny High School, where I am a senior, we are divided into four small schools that specialize in different career paths. I chose to enter the School of Digital Media and Design (DMD) because I was interested in computers and graphic design. Over the years, I have come to realize that I not only chose an interest, but a career pathway.

At Kearny, I have developed and strengthened my skills in Adobe Flash, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, iMovie, Final Cut Pro, and the list goes on. At first, I wondered what purpose mastering these applications would serve me. However, opportunities to utilize my skills arose everywhere. I have used my digital media skills to create logos, design t-shirts, and write magazine articles, as well as many other things for organizations in my community. These experiences allowed me to apply my knowledge to real life situations, rather than being confined to a classroom.

This year, I applied for an internship at Video Gear, a local professional video equipment sales and rental company. There was only one position, but I knew there would be a lot of applications. I submitted my resume, went in for an interview, and they chose to hire me out of 30 other well-qualified applicants.

When I came in for my first day of work, I was told that I had gotten the job because of the digital media skills that I had learned from high school. I was essentially the perfect fit, coming from a strong digital media and design background, and with a lot of client service experience. DMD had set me up on a track where I learned to master various digital media skills that enabled me to acquire a paid internship. At this rate, I am ready to pursue a major like film or graphic design in college. I feel that DMD has truly supported me through the career pathway that I chose in 9th grade, and I feel that it has greatly benefited me.