Opened Eyes for Future

By Chance Silvas

Before I joined Linked Learning, I was just another freshman in high school that had no idea how important it was to think and plan for your future. The only thing I was thinking about was hanging out with my friends and having fun. That all changed, for the better, when I joined a Linked Learning pathway.

At the end of my freshman year in high school, I was given a presentation regarding the Academy of Business, a Linked Learning pathway at my school. The staff and students of the pathway explained the program that lasts three years and is meant to help students think and plan for a successful future after high school. They also explained that this program allows students to take field trips during school, where they would get to miss class. Of course, that’s what caught my attention.

At the beginning of my sophomore year, I was officially a Linked Learning student and, to my surprise, actually enjoying it. But, I still wasn’t thinking of the future. That changed after a field trip.

Our field trip was to California State University, San Marcos, where we’d tour the campus and visit some college classes. I instantly fell in love with the campus and it was at that exact moment when I was actually thinking about my future. I saw myself at this campus, taking classes, joining sports, joining clubs, and even meeting new friends. I knew this campus was where I belonged for college.

After the field trip, on our way back to high school, my business teacher asked what I thought about the field trip. I looked him straight in the eye and said, “That is where I am going to college and I am going to do whatever it takes to get there.” He was surprised and then smiled at me, because he knew I was serious and he believed in me.

I thank Linked Learning for creating high school programs, like the Academy of Business, because if it wasn’t for this program, I wouldn’t have continued on to college after high school. Thank you Linked Learning.