The Idea of Family

By Chance Silvas

Entering into a new school with no friends didn’t scare me because I always knew I would be able to make new friends. But, I never pictured the idea that I would actually build more than just new friends. I built a new family.

At the end of my freshman year, I was introduced to a Linked Learning program—the Academy of Business, which is located at Clairemont High School in San Diego, California. This is a three year project-based program that allows each student to step into the shoes of a business professional with experiences and classes that no other high school student would be able to experience.

Since the program is a three year commitment, one will build a close bond with the students that are in the same program, because they all have the same classes. The program allows networking with not only students, but teachers.

During my three years in Academy of Business, I started becoming more friendly and more of a leader that everyone looked up to. I was the face of the Academy of Business and I managed to get to know each and every person, including a lot of amazing teachers of the Academy of Business.

By my last year in the Academy of Business, I was presented with the Family Oriented Award. This award meant that I displayed an outstanding family environment to the Academy of Business. The award meant so much to me because I never imagined getting awarded for treating everyone like they treat me, like family.

If the Academy of Business never existed, I wouldn’t have built such a strong, loving and caring family during high school. Linked Learning created the idea of building a family environment during high school and extended it to ordinary life. I am happy to say that even though I am graduated now, I still keep in contact with everyone that was in the Academy.

Thank you Linked Learning for such an amazing program and experience. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.