What LINK Is
The Leading Internships for New Knowledge (LINK) program is an integral piece of the Animas High School curriculum in Durango, Colorado, as it exemplifies our belief in the value of student-centered, personalized instruction that connects learning to the adult world. LINK takes students beyond the classroom walls in order to clarify personal, college and career goals while teaching invaluable professional skills and life lessons.
With support from the LINK Internship Coordinator, students find internships either locally or further afield that allow them to dive deeply into their individual passions, interests and potential career paths. They are paired with LINK Mentors who generously share their time, energy and expertise. While on their internships, AHS juniors make meaningful contributions to their host businesses and organizations while also completing individual LINK Projects.
With support from the LINK Internship Coordinator, students find internships either locally or further afield that allow them to dive deeply into their individual passions, interests and potential career paths. They are paired with LINK Mentors who generously share their time, energy and expertise. While on their internships, AHS juniors make meaningful contributions to their host businesses and organizations while also completing individual LINK Projects.
Illuminarts
Illuminarts is a local photography, video, and design firm. They have worked for national and global companies including PBS, CNN, FOX, HBO, Disney, and ESPN. illuminarts.us/
Anticipation 3/8/19
I'm starting to get really excited about my internship and want to start it a month ago. I'm going to reach out to my mentor and see if I can start mine earlier. I'm hoping that I will be a valuable asset to the team and hopefully be able to get a job working with my mentor this summer. I'm also hoping that I hope that I can help bring new knowledge and talent to help make the team even better.
Anticipation 1/11/19
My initial potential mentor was not able to find me a spot with anybody else because they have all already taken on mentees. I however have decided to do photography instead and am using my time today to get in touch with illuminarts a local photography, video, and design business. I am still really excited about my internship and getting to learn more about one of my passions from a professional.
Anticipation 11/6/18
My initial potential mentor got back to me yesterday and informed me that she is unavailable, however has spoken to colleagues to see if they are interested. I need to get back with her and answer a few questions that she had, but I am waiting for answers from my parents. I am excited about my internship and that I could do it with leading people in the field I want to go into.
LINK Reflection
On my link I was a huge part of several projects. I am currently still finishing my main LINK project where I went and filmed interviews about what LINK is in an effort to make a promotional video that the LINK Coordinator can send out to prospective mentors so that can quickly see what LINK is. Once this project is finished I will post it on here. However, I worked on another big project filming a band for a local radio station. For that project I was part of the film team and did half of the post production work. That project can be viewed below.
Ranky Tanky v.1 from IlluminArts Film on Vimeo.
Before LINK I was very knowledgeable about cameras and all the settings and being able to set all the settings needed for a desired visual result. Photography wise I have a pretty good eye and know a lot of concepts that are incorporated in good photos. Such as leading lines, filling the frame, and rule of thirds. At LINK I learned how to edit video on Final Cut Pro, I learned about high dynamic range and how it can completely change the feel of an image. My mentor was busy with several personal things while I was there which occasionally made it difficult to get feedback on the things I was working on as well as knowing what to do after I finished a project. The first week this was really difficult because my mentor was sick the first day through some communication I was able to get into the studio and work on a project for him so that my day wasn't waisted. A huge part of my internship was taking charge and just working on projects that I knew we needed to finish. One of my mentors employees recently left and decided to go travel the world so my mentor was behind on a couple projects as well as serving on a board for a local organization that had the executive director walk out three days before I started my internship. He really needed somebody that could just go in and do a lot of the initial post production work for projects so that they were ready for clients on time, because I was there I was able to do this for him and because of this was offered a job working with him this summer. As a result of my internship I rediscovered my love for photography and videography. I still want to go to school for Biomedical Engineering, but now know that I am capable of working professionally in the film and photo industry and I am excited to continue working in this field throughout my college career to pay for my expenses. I think I will always continue to work in this field on top of biomedical engineering and who knows maybe incorporate the two together. This experience has solidified that I am prepared and have at least a good foundation on the soft skills required to be successful in the professional world.
Link 2.0
LINK 2.0
Who? Seniors from AHS paired with local mentors
What? Participation in the professional world throughout the year, at least 4 hours a week or 60 hours a semester
Where? Businesses and organizations in the Durango area
When? Throughout the year: weekends, after school, summer
Why? Allows seniors to deepen their professional experience
Who? Seniors from AHS paired with local mentors
What? Participation in the professional world throughout the year, at least 4 hours a week or 60 hours a semester
Where? Businesses and organizations in the Durango area
When? Throughout the year: weekends, after school, summer
Why? Allows seniors to deepen their professional experience
LINK 2.0 ProjectI had dozens of projects throughout my LINK 2.0, but the most impactful was providing free cap and gow shoots to seniors in the four corners area because of Covid 19 Restrictions. For this project I had to communicate with San Juan Basin Public Health, Durango and Silverton Railroad, Jackson and Jackson, Allen Theatres, Durango Police Department, The Palace, The Popcorn Depot, Albrechta & Albrechta, Durango City Planner, Downtown Durango, and local schools to make sure that we wouldn't be in violation of any of the current social restrictions.
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Reflection
Through my internship I realised that I enjoy speaking to and collaborating with others. In the past I have suffered from social anxiety and struggled directing people on shoots. Through my internship I have expanded my comfort zone and now enjoy directing both photo and video shoots. It allows me to connect with others and network. I have also greatly grown my video skills. I actually was just hired by a church to film and edit their sermons weekly through the pandemic. I am extremely proud of both of my new strengths because going into my internship both of those were my biggest weakness. The largest challenge I faced was learning to work around the Covid 19 pandemic. This stopped the studio in its tracks just as we were beginning our busy season. However taking this forced break made me realise how much I loved the work I was doing and I am now pursuing my own business licence and investing in better personal gear to start my own business that will work in conjunction with Illuminarts while also allowing me to grow and build up my own name in the industry. My biggest area for growth going into this new venture is learning the business side of going into the industry and how to run a successful and legal business.
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