Student Leaders Unite for Breaking Down the Walls Event

On August 29, 2023, students from the Silicon Valley Career Technical Education (SVCTE) center participated in the Breaking Down the Walls (BDTW) event, guided by a group of 25 student leaders, including Kaylee Garcia from Westmont High School. This initiative aimed to foster meaningful connections among students through a series of interactive activities.

The event attracted over 100 students, who engaged in a full day of activities designed to promote collaboration and understanding. The program was organized by ignite2unite, an organization committed to enhancing interpersonal relationships among youth. Prior to the event, student leaders underwent a three-hour training session to prepare them for their roles in facilitating discussions and activities.

In a statement, Garcia shared her motivation for taking on a leadership role: “What inspired me to step into this student leadership position was I felt it was a really great opportunity to put myself out there in a way that I wasn’t really familiar with, and I just felt like it was a really great chance to get to know my peers and people that I maybe kind of recognized but never got a chance to talk to otherwise.” Her enthusiasm reflects the broader goal of the event, which aimed to break down social barriers among students.

Building Connections Through Leadership

The BDTW event was co-led by Jesus Correa, a mobile apps and web development teacher at SVCTE. He emphasized the importance of creating an inclusive environment where students from various courses and over 45 schools could come together. “The goal in bringing in BDTW was to create an opportunity for students to come together in a meaningful way,” Correa said.

Student leaders were nominated by teachers and staff based on their leadership potential, positive attitude, and commitment to supporting their peers. Correa highlighted their crucial role in setting the tone for the day’s events. “They encouraged participation and helped create a safe environment for honest conversations,” he noted.

The SVCTE, operated under the Metropolitan Education District, provides career technical education for high school students in Santa Clara County. This educational framework fosters skill development and prepares students for future careers, further enhancing the significance of events like BDTW.

As the day unfolded, students engaged in various activities designed to promote teamwork and understanding. The feedback from participants indicated that the event successfully achieved its goals of fostering connections and encouraging open dialogue among students from diverse backgrounds.

Through initiatives like Breaking Down the Walls, educational institutions continue to play a vital role in nurturing inclusive communities, equipping students with the skills and confidence to forge lasting relationships.