Is ‘Link’ worth the time and effort?

Most students can agree that they could have had a little more help as freshmen. So many, in fact, that they decided to do something about it and set up the “Link” program at Saratoga in 2005 to try to help underclassmen learn their way around the school and get in the flow of things faster.

How effective is the system, however, when all students are forced to go to it, rather than keeping it open for the students who are struggling?

Although the Link Crew had focused on helping freshmen get to know the school and its processes in previous years, this year the monthly freshman focuses are being used to check students’ grades.

Students have to bring in a copy of their Aeries transcript and show it to their link leaders, regardless of any embarrassment or want for privacy. Failure to do so can result in a Saturday school. This policy, however, often makes students feel uncomfortable with themselves, adding even more pressure to the average freshman’s life.

While Link leaders vary in competence, most seem to fall out of contact with their Link kids after only a few short weeks.

“Nowadays we just show them our grades and then leave,” said freshman Katrina Coglitore. “I don't talk to them much, [and] we all lost contact with them.”

Other students feel that while the content of the meetings is OK on the crew’s side, the freshmen just don’t care enough for it to make a difference.

“I think it’s a good attempt, but not enough people are excited about it, so it doesn't work that often,” said freshman Jenna Berlinberg. “I think it’s OK, but it doesn't make enough of an impact.”

An idea, even a good one, does nothing if not properly executed. The Link Crew’s potential is big, but with the way that it is currently running the program isn’t doing any good, and results in wasted time.