At Campus, Lainey Rhea has found a strong connection to the school’s business department through hands-on experience, classroom opportunities, and relationships built along the way.

Rhea said her interest in the program began with the people and possibilities she encountered early in high school.

“What initially led my interest into the business department was the amazing teachers and opportunities it holds,” Rhea said. “I have been taking business classes since my freshman year and over time have made so many friendships within those classes.”

Since then, Rhea has continued to build her experience across multiple roles within the program. She helps run the department’s 060 TikTok and Instagram account, works as an intern at Valley State Bank, and is also involved in the school coffee shop. Those opportunities, she said, have helped her develop real-world skills while still in high school.

Through her coursework and hands-on learning, Rhea has gained practical knowledge she says will benefit her beyond graduation, even though her future plans may not directly include business.

“As of right now I do not have an interest in business after high school, but it is a great backup,” Rhea said. “These business classes taught me how to handle money, create long-lasting business partnerships, and communication skills.”

For students considering joining the program, Rhea encourages starting with foundational courses that introduce core concepts and prepare students for more advanced experiences such as the coffee shop and banking internship opportunities.

“If a prospective student was interested in the business programs at Campus, I would recommend taking YEK, Be Your Own Boss, and Life On Your Own,” Rhea said. “Those classes would be their foundation classes to eventually get them into Coffee Shop and Bank.”