JULIAN BORJAN: Soaring to New Heights

Fifteen-year-old Julian Borjan once shared what he wanted to be when he grew up through illustrations of an aircraft high in the sky. As he grew older, the excitement of being a pilot faded. However, the opening of Venture Academy’s San Joaquin Career and Technical High School’s Aviation Academy provided Julian with renewed hope for the future and a channel to pursue his dream.

Julian struggled to find his niche after a family move brought him to Stockton. The teenager felt socially distant from peers, driving him to follow the wrong crowd. After a year of adjustment, the Aviation Academy has helped Julian embrace scholarly achievement.

Seeking to make changes that corresponded with his life goals, Julian welcomed the Aviation Academy’s high academic standards and strong career-focus plan by joining the first class. Bryan shared that Julian has excelled academically, preparing himself for employment in the aviation field.

“I hope to receive my aviation mechanic license as a means to my long-term goal,” commented Julian. An Aviation Academy employee who recognized his determination and strong-work ethic introduced Julian to an internship opportunity with Vintage Aircraft of Stockton, a firm which restores World War II airplanes.

Since Julian’s interests have been in physics and history, the Academy serves as a conduit for him. “The position enables Julian to gain hands-on experience in pursuit of his passions,” said Kathleen Focacci, director of Venture Academy.

Students of Venture Academy’s San Joaquin Career and Technical School’s Aviation Academy divide their academic year into four quarters. Each requires a class project which corresponds with all core subjects, including English, history, math, and science. In the third quarter, Julian and a classmate drew airplane designs to scale as a result of researching the science of flight as it existed in the 1930’s.

“I once thought being a pilot was a goal too great to reach. I was wrong.” Said Julian.