THE REAL SOCIAL NETWORK: HUMAN CONNECTION

"You know everyone, Quade," stated Olympian and head coach of the new San Diego Professional Volleyball Federation team San Diego Mojo. It's a phrase I hear with consistent frequency. Although I do not often talk about my experiences, I have been blessed with the opportunity to meet leaders in science, history, academics, entertainment, arts, literature and sport. 

Initially these connections began when I won the first national Who Was? History Bee in 2020. Naturally curious, I was accepted as an International Reporter for Scholastic Kids Press. There I was supported by SKP editor *Suzanne McCabe, under the umbrella of the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books. This is where my mind map expands significantly. After three years, 34 print stories were published with my bi-line most of which also had a video story, the most in the programs history. I was able to choose my own stories, and selected topics and people I was passionate and curious about.  I learned so much from these people and stories and remain in contact with many of them, cultivating a meaningful connection and relationship. 

When many of my peers struggled with the pandemic, (and have tuned to gaming and social media,) I followed my passion for learning with honest curiosity. Now at an age where I have access to networking sites like Linkedin, I am beginning to realize the power of these human connections. It's not about likes, comments or followers. It's the REAL Social Network filled with actual relationships that is still working to create amazing opportunities. 

The people highlighted in this map are talented, kind, hard-working, determined, innovative, and often selfless. They are masters of their industry. Many are linked by one-degree to some of the most powerful network personalities in the world.  

The 2nd degree connections that provide the most international reach are in politics (service) and media (exploration) :

Mother Theresa, Humanitarian (deceased)

Jimmy Carter, 39th U.S. President

George H. W. Bush, 41st U.S. President (deceased)

Bill Clinton, 42nd President

Barack Obama, 44th U.S. President

Donald Trump, 45th U.S. President

Dr. Jill Biden,  First Lady of the U.S. from 2021- Present, Second Lady of the U.S. from 2009–2017

Pete Wilson, Former US Senator (CA 1983-1991), Governor (CA 1991-1999)

Oprah Winfrey, Media Mogul

Steven Spielberg, most commercially successful American director in history

Robert Iger, American Media Business Executive, CEO Disney 

Presidential 3rd degree connections:

Ronald Reagan, 40th U.S. President (deceased)

George W. Bush, 42nd President

Joe Biden, 46th U.S. President

Click below to see how the myth shaped my identity.

*Note: Editor McCabe reviewed this page and made a punctuation reminder. I think its really amazing that I can still email her and get kind support.