One Possible Path

Ben | future architect

In today's time, there is a lot of pressure on youth to decide on a career at a very young age. At my age, I want to get a feel for many different areas of study and not be destined to only one career field. My talents might steer me towards marketing, accounting, engineering, design, cinema, software design or a host of other options. Unless I am exposed to a variety of classes and learning experiences, I might not develop into my full potential. I really have no idea what career I would like to have as an adult. However, if asked to discuss one at this point in my life, I would choose architecture.

As a young child, my favorite toys were Legos. I to castles. I would initially follow the instruction booklet, but would then tear them apart and create structures of my own. And before my Lego years, I loved Lincoln Logs and basic building blocks. I would combine the toys to create whole villages. I have always been drawn towards toys that involve creating and imagination. These kinds of toys were my first exposure to the world of architecture.

I live in one of the oldest cities in Texas. My city has a strong history of remarkable architecture. Because of the unique characteristics of living in a city with such a long history, I have developed an appreciation and interest in design and architecture.

Another reason I feel connected to architecture is that my father is a homebuilder. I have lived with him my whole life and have been on the worksite of so many of his homes. Because of this exposure, I feel more educated in this area than a typical kid my age.

My middle school has a STEM program. While taking Project Lead the Way, I used Inventor Fusion, an architectural program, to recreate everyday objects. Another computer program that I am experienced with is Floorplanner.com. I recently used this program to create a home floor plan for an English project.

I am very connected to the field of architecture through my childhood play, my rich architectural surroundings, and my father's career as a builder. All that being said, I could easily have written this essay about a variety of other careers. It is my hope that as I progress in my education, one field will emerge as my passion.