What is the most valuable lesson you've learned in high school and why? by Raymond

What is the most valuable lesson you've learned in high school and why? by Raymond - November 2013 Scholarship Essay

I was exposed to Architectural drafting as early as the seventh grade through projects that focused on exploring future careers. My entire class was given measurements for a plot of land. We were then instructed to design a structure that would fill the land and be functional and astatically pleasing. After designing our structures we used a program called 30 walk through to view the designs in a real life perspective. The teacher revealed that this project was used to demonstrate how architects design and make efficient use of space in the real world.

This one event shaped the way that I looked at architecture, and more importantly, left me with a desire to know more about how architecture affects the world around us. As I continued my studies, I enrolled in an honors drafting program at King College Prep High School, where I was able to participate and complete in the new house drafting competition for several years. My interest in architecture increased throughout my high school career, influencing my choice to pursue a degree in architectural engineering at the collegiate level.

I wasn't always sure that I wanted to pursue a career in architectural design, but I knew that I loved creating new things. I am amazed at how so many different factors can influence the architecture of a building including time period, climate and socioeconomics. Because of my narrow – minded perception of what I can do with an architect degree, I declared that my major would be architectural engineer upon admittance to a four year university. One of the biggest lessons that I learned while attending high school is the diversity of careers that people with an engineering degree can pursue.

While in high school I participated in a three day construction project with the Turner Construction Company. This project was a job shadowing opportunity that afforded me the opportunity to get a behind the scenes look at how a structure actually comes to fruition. The structure being designed was a pavilion that included three full length theaters, a gallery, 12 classrooms, a cafeteria and two multipurpose rooms. My classmates and I were given a tour of the building where an architect explained materials that are used for different parts of the building as well as ins and outs of creating secure structure and how to utilize space efficiently.

During my tour I realized that this was my first time seeing an architect that looked like me: young, African American male. This excited me and made me realize that no barriers can stop me from achieving my goals. This ultimately defined my goals for the future and spurred me to become more active at the school and within the community. At this point I decided it was necessary to become a mentor to others and encourage them to pursue all career opportunities.

I became involved in the Project Ready program at the Chicago Urban League, which allowed me to gain critical teaching experience as a tutor and act as a peer mentor for students enrolled in architectural design classes at their respective schools. I took this role very serious because I wanted to show students that architecture was not “too hard.” I showed my peers that it was possible to complete different designs and structures, and I believe the experience has helped me to better prepare myself for college. In keeping with my promise to be actively involved around my community and school I joined various organizations such as, Cabrini Green Tutoring, Urban Scholars, I.C.E. (I Choose Empowerment). Chicago Care Service learning which promoted service around the school and community.