Mario Perez Architecture Scholarship

I have always been interested in learning about the origin of things, for example when in elementary school I conducted research all about the history of chocolate purely for my amusement. It was fascinating to learn about how the beans that produced chocolate were originally used as currency by the Mayans. The beans held so much value that it was even used in ceremonial marriages by the upper class. enriching myself with learning about history opened the doors to my interest in architecture. To me, Architecture is an art that represents how society lived during different periods. It symbolizes different periods and the work of those during that time matters. Depending on where you go it will never look the same, it is what differentiates the White House from the Mayan Temples. I have first-hand experience of how architecture makes an impact on society by attending the ACE Mentor program which allowed me to connect with Architects and I was able to collaborate with other students to make mock designs of community centers and office spaces. With guidance from the Ace mentors, I was taught about urbanization and to be considerate of the people I'm designing the space for. Through the collaborative project, I got an idea of how it would feel to work as an architect at a firm and the importance of communicating with others on your team. I was also able to learn more about working in the architecture field through the Discover Architecture Externship program. I spent three days at the Gensler New York office where I was able to see how architects connect with prospective clients and how they work to create a different atmosphere. I was also able to see their work at the Jackie Robinson Museum. Through the way they had implemented ramps and digital touch prints, I could tell that the architects and interior designers spent time making sure the space was not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional for the space which was remembering the legacy of Jackie Robinson. I was inspired by the way architects were able to incorporate their career and education to create a space designated to not only Historical figures but to a piece of history.

My environment consisted of a single mother until the age of twelve when she married my dad, stepfather is not a term we ever used, he was my dad from the first moment we connected. But I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge that during the most formative years of my life, it was just me and my mom. During these years I knew there was financial restraints my mom dealt with, and I felt that I could help my mom by not asking for things that were not considered to be needs. So, I decided that if I could not ask for these things that I wanted I was going to make them. This opened a world of creativity for me that I whole heartedly believe would not have opened had I had the luxury of just asking and receiving. My first major project, at three years old, was making costumes for my stuffed animals from Snow White and Cinderella costumes of my own. My Mom was so amazed by what I had made, and that the costumes fit so well, she did not fuss over the fact that I used scissors and glue by myself without her permission. This was the first of countless design projects: doll furniture and food for my dolls were amongst my favorites. Also, the never-ending journey of collecting materials from anywhere commenced. Even outdoor walks would lend themselves for scrap collecting. This was just the beginning of my love affair for creation. Sharing with my family that I wanted to pursue a career in architecture came as no surprise. After all, my whole life I have been designing, creating, and building. My acceptance to the College of Environmental Design at UC Berkeley, as an Architecture major is a dream come true. Growing up 15 minutes away from Berkeley it has been the backdrop of my childhood; I attended sporting events, concerts on campus, toured the campus on fieldtrips so many times and I never imagined myself there. For me Cal, how we refer to it in the Bay Area, was a place for a different type of person. A perfect student with the perfect pedigree. With this said you can imagine my shock when I received the letter of acceptance, I could not believe it. I am going to Cal! My goal is to have my own architectural firm that includes real estate and interior design. I want to build homes, sell homes, and decorate them. A branch of NRH Homes will be a non-profit organization that provides financial literacy classes to youth that focuses on financial health and home ownership. I do not want to ever forget what centers me, creativity, so I plan to create children's furniture and toys that children can built themselves. I am so excited to see future Nayila achieve her dreams. This scholarship will help me do just that.