Mike Wazocha Memorial Scholarship

I’ve always looked up to my older brother, especially when he went into trade school. I visited him while he was there and saw how well everyone got along, so I wanted to learn how to do what they went to school for. That’s when I realized what I wanted to work in construction, but I had no clue where I wanted to go. At first I was thinking about electro mechanical, but didn’t understand anything. Then I looked at the other trades the school provided. Carpentry came up, and a lot of carpentry is geometry, which I’m amazing at. Geometry came really easily to me, almost as if it was just like a game and I needed to get past this to move on. So if geometry is easy for me why would carpentry be difficult? The carpentry program gets filled up really quick and has a list of people waiting to get in. So when I found out I was accepted into the carpentry program, I wanted to make sure I was able to afford to go to college to learn this incredible skill. Also tradespeople are needed a lot in this day and age, so if I can go to school to acquire this skill that is very much needed; then I should have no problem getting a job right out of college. I don’t want to be living out of my parents house the rest of my life, so the faster I can start getting my life together and plan for my future the better.

As I approach my high school graduation, reflecting on my journey through Chicago Builds has solidified my passion for pursuing a career in construction. Growing up in Chicago, I've been surrounded by a dynamic blend of old and new architecture, each building telling a story of its own. This urban landscape sparked my curiosity about how structures come to life, and joining Chicago Builds provided the perfect platform to explore this interest. Chicago Builds is a citywide initiative designed to prepare high school students for careers in the construction industry. The program offers hands-on training in various trades, including carpentry, electrical work, HVAC systems, and welding, coupled with essential safety and technical education. This comprehensive approach ensures that students graduate with a well-rounded understanding of the construction field, ready to enter the workforce or pursue further education. My decision to pursue a career in construction was influenced by several factors, but the most significant was the hands-on experience I gained through Chicago Builds. This program allowed me to immerse myself in the construction world, providing practical knowledge and skills that transcended the traditional classroom setting. I vividly remember the first time I operated a power drill, the sense of empowerment and accomplishment that came with it. Each project, whether framing a wall or installing electrical systems, was a stepping stone that reinforced my commitment to this field. Additionally, my mentors at Chicago Builds played a crucial role in my career choice. Their dedication and passion for construction were contagious. They shared their wealth of knowledge, from reading blueprints to understanding building codes, and their stories of career progression and challenges were both inspiring and educational. Their support and encouragement gave me the confidence to envision myself in this industry, knowing I had a strong foundation to build upon. The diversity of opportunities in construction also appealed to me. Whether it's working on residential projects, commercial buildings, or infrastructure, the possibilities are vast. I am particularly interested in sustainable construction practices, as I believe in the importance of creating environmentally friendly and energy-efficient structures. The idea of contributing to a greener future through innovative construction methods excites me, and I am eager to be part of this evolving field. In conclusion, my choice to pursue a career in construction stems from a combination of hands-on experience, community impact, mentorship, and the vast opportunities within the industry. Chicago Builds has not only equipped me with the necessary skills but also ignited a passion that I am eager to follow. I look forward to continuing my education and eventually contributing to the ever-evolving skyline of Chicago, knowing that every project I undertake will be a testament to the lessons and experiences that shaped my path.

My family had always been full of hard workers, laborers the type of people we call America's backbone, I grew up working since I was 13 my brother, father, uncle and grandfather used to do all types of labor, steelwork, carpentry, masonry, plumbing, construction and even electrical work. Naturally, I grew up learning these things as well but I quickly realized, I liked construction, My father worked for a construction company and I thought it was the coolest thing in the world. Even when I was young I loved building blocks and legos, The whole concept of building something from start to finish impressed me but it was the tight-knit work crews that drew me in more because it was always an environment I enjoyed being around, These guys worked but they had fun they were like brothers, It was crazy to me that people could have fun doing such hard work, which got me to doing research where I stumbled upon construction management, the idea you get to do construction work but be on the other end of it setting it up was something I knew I wanted to do instantly, I now find my self at Wentworth Institute of Technology the best construction management school in the state of Massachusetts pursuing a career in the field, I hope to make a change in the industry and make a name for me and my family for generations to come. Thank you for the opportunity to apply. Best, Lucas Sein

For as long as I can remember I’ve always known what I wanted to do with my life. Construction management has always been a passion of mine, general contractors in particular have interested me for some time. When I ask myself what motivated me to want to become a general contractor, the answer is always the same: Fulfilling my childhood dreams and devoting my time towards something that would positively benefit my life is the best life choice I can make. Growing up in Orlando, Florida greatly influenced my passion for construction. As a child, I would always see houses, highways, bridges, etc being built which sparked my interest even more to want to pursue this career path in my life. Property brothers also greatly influenced my life. Why? Seeing how two brothers devote all of their time and energy to helping couples find their dream homes has always interested me. Throughout my Freshman and Sophomore years, I participated in sports in and out of school but soon realized that sports were not what was best for me. There is something much bigger that is awaiting me. As the end of Sophomore year was approaching I started researching construction class and began building things around the house for me or my family. I found joy in building/making things. Every week I would give myself another task to complete. These were simple tasks, but I learned so much while doing these simple tasks. I would watch TV shows and listen to construction stories told by my uncles. They encouraged me to go out for my dreams and not to miss the opportunity they once did. I’m forever grateful for these stories and tasks because every experience that I have gone through has developed the passion and skills that I am going to need to pursue my dream of becoming a general contractor. In conclusion, I believe that construction management is the only career path that could give me the satisfaction that I need. I am very eager and excited about taking up this major in college. I possess the skills, motivation, determination, and ambition needed to successfully succeed in this field.