The stem degree that I have chosen is architecture. My interest in architecture started at a young age when my grandparents would often take me to Charlotte, N.C. so that I could see the tall buildings. Over time, I have become more interested in the designs of buildings and how they are constructed. Whenever I visit a city, I always take pictures of buildings that have unique architectural designs, and I often research those buildings to learn more about them. My interest in architecture has resulted in my building with Lego. At home, I have created a Lego city that includes authentic skyscrapers. The skyscrapers have several different rooms with little details inside. Ideas for many of my skyscrapers were inspired by skyscrapers I have seen before. Working with legos gave me a passion to create my own YouTube channel which now has over 5,000 subscribers with whom I share my creations. My channel features city updates, tutorials, live chats, and my own creations. When I design a new model, I go to a website, digitally design it, and then order the pieces to build it in real life. This is a lot like what real architects do when coming up with a new building. They will digitally design the structure, blueprints, etc, which could potentially become a real life model. After I graduate college, I will open my own architecture firm where I can create my own blueprints and watch others build my creations. I hope to have an impact in the STEM field as a person of color by hiring mostly African American architects to work in my firm. I will make sure that my firm has a good reputation and is well trusted by the community. I will also be using my firm to help my community in several ways. We will find cities that have run-down buildings and empty areas. I want to create designs for buildings that could improve the look the city, while also benefiting the community at the same time. I could also create designs for a community centers and affordable housing. I would also like to go to other communities and make an impact there if needed. I want to also make a name for myself just like a famous African American, Philip Freelon who I researched earlier this year. He was the lead architect for the National Museum of African American History and Culture and other well known buildings. This building is unique and is an important structure. I want to build structures to have a similar impact and so that other African American young men can look at my work and say they want to become an architect as well.

My name is Tayshon Harris, and I am attending NC State University in the fall. I will major in design studies with plans to transfer to architecture. My interest in architecture started at a young age when my grandparents would often take me to Charlotte, N.C. so that I could see the tall buildings. Over time, I have become more interested in the designs of buildings and how they are constructed. Whenever I visit a city, I always take pictures of buildings that have unique architectural designs, and I often research those buildings to learn more about them. My greatest strength is my creativity. I’ve created many realistic drawings and paintings and I often make different creations with Lego. At home, I have created a Lego city that includes authentic skyscrapers. The skyscrapers have several different rooms with little details inside. Ideas for many of my skyscrapers were inspired by skyscrapers I have seen before. Working with legos gave me a passion to create my own YouTube channel which now has over 5,000 subscribers with whom I share my creations. My channel features city updates, tutorials, live chats, and my own creations. When I design a new model, I go to a website, digitally design it, and then order the pieces to build it in real life. This is a lot like what real architects do when coming up with a new building. They will digitally design the structure, blueprints, etc, which could potentially become a real life model. My biggest weakness is that I am overly critical of myself. Whenever I do certain things, whether it’s a creation, or another task, I always try to make them perfect, and often get upset when I mess up. For example, during football season, I would get mad when I messed up on a play, and wouldn’t let it go. I would eventually continue thinking about my mistakes during future plays, which would mess me up even more. I had to learn that getting upset and trying to be perfect all the time won’t change anything and will only make things worse. My future goals are to graduate with a masters in architecture from NC State University. After graduation I will open my own architecture firm where I can create my own blueprints and watch others build my creations. I plan to use my major to help my community in several ways. In my home town there run-down buildings and empty areas. I want to create designs for buildings that could improve the look the town, while also benefiting the community at the same time. I could also create designs for a community center, or affordable housing. This scholarship would be beneficial to me because I would be able to use it to help pay for college. In order to become an architect I will need my masters which requires me to be in school for 5 years and would make tuition my more expensive. My dad passed away suddenly earlier in this year, which has been it hard on my family, not just emotionally, but financially as well. Because it’s just my mom working now, more of the money she earns will be going toward essential living expenses, which leaves less money to pay for college. I have received some college help but it is not enough to cover all expenses. I want to make sure that my mom does not have to struggle or even get another job just so I can go to college. This scholarship could help me be one step closer to reaching my goals.