Opportunities are always there. You just have to be open to them. That’s Alejandro’s mindset. He’s a guitarist, soccer player, runner, and self-taught barber. And now he’s pursuing his lifelong passion for creative expression by studying architecture at Penn College. If all goes well (and we’re sure it will), he’ll become an architect just like his father.
My childhood was filled with ways to be creative and express my creativity, from Legos to origami and constructing objects out of wood and drawing on paper. Whether the creativity was physical or a 2D image on a piece of paper, the influence was always there.
My father studied architecture in Lima, Peru, along with so many more majors including computer science and dental hygiene. Going to Lima to visit family and having him show me his old working drawings for buildings interested me so much. From then my love for architecture just grew and it came almost naturally because of all the creative experiences I had in the past.
An interesting skill I learned is playing the guitar. I have been playing for more than seven years. I have collaborated with other guitarists. It definitely opened up a bunch of new interactions with people. Music really is a way to relax the mind and just allow it to flow and really feel the music.
Another fascinating skill about myself is that I am considered a barber in some terms. I have cut my own hair since I was seven years old. When I moved to college, others saw I cut my hair and asked if I could cut their hair, so I said, "Why not?" Cutting hair is something I enjoy doing and is now my hobby.
My brother Renzo went to Penn College. Plus, I was familiar with the area because my high school soccer team played Williamsport in the district finals.
I originally thought I wanted to study CAD design, but I arrived late to an Open House and had a one-on-one tour with the former Dean of Construction. She showed me the architecture major because I mentioned my father studied architecture in Peru. The architecture studios amazed me. At first, I was expecting to have to draft everything like the old days. She had one of the seniors show me their final project and I was blown away. I was astonished to see everything on the computer and was completely convinced.
Whether you are going to begin here or transfer here from another college, it is definitely worth it. Not only is it hands-on, but it is also connected. In each major, you will find your group of people. In architecture, we consider everyone family because we are so close to one another. So don’t think twice about it and be a part of Penn College.
What I love about the college is that we learn from the unique viewpoints and experiences of each of our professors. Also, outside of class, during our time in the studio, we make connections with other classmates by helping one another.
You have to find a college that challenges you and inspires you to grow because, if you go to a college where everyone does not really have an interest in what they are doing, you won’t feel as motivated because others won’t do as good of work as you and you would just settle. Instead, going to a college like Penn College, where in mostly every major, everyone gives it their everything to produce the best work so as not to fall behind, you also give it your everything to be one of the best.
When you get involved and embrace every opportunity to learn and grow, it's easy to call Penn College home. Alejandro is a member of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) and the Architecture Club. He also enjoys playing soccer and music with friends.
Finding a college where you can learn and grow is essential. You want to thrive on and off campus. One of Alejandro's favorite spots is the Susquehanna River Walk, located less than a mile from campus. "The beautiful sunsets you can see on the walk are amazing. I constantly go for runs whenever I get a chance," he said.
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