Congratulations to Paloma Parades, 2022 recipient of the John Ellis Architectural Scholarship, with matching grant funds from National AIA.
Paloma is a soon-to-be California State University, Sacramento graduate and will be applying for graduate programs.
When asked why she wants to become an architect, she replied:
“Being a first-generation college student, I have grown to realize how fortunate I am to be able to study in large sustainable buildings as well as live in a comfortable suburban home. I am the youngest of five children with parents who worked their way to obtain their US citizenship. As I grew older, my parents would tell me stories of their lifestyle back in Mexico and constantly remind me of how lucky I am to have a roof over my head and a clean floor beneath my feet. These moments are what helped me realize that buildings are a part of everyday life for humans. I soon learned that I aspired to take charge and provide for those who do not have access to properly constructed buildings, such as my parents.
Over the years, I have had the privilege to talk with my parents about their hometown in Mexico. After just a few hours of talking and seeing photos of their hometowns, city life, and rural areas, I soon gained realization that this way of living was nowhere near my comfortable California lifestyle. The houses had no floors, the roofs were hardly protective, and doors were not to be seen anywhere. Many businesses were hardly standing and there was definitely no source of protection from the heat. Although I felt sympathetic towards my family and any other people who resided there, I still felt this urge that someday I would be able to do something about it. I felt it was my responsibility to someday give my parents the home that they had always dreamed of. This is when I was truly inspired to study architecture, for I knew that someday I would be able to make a change.
As I have become more and more inclined to learn more about the history of architecture, I become more aware of how significant of a role architecture plays in our lives. Not only do we rely on walls and a roof to live in, but we also rely on it to work, attend school, shelter, and many more. It is important that the people who are in charge of these buildings are aware of its significance in our lives. I find it crucial that all people around the world should have access to buildings that could provide many uses for humans. In other words buildings are important to everyday life, meaning we could not live without them. Especially after seeing how my own family was living and the types of buildings they were surrounded by, I knew that there needed to be change. By studying architecture, I will learn how to create proactively while simultaneously designing spaces that could make a change. I strive to create equal opportunities for people all around the world. I am fortunate enough to have access to HVAC systems and electricity, but that cannot be said the same for several places.“
Thank you to all of our donors who made this scholarship possible! To view a full list of the donors, visit: https://aiacv.org/john-ellis-architectural-scholarship/
If you’d like to make a contribution to the scholarship so we may continue to provide more in the future, please donate at https://ssl.charityweb.net/sacregcf/
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The AIA Central Valley/John Ellis Architectural Scholarship was established in 2018 by the American Institute of Architects, Central Valley Chapter, in recognition of Mr. Ellis’s significant service to the profession of architecture, through his support and involvement with the Chapter and as a professor of architecture at Cosumnes River College spanning 34 years. This scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to students pursuing a major in architecture. Matching funds have been provided by AIA National.