In 2004 we had two kids, boys, 2yrs. old & a 1yr. old.
André was in his 4th year of Architecture at the
University of Waterloo, School of Architecture.
There's a Rome term during the 4th year of studying architecture.
We were barely scraping by as students, with two children, while in school but André's professors encouraged André to go to Rome. This incredible school supported us every step of the way. Professors advised André to gather money from all possible resources - savings, loans, family, etc. They encouraged us to make the sacrifices needed to go and partake of the
invaluable education that was the Rome term.
invaluable education that was the Rome term.
We begged our families to support us.
Our families helped us get to Rome.
They were hesitant, as it was a significant sacrifice on their part but they did it.
We made it to Rome because of our incredibly supportive and trusting family.
Rome changed our lives forever.
History came alive. Ruins told stories of people, their lives and their communities. Layers of life lessons, both individual and collective, gushed out through the study of architecture within the layers of new buildings growing out of the old.
Rome was a cultural feast.
We drank deeply from it's historical waters.
We played where the Romans played,
We walked where the Romans walked.
Our family changed forever in this historical playground.
Today, we reap the rewards of such a rich education and personal sacrifice. André has completed his architectural exams and as of February, has successfully passed each of the intensive exams.
We walked where the Romans walked.
Our family changed forever in this historical playground.
Today, we reap the rewards of such a rich education and personal sacrifice. André has completed his architectural exams and as of February, has successfully passed each of the intensive exams.
He has achieved his goal of becoming an architect but we know that it didn't happen without the support and sacrifice of many people along the way.
This is part of why we love community.
We know what community has done for our family
and we're determined to pay it forward.
This weekend André will be hosting another Jane's Walk in Uptown Waterloo.
This year's Jane's Walk will be dedicated to Leejay Levene, an aspiring architect, who tragically lost his life during a routine wisdom teeth extraction. Leejay was only 18 yrs. old and was on his way to the
I have no doubt that he would've been a successful student and architect.
How do I know?
You can see it in his art -
which will be on display at the Central Library Art Gallery
from May 7th to May 27th, 2015.
All proceeds from sales of Leejay's Art & $10.00 calendar will benefit the Kitchener Public Library's future "Teen Tech Livingroom" at the Central library.
How else do I know that Leejay would've been a successful architect?
Look at his incredibly supportive family & friends.
Like Rome, they continue to build on the successes & tragedies of the past.
