Hobbies and interests
Ice Skating
Drawing And Illustration
Piano
Hiking And Backpacking
Travel And Tourism
Charbel Gonzalez
235
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FinalistCharbel Gonzalez
235
Bold Points1x
FinalistEducation
The University of Texas at San Antonio
Master's degree programMajors:
- Architecture and Related Services, Other
The University of Texas at San Antonio
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
- Architecture and Related Services, Other
Career
Dream career field:
Architecture & Planning
Dream career goals:
Christopher T. Muschalek Memorial Scholarship
From an early age, my passion for drawing set the foundation for my future in architecture. At 7, I spent hours sketching houses, turning simple shapes into meaningful designs. Little did I know, these childhood moments would shape my academic and professional journey. My grandfather, an engineer and professor at Tec University in Mexico, played a pivotal role in inspiring this passion. Although he passed away when I was young, his love for building and creating deeply influenced me, fueling my curiosity about how structures come to life.
As I grew, my love for architecture expanded. Drawing became more than a hobby—it became a way to communicate ideas and visions. This passion led me to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture with a minor in Business Management from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), where I graduated magna cum laude in 2022. My time at UTSA opened my eyes to architecture’s broader social and cultural impacts, particularly how design can shape communities, improve quality of life, and address pressing issues like sustainability and housing affordability.
However, my journey has not been without challenges. Financial difficulties and a lack of external support made my path difficult, but my mother’s unwavering dedication helped me push forward. She has been a constant source of strength, and together we’ve navigated these obstacles. I knew I had to pursue my passion, so I took out loans and worked while studying to continue my education.
Now, as a graduate student at UTSA, I’m focusing on Architecture with an emphasis on Construction Management. Alongside my studies, I’ve gained hands-on experience interning at a construction company that specializes in the preservation of historical buildings. For the past two and a half years, this opportunity has deepened my understanding of architectural restoration, merging academic knowledge with practical insights. Working on projects that preserve cultural heritage has strengthened my appreciation for architecture’s role in both history and modern life.
Looking back, my journey is marked by persistence, passion, and a dedication to creating meaningful spaces. My undergraduate work in sustainable design and urban revitalization has laid the foundation for my future, and now, as I continue my studies, I’m eager to integrate what I’ve learned into my professional practice. I’m driven by a desire to design spaces that not only meet people’s needs but enhance their lives, particularly in addressing global challenges like affordable housing.
Ultimately, what began as childhood sketches has transformed into a clear vision for the future. I am committed to making a lasting impact in architecture, using design as a tool to solve real-world problems and create spaces that serve both people and the environment.
Christopher T. Muschalek Memorial Scholarship
At the young age of only 7, my love for drawing began to unfold. Seated at a tiny desk meant for a tiny person, I would spend hours sketching, and my young imagination started creating triangles and squares to form house figures. Little did I realize then that those moments of artistic reverie were the beginning of a lifelong passion that would shape my journey in profound ways.
Woven into the upbringing of this passion are the recollections of my grandfather, a man who loved engineering and served as a professor at Tec University in Mexico. I cherish the few memories I have of him since he passed away due to a brain tumor. After conquering it twice, the third was his last fight.
As the years unfolded, my love for architecture evolved beyond the confines of childhood sketches. The act of drawing, once a simple pastime, has now become a language through which I articulate my design visions. Graduating from UTSA in 2022 with a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and a minor in Business Management marked the end of a chapter. I now transition into the realms of higher education learning.
In the realm of academia, my ascent has not been without its challenges. Financial constraints and the absence of support have left my mother and me to overcome these obstacles to pursue my architectural aspirations. She has been my pillar of strength through these chapters, my source of inspiration. I knew I wanted to continue my passion and obtained loans to continue this journey.
Currently immersed in the Graduate program at UTSA, where I focus on Architecture with an emphasis on Construction Management, my journey has taken a multifaceted trajectory. For nearly two and a half years, I have been interning with a construction company specializing in the historical preservation of buildings. This hands-on experience has not only deepened my understanding of the architectural process but has also provided me with invaluable insight into the art of restoring and constructing architectural wonders.
Reflecting on the diverse facets of my undergraduate journey, and now in my master’s journey, I find that the support of my family, the inspiration drawn from my grandfather, and the practical experience in the field have played pivotal roles. Designing sustainable homes and contributing to urban revitalization initiatives during my undergraduate years have laid the groundwork for a promising future in architecture.
Now, as I continue my academic and professional exploration, I am eager to merge theoretical knowledge with practical wisdom. The restoration and construction of historical architectural marvels have not only furthered my skills but also infused my academic pursuits with practical insights.
My architectural narrative, an intricate interplay of childhood passion, family support, and hands-on experience, unfolds as a testament to resilience and unwavering dedication. As I continue to ascend in academia, my dreams are not just drawings on my tiny desk; they are drawings that could transform architecture and the future. Through the lens of design and innovation, I aspire to contribute meaningfully to the evolving tapestry of architecture, leaving a mark on the world of construction and design.