Makerspaces
SERIES PART 3: A CASE STUDY By Pierre Theriot, Jr., AIA, A4LE
THE BIG QUESTION
As parents, we strive to provide the best for our children. We do our very best to steer and encourage them to find their passion and be successful. But in the end, it’s up to them to decide what they want to do with their lives. As demonstrated in our previous articles, the fundamental goal of the makerspace movement is to provide opportunities for students to explore subjects that interest them with the hope that it will guide them to discover their own passion and eventual success. In many cases, passion is found outside the classroom. The challenge for parents is to recognize it and support it!
The question is, will you be ready? • Will you give them the tools and resources to develop and succeed? • Are you able to assess the value of their passion and see the potential? • Will you let them make their own Makerspace?
These are questions that I personally had to address. My son, now 16 years old, who discovered his passion in three short years, has developed his interest in functional art into a legitimate, profitable business, and he just can’t get enough. He is a bladesmith! He makes knives of all shapes and sizes.