The Journey Beyond High School
Chandler during her Stantec internship.
This article follows Nine Years in the Making as the second part of a three-part series on the ACE Mentorship Program.
After completing their time with the ACE Mentor Program, Chandler Householder and her mentor, Carter Moore, maintained a strong and impactful relationship. Their connection extended beyond high school, fostering Chandler’s growth and success through various stages of her academic and professional journey. This article delves into their experiences and the significant influence of their mentor-mentee relationship on Chandler’s development, highlighting the support, guidance, and opportunities that arose from their continued connection.
Staying Connected through McKinney ISD’s Independent Study and Mentorship Program
Even after completing the ACE Mentor Program, Chandler and Carter continued to stay in touch. Chandler’s participation in McKinney ISD’s Independent Study and Mentorship (ISM) Program during her senior year of high school played a crucial role in maintaining their connection. During this program, students are encouraged to explore their field of choice and find a professional in that field to serve as their mentor during the spring semester of senior year. This program allowed Chandler to further explore her interests in architecture and construction while receiving continued mentorship from Carter, even helping her complete a mixed-use development design project that she presented as her capstone project. Reflecting on this period, Chandler shared, “We stayed in touch even after ACE was over in high school through the ISM program. I was actually in New York City two weekends ago with all of my friends from that ISM class and we were chatting about those experiences, and I realized I’m the only one who still talks to my ISM mentor. ACE and then the ISM Program was such a great foundation for continuing the mentorship.”
Support through Letters of Recommendation
Carter’s support extended beyond mentorship; he played a vital role in Chandler’s pursuit of higher education and scholarships. Carter wrote numerous letters of recommendation for Chandler, which significantly bolstered her applications. Chandler recalled, “I was always bothering y’all for recommendation letters…I realized if you have a connection that will sort of attest to your abilities…you can get pretty far.” This support proved invaluable, as Chandler secured multiple scholarships, easing her financial burden during college.
Chandler’s Time at the University of Texas and Internship Experiences
Chandler’s journey continued at the University of Texas, where she pursued architecture. Her involvement with the ACE Mentor Program and the connections she made through it played a significant role in her academic success and professional opportunities. Chandler emphasized, “The ACE program itself…gave me a leg up in so many ways.” One notable opportunity was her summer internship at the Stantec office in Austin. Chandler attributed this achievement to her ACE connections, stating, “I absolutely believe that because one of my references worked at Stantec that I knew through ACE…helped me get the job as an intern at just a sophomore level in college”.
Chandler Becomes a Mentor in the ACE Mentor Program of Austin
Inspired by her positive experiences, Chandler decided to give back by becoming a mentor in the ACE Mentor Program of Austin while still a college student. While college students are able to be mentors in ACE, it’s not a very common occurrence due to timing, location, and availability. But Chandler felt a deep connection to the program and wanted to provide the same support and guidance she had received. Chandler explained, “I knew I wanted to keep pursuing that because…it was a highlight of my week senior year getting to go to ACE”. Her involvement as a mentor allowed her to share her knowledge and experiences with aspiring students, fostering their interest in architecture and engineering. Chandler continued to mentor in ACE Austin while finishing her Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Texas, an experience that undoubtedly benefited her, but also every student she impacted in return.
Carter’s Continued Support and Transition
Carter’s commitment to Chandler’s growth and success extended beyond the program. He valued staying connected with Chandler and supporting her in any way he could. Reflecting on this period, Carter shared, “I mean it got to a point where it was kind of funny…here comes another one [recommendation request]”. His willingness to write multiple letters of recommendation and provide guidance exemplified his dedication as a mentor.
Moreover, Carter’s role within the ACE Mentor Program evolved during this time. He transitioned from being a mentor to taking on leadership responsibilities within the program. Carter began leading program activities and initiatives, driven by his passion for mentoring and his desire to make a broader impact.
Explaining his motivation, Carter said, ” I really enjoy it, and it feeds my creative outlet because being part of an architectural team, I don’t get to do everything on my project, my role is more focused. In ACE, I have that ability to create more, design more, and …it’s just [a] big puzzle for me. And fostering those relationships, which I love to do in the professional world, knowing who I’m designing my building for means a lot to me and the ACE Program is the same way. [ACE enables me to get to know students] like Chandler and what an effect we’ve had on them professionally, through college, and giving them more insight and knowledge as they move forward.” Carter’s adaptability and dedication highlights his commitment to the success of his mentees and the ACE Program. Carter transitioned from Mentor to being a Co-Coordinator of the Plano/Frisco ACE Program, where he utilizes his passion and skills to further grow the program, create new projects, and invest in more students.
Conclusion
The relationship between Chandler and Carter serves as a testament to the lasting impact of the ACE Mentor Program. Their journey together, from high school through college and beyond, illustrates the profound influence of mentorship on personal and professional growth. As you’ll hear more about in the next and last article of this story, Chandler is now a Staff Designer for StudioMB in Washington DC. Chandler’s success and her decision to become a mentor herself underscore the importance of giving back and supporting the next generation of aspiring architects and engineers. Carter’s continued involvement and transformation within the program highlight the enduring commitment of mentors who strive to make a difference. Together, their story exemplifies the essence of the ACE Mentor Program and its mission to engage, excite, and enlighten students about careers in architecture, engineering, and construction.
For more information about ACE: https://www.acementor.org/