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yemeri nisa

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I'm 20 years old and my dream is to design and help build a big part of a city or a new city. Is this possible??

I am a 20 year old high school graduate. My dream is to one day be the one in charge of designing a whole new city or a large part of a city. I need advice from people with knowledge on this subject.

Must I be an architect in order to achieve this? Is this dream even achievable?
Do you know of anyone who has achieved this before?

I love knowing things, so if you have anything at all on this subject that you think that I should know the feel free to tell me.

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    Debra Smith 200+

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    Jun 8 2012: Dear Yemeri!
    If you already have this dream and iif it has a lot to do with helping others and not just enriching yourself, people will eventually see your heart and passion. As to the skills, it will take an expert in the field to fill you in on what they are. Many will become obvious during your education but perhaps you could make a point of learning about the major players in this area. They understand all of these things deeply. Perhaps you could write to them to ask your questions. My advice though is to polish your communication with them so that it is polite and direct. They are very busy so you have to make it easy for them to help you. Ask something very specific and then wait. The return rate maybe quite low but you need to understand that they do not know you and thus they may not feel any responsibility to you (this is a short sighted approach in my estimation of their reaction but it is likely). Hope for 1:100. Good luck- study hard but intelligently.

  • Barry Palmer 50+

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    Jun 8 2012: You are starting at an excellent time. First, the population growth over the next few decades will require whole new cities. Second, all over the world people are moving from the countryside into cities for more opportunities. Third, we are learning that the current way our cities are developing is not sustainable. This adds up to a huge opportunity. Go for it.
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    Kaitlyn Fox

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    May 31 2012: I learned from my teacher that you can do anything if you set your mind to it! If you have a great idea and you tell someone, you can and should put your idea in to action! Don't doubt yourself! You can do amazing things! I believe in you! Now go be the best person you can be!!!

    • yemeri nisa

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      Jun 6 2012: Thank your for your advice!! I feel much more confident with my dream!! I do everything I can to achieve it!!!
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        Kaitlyn Fox

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        Jun 7 2012: Keep trying! I hope your dream comes true!
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    Debra Smith 200+

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    May 31 2012: Yes! but no one will risk giving you that opportunity until you have proven you skills and commitment. The answer really depends on how badly you want it. Are you willing to build those skills and defer your dream?

    • yemeri nisa

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      Jun 6 2012: Absolutely! Im willing to learn the skills and prove myself. I just need to know what those skills are. And what to focus on at the university for example. This is something that i've always wanted to do, so if there is even the slightest chance that I can do it then i'll go all in!
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    Chetan Somani

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    May 31 2012: Nothing is impossible my friend!!!
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    Jessica Winkler

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    May 30 2012: Anything is possible but it's going to take a lot of work & a lot of failure but if you want it bad enough you will achieve it.

    • yemeri nisa

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      Jun 6 2012: Thanks for the advice, I'll keep working hard towards my goal!
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    Srini Srinivasan 50+

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    TED Attendee
    May 29 2012: I would think this is very possible and you can follow some methods to getting there finally. The best bet would be to start looking at City /Govt planning department for an internship and learn how your City is planning for expansion. This should give you an idea of the urban development process in your chosen city and then you can contribute by providing a mock up design. Alternatively, you can learn which architects the City is using for its development plans and try and get a job there. I am positive these steps will take you closer to your goal. Good luck,
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    R H 20+

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    May 27 2012: Was it possible for a guy to change the world by tinkering in his garage on a thing called 'a computer'? Was it possible for a high school kid who was cut from the team to change the world of basketball (MJ)? Was it possible for a patent attorney to revolutionize physics (Einstein)? Was it possible for 2 bicycle mechanics to create avaition (Wright Bros.)? IT'S ABSOLUTELY POSSIBLE. Never give up.

    • yemeri nisa

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      Jun 6 2012: Your comment really put my arguements into perspective there!! I feel alot more confident now, and I wont give up until I get this done!! Thank your!!
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        R H 20+

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        Jun 6 2012: You're most welcome (Now I'm going to pontificate a little here). Thomas Edison is credited with saying: "There is far more opportunity than there is ability". Never, never, never doubt yourself. Never compare yourself to others successes. Celebrate successes! They will 'seek you out'. And when you are famous and successful, remember this day. Some other person will need your inspiration, and you will truly have then contributed. May your days be filled with successes and joy.
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