An off-handed comment at age seven helped Ella land the job of her dreams – 9Honey
When Ella was seven years old, her parents, unaware of the seismic impact it would have on her future, told her a rather significant detail about their home: that the house was designed by a famous architect. For Ella, this simple revelation sparked an enduring passion for architecture.
Years passed, and her childhood curiosity blossomed into a genuine fascination. By the time Ella entered university, she had made her decision: she would become an architect. But fate had a little twist in store for her. As she delved into the world of architecture, she discovered the niche of heritage architecture, and something clicked. “It felt like a perfect blend of my two greatest interests,” she says.
The more Ella explored this specialized field, the more she felt a deep resonance with it. Combining her passion for architecture with the richness and depth of preserving historical structures felt like a perfect marriage. And it wasn’t just intellectual – she had always loved spending time in historical buildings, their stories etched in the very walls.
This path led Ella to one of the most prestigious heritage architecture firms in the country – a company renowned for its work in restoring and preserving iconic landmarks. And as luck would have it, a job opening appeared for a junior architect, just as Ella was finishing her Masters. Armed with her qualifications, experience, and an overflowing enthusiasm for heritage architecture, she applied for the position, her heart brimming with hope.
She vividly recalls the interview, feeling a mixture of nervous excitement and deep-seated anticipation. Her knowledge of heritage architecture impressed the interviewers, but it was something else that made a lasting impression. During the interview, Ella mentioned an upcoming exhibition focused on local heritage architecture, showcasing a particularly notable Victorian building in her hometown.
A light flickered in the interviewer’s eyes. “That’s the house my grandfather built!” he exclaimed, and a warm connection ignited between them. They both had a shared admiration for that particular house, a tangible connection to the rich history of the town. It wasn’t just an interview anymore; it felt like a conversation between kindred spirits.
Ella’s casual comment, that seemingly insignificant tidbit of knowledge she’d gained in childhood, had cemented her place in the conversation. It was a powerful reminder of the unexpected turns fate can take. And while Ella didn’t know it at the time, her off-handed comment at age seven was about to become the key that unlocked the door to her dream job.
The interviewers were captivated. This was more than just passion for heritage architecture; this was a deep-seated connection to the historical context that her chosen profession embodied. As she talked about the Victorian building, her enthusiasm lit up the room, reflecting the sheer joy she found in this niche world.
Weeks later, the good news arrived – Ella was offered the job. It was the culmination of years of dedication and passion. It was also a reminder that even the seemingly insignificant details in life can play a significant role in shaping our destiny.
“Looking back,” says Ella, “I realize how deeply that off-handed comment resonated with them. It demonstrated that I didn’t just study heritage architecture – I actually lived and breathed it. I was immersed in its world.”
And so, Ella began her journey in the heart of her chosen field, an architect tasked with breathing new life into old structures. The girl who once stood before her hometown’s Victorian landmark, awestruck by its architectural beauty, was now entrusted with preserving its legacy, a testament to the remarkable influence of a childhood fascination.
Her story is a reminder that our paths can twist and turn in unexpected ways. It’s a beautiful illustration of the power of curiosity, passion, and that serendipitous spark of connection that can shape our dreams and define our destiny. The young Ella, mesmerized by a story told in the architectural details of her home, has carved her path in the world of heritage architecture, an incredible testament to the power of passion and unexpected connections.
