Most middle schoolers probably have other things on their minds besides building houses.
But Luke Thill, a 13-year-old from Dubuque, Iowa, is unlike any other middle schooler you’ve seen before.
This talented and proactive boy has crafted his very own little house — in his parent’s backyard.
The project cost him roughly $1,500 USD — and now Luke is living his dream in his little cottage.
Come on in and have a look at what it looks like inside.
I think it’s safe to say that Luke is not like many of his 13-year-old peers. In a time of iPads, smartphones, gadgets, and X-Boxes, this young man decided to keep himself busy in a different and more ‘old-fashioned’ way. As he explains on his YouTube channel, his desire to build a small house grew out of feeling bored last summer.
After some thorough research, Luke had a pretty good idea of how he was going to put his plan into action.
The Process
It took him about a year to get the money and materials he needed to build the house. Luke mowed lawns, started a fund-raiser online, and ran errands for anyone who needed help in the neighborhood to make money.
An electrician Luke was friends with helped him install the electricity in exchange for Luke cleaning his garage out, for instance.
Luke used about 75 percent recycled material, many of which were things left over from his grandma’s house. The front door of the house was a gift from an uncle’s friend.
The 89-square-foot house is 10 feet long and 5 1/2 feet wide, with electricity but no plumbing, so no water or bathroom… yet.
“I liked the minimalism,” he told The Des Moines Register. “And I wanted to have a house without a huge mortgage.”
Luke has made several video clips and posted them online, where he talks about his project as many have grown curious about the little house.
As you can imagine, Luke also received some help from his parents, both financially and with the building itself.
But dad Greg made sure that it would be Luke himself who would pay for most of his project and also build most of it himself.
“It was a chance for a kid to do something more than play video games or sports,” Greg told The Des Moines Register. “It teaches life lessons.”
Teenager’s Dream
The house is in many ways a teenager’s dream, an oasis where you can chill and hang out in. It has a microwave, a TV, and a loft with a bed.
There’s even a barbecue and flowers at the back.
Luke usually does his homework after school at his new house and some nights during the week he gets to sleep there.
Luke already has aspirations to build another house — one that’s a little bigger for when he starts college. He also hopes to inspire others to follow their dreams:
“I want to show kids it’s possible to build at this age,” he says in one of his videos.
You can really see how proud he is about his project below.
Luke’s story is a great example of what a child can achieve with a clear goal, a strong worth ethic, and support from home.
This ‘Rage of Angels’ beauty is 79 years old now. This is her today
Jacquelyn Ellen Smith, known as Jaclyn Smith, was born on October 26, 1945, in Houston, Texas.
Growing up in a supportive family, she developed a passion for the arts early on. She attended Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, before moving to New York City to pursue her dream of becoming a ballet dancer.
Rise to Stardom
Jaclyn’s career took a significant turn when she transitioned from ballet to acting and modeling. Her big break came in 1976 when she was cast as Kelly Garrett in the iconic television series “Charlie’s Angels.”
Her portrayal of the savvy and sophisticated detective won the hearts of millions and made her a household name.
Beyond “Charlie’s Angels”
After “Charlie’s Angels,” Jaclyn continued to build an impressive acting career. She starred in numerous television movies and miniseries, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
Notable works include “Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy” (1981) and “Rage of Angels” (1983). Her performances received critical acclaim, further cementing her status in Hollywood.
Legacy
Jaclyn Smith remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. Her contributions to television and her pioneering work in celebrity branding have left an indelible mark. She continues to inspire new generations with her talent, elegance, and entrepreneurial spirit, proving that true icons are timeless.
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