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Contact: David Padilla 505-277-5020 |
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October 10, 2002 EL PASO NATIVE BUILDS HIS FUTURE AT UNM
Originally from El Paso, Padilla graduated from Coronado High School
in 1995. His parents, Gloria and Luis Padilla, bolstered and supported
him while teachers from El Paso's Lincoln Middle School encouraged him
along the way. "My social studies teacher, Mr. Navarro, and math teacher, Mr. Esparza,
were wonderful teachers. They understood middle school students and always
found ways to make learning fun. They taught like in 'Stand and Deliver.'
They were energetic and never boring," he says. The desire to become an architect dates back before Coronado high and
Lincoln middle schools. Padilla was still in elementary school when he
and Michael Furrow were friends. Furrow's father was an architect. "We
built forts and clubhouses and things on top of skateboards. I knew then
that I wanted to be an architect," he says. Another family friend, an architect, gave him some early advice. "She
asked me, 'Do you like to build models?' I had one, so I said yes. She
told me to keep building models. Now I make model bridges and other structures
of my own design. The lump of glue on the side of the model car makes
it less appealing. That same precision makes or breaks the models I build
today," he says. Before coming to UNM, he took high school drafting courses and some architecture
in community college. "UNM is the big leagues. It is more demanding.
There is no comparison to any other class," he says. Learning architecture, he says, is learning to appreciate structures.
"When I travel I realize the architecture. Like it or not, it's in
me. I notice the way a window opens or how a foyer is used," he says. Padilla won't be finished studying architecture when he graduates next
May. He is already thinking ahead to graduate school. "I'm thinking
about Los Angeles - either UCLA or USC - maybe UT Austin or the University
of Miami or Miami International," he says. The school is only one factor. The city is another. "I dance and
I like to dance at clubs - salsa and merengue. I'm learning at a professional
level. I also teach salsa aerobics," he says. Padilla has been actively involved in student government at UNM. Formerly
a senator in the Associated Students of UNM (ASUNM), he currently serves
as the organization's attorney general. As a result, he thinks the future
may include law school. "I love to debate. In my role I've had to read, understand and interpret
our constitution. Maybe someday I'll run for senator or congressman,"
he says. An El Centro employee for more than a year, Padilla calls it a "home
away from home" for himself and many students. Currently, he's helping
to coordinate events for Hispanic Heritage Month as well as Galería
de Colores, an art event featuring the work of potters, weavers, painters
and more; and Circle of Drums featuring Cuban, African, Puerto Rican,
Native American and other drum styles. He is also working to bring Hispano Student Day, and 800 high school
students, to campus on Friday, Oct. 25. "The event is open to high
school juniors and seniors. We help the juniors understand exactly what
they'll need to finish high school. For the seniors, we do everything
we can to assist their entrance into college. If they have their application
completed and transcripts available, we do on-site admission and waive
the fee," says Padilla. The day also includes a luncheon with guest speakers, a workshop with
counselors and a tour, if time permits. UNM, El Centro, well, New Mexico has grown on Padilla. "I have been
enlightened and enriched by the Land of Enchantment," he says, adding,
"But I love El Paso, too." # # # |
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Please let us know what you thought of this article. Comments to: paaffair@unm.edu |
The University
of New Mexico
Public Affairs Department
Hodgin Hall, 2nd floor
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0011
Telephone: (505) 277-5813
Fax: (505) 277-1981
University
of New Mexico student David Padilla is a Renaissance man. A senior in
the School of Architecture and Planning, Padilla is building his future
on many levels while helping others lay a foundation of their own.