Will Burchell is a Youth Apprentice BIM Intern for for Westphal & Company. Now let’s take some time to learn more about Will!
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Titus Will Burchell, I currently attend Parkview Jr/Sr High School in Orfordville, WI. I have grown up overseas for 14 years of my life. I have attended public school for two years so far. Prior to my family’s move to the United States, we lived in four countries – India (4), South Korea (5), Kenya (3), and Malaysia (2). I have visited nearly 14 countries, and plan to travel more often in the future. Electrical Construction is an interest to me as I would like to pursue an Electrical Engineering degree while in college. Aside from my intent to go far with this career, I am a Pianist. It is an important part of my life. The instrument takes much dedication and tenacity to master, which has in part made me become an accomplished musician – while having so much more to learn. After 14 years of experience, I am focusing on becoming more involved with the instrument and engaging myself to do well with it. I have four siblings, each of whom are younger than I. My favorite instrument to play is – the Piano. I enjoy eating Asian meals and traditional foods. I would have to say that my favorite fruit is a weird pick. It smells bad but tastes good – it is called Durian and only grows in southeast Asia.
What was your first job?
My first job was at a restaurant. This restaurant is called the Ding-A-Ling Super Club (Hanover, WI), known well in much of Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois, alongside I have worked at Bass Creek Golf Course as well. (Janesville, WI)
What did your journey into working at Westphal & Co. look like?
The process of designing a building that it takes to commercially put together a project has been fascinating to me. I am interested in what makes up a building and more specifically what makes up commercial buildings. During my eleventh-grade year, I took an introductory engineering course, and Don Wendt came to speak about his job in the field. Don’s son, Malachi, is a good friend of mine. I soon became interested in what his work entailed, then I asked about the possibility of an internship through the school. After a few months I was able to start working at Westphal & Company as a youth apprentice in the BIM Department.
What do you like most about your job?
I enjoy the collaboration between groups of individuals and their disagreements and agreements on one topic or another, specifically in an area of work where everyone enjoys what they are doing. The most enjoyable part of working in the BIM department here at Westphal & Company Inc., is the amount of connection and cooperation that there is between the employees who all work together on multiple projects. I can ask questions and get answers when needed, and they are always there to help.
What is your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishments are encompassed within my academics – which is something that I enjoy. This has led me to have many chances outside of school to being a leader and taking the initiative – opportunities my involvement in (but not limited to), Parkview Chapter of National Honor Society, Student Council (STUCCO), Leadership in 4H, etc…). “Schooling is not meant to derive motivation and hard work from out of a student’s mind, rather its existence.” The concept of education is meant to build up a society, not to tear it down.
What is the best place you ever traveled to?
Africa is a wonder. The most memorable place that I visited was a safari area called the Maasai Mara, and it is found to the West of Nairobi – the capital city. It is special to see the Big Five out in their natural habitats – not in zoos and cages. With a mass of territory covering nearly 600 square miles, the Maasai Mara National Reserve is well among the largest conservancy in all the African continent.
What is your favorite quote?
“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose” -Jim Elliot
My favorite quote is not one that was declared by a celebrity in fame, a president invoked, or a nation ruled. This, rather, was told by an American missionary who was poor and lowly – known by most as a martyr for the Christan Faith. His name was Jim Elliot – he was killed in Ecuador by an Auca tribe on January 8, 1956.
If money were no issue, what would you do with your time?
If money were no issue, I would travel and visit many more countries. I would rather live in the country and get to know the local culture, than have the luxuries of a tourist and know nothing. It would be my goal to start an organization that gives resources and educational tools to areas and nations that need help. And if money was not limited to its purposes, there would be much more that would be able to be fulfilled and offered to those in need.
