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.
Michael Woodhams’ RIDICULOUS BGT Audition as a Primary School Music Teacher
In a dazzling display of talent and creativity, Mike Woodhams, a cherished music educator from a local primary school, captivated the audience of Britain’s Got Talent 2024 with his remarkable performance. Going beyond mere singing, Mike unveiled his extraordinary knack for music impressionism, effortlessly channeling the essence of various music legends from Boyzone to Anastacia. His act was a delightful fusion of wit and musical virtuosity, enhanced by his clever use of props and spot-on impersonations.
The pinnacle of Mike’s audition came when he synchronized his performance with James Blunt’s iconic 2004 hit “You’re Beautiful”. As Blunt’s music video played silently in the background, Mike took center stage, singing live to create the illusion that Blunt himself was lip-syncing to his voice. This ingenious approach not only entertained the audience but also showcased Mike’s impeccable vocal prowess and innovative flair.
Judge Bruno Tonioli was effusive in his praise, declaring Mike’s vocal impressions as “some of the finest I’ve heard in years”, commending both his vocal range and the element of surprise woven into his act. Alesha Dixon echoed Tonioli’s sentiments, lauding Mike’s ability to effortlessly switch between male and female vocal impersonations with equal finesse.
Experience the magic of Mike Woodhams’ unforgettable audition, where comedy, impressions, and raw vocal talent intertwine to create a truly mesmerizing performance.
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