Narrator's Childhood and Career Path

The speaker reflects on their upbringing in Maplewood, New Jersey, highlighting the idyllic suburban environment that allowed for freedom and outdoor activities. They contrast this with their children's experience growing up in New York. At age 14, the speaker expressed a desire to become an architect, a decision that led to summer jobs as a carpenter's assistant and in an architect's office, where they gained early exposure to the field.

Where was the narrator born?

• New York

• Newark

• Maplewood, New Jersey

• Boston

What was the population range of Maplewood during the narrator's childhood?

• 15,000 to 20,000

• 12,000 to 15,000

• 8,000 to 12,000

• 5,000 to 8,000

What aspect of the narrator's childhood does the narrator feel their children missed out on?

• Freedom of movement and outdoor play

• Access to better schools

• Having more friends

• Living in a big city

At what age did the narrator decide they wanted to become an architect?

• 16

• 10

• 12

• 14

What was the narrator's initial understanding of the architecture profession?

• They wanted to be an engineer instead

• They had a clear understanding

• They disliked the idea

• They were unsure but interested

What was one of the narrator's summer jobs during their early career exploration?

• Working in a bakery

• Interning at a law firm

• Assisting a carpenter

• Teaching at a school

What tasks did the narrator perform in the architect's office?

• Designing buildings

• Sweeping floors and getting coffee

• Managing projects

• Conducting client meetings

How did the narrator's early work experiences influence their career path?

• They chose to become a carpenter

• They confirmed their interest in architecture

• They decided to change careers

• They lost interest in architecture