Lucas Houk

He’s worked as an architectural draftsman, supported himself as a guitarist in several bands, composed jazz music, graduated with honors from culinary school, worked as an executive chef, and owned both a music store and a restaurant. For most people that would represent a very full career path, but for Lucas Houk it’s only the beginning.

Houk is setting out in a totally new direction—computers. “I came to CCV because I am looking for a career change. The restaurant business was starting to get old, both physically and emotionally. I want a career that will allow me to work from home both to reduce my carbon footprint and to spend more time with my family.”

Computers have been an interest of Houk’s since middle school, when he learned to program mainframes. Since then he has built most of his own computers, which he also customizes and repairs. Houk doesn’t find this pursuit surprising “since both music and computers involve a balance between science and art.”

At CCV he’s taken a range of computer courses, with a focus on website design and database management. Of his experiences thus far Houk says, “I’m enjoying both the convenience and flexibility of taking classes online and the sense of community I feel in my classes on-the-ground. It’s refreshing to be with younger students and to get to know their culture, and I find that this diversity brings broader perspectives to class discussion.”

Lucas is a degree student at CCV in Brattleboro. Read more stories.

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