He draws exquisite portraits, plays piano, collects coins, and takes college courses in subjects that include calculus and engineering physics. He's applied to Harvard, Yale, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Chicago. His goal is to become a college professor in ancient near Eastern studies. He believes there's no substitute for hard work. At the same time, he's articulate and funny and down to earth. He's Ben Patterson of West Boxford, Massachusetts,
and he's a student in Indiana University High School.
Patterson, 17, has been drawing since childhood. He remembers, "In kindergarten, I did my best trying to produce something that would elicit a response beyond the usual, 'That's nice honey.'" By the fifth grade, Patterson knew he wanted to specialize in portraiture. By high school, he was doing commissioned drawings for such organizations as the Andover Public Library, West Point Museum, Henry David Thoreau Institute, and Boston Symphony Orchestra Hall. Totally self-taught, Patterson argues that anyone who has the will and determination can learn to draw.
Similarly, academic success is the product of hard work. "There's no replacement for spending time with your books," says Patterson. And he should know. He takes courses from Indiana University High Schoo , as well as Northern Essex Community College. He's studying world civilization, American literature, calculus, engineering physics, anthropology, geometry, and health; when he finishes a couple of courses he'll add Latin and economics.
Patterson learned about Indiana University High School when his brother David was exploring options for completing his high school diploma. The boys' parents called Princeton University to see if they could recommend a good school, and Princeton recommended Indiana University High School. David enrolled and used the flexibility of the program to pursue his interests in writing, poetry, drama, photography, public speaking, and soccer. He graduated in June 2003 and went on to attend university at St. John's College in Annapolis, Maryland.
Ben decided to follow his brother's footsteps and complete his diploma through Indiana University High School because of its reputation, because he wanted challenging courses, and because IUHS would accept credit for the courses he wanted to take at Northern Essex. "The diploma program is convenient and extremely flexible, and the people are helpful," says Patterson. "My advisor Ida Medlyn has been very helpful with my applications to college. It's a very encouraging and supportive program."
Patterson will start college in fall 2004. He attributes his interest in ancient near Eastern studies to hisinterest in art. "When I was six or seven, my parents took me to the Boston Art Museum. I was impressed by the Egyptian Art," he explains. Patterson hopes that an academic career will afford him the income and time to pursue art as an avocation.
Numerous examples of Patterson's art, as well as family photos, are available on the Web at http://24.147.169.232/.
