When some kids need something, they ask their parents to buy it for them. Other kids work extra hours to buy it on their own. But freshman Gavin Gerlach decided to build what he needed. 

In the 21st century, nearly everything requires some form of internet access, including school. So when Gerlach noticed he wasn’t receiving enough time on his two family computers, he decided to do something about it. 

“I started [building computers] because I needed my own computer,” he said. “I decided to get a job to earn enough money to build my own computers. So I went on to a bunch of different online marketplaces like eBay and Amazon. I bought all of the parts together and researched videos. I put them together, installed Windows, and I had my own computer.”

Despite being young, Gerlach had done this kind of thing before. 

“Once, I rebuilt our family computer with new parts and all,” he said.

The computer may not be the latest MacBook, but it is good enough for Gerlach. 

“It wasn’t that expensive, but it’ll do whatever you need it to,” he said.