Charles Christian Tylinski (Class of 2008)

“I seriously wish there was a way I could repay my parents for sending me to West Side; I feel so fortunate for the opportunity.”
Charles Christian credits his middle school internship as a pivotal point in his education. Because West Side Montessori requires each middle school student to spend a week as an intern, Charles Christian was able to accept a position with BRC Imagination Arts in Burbank, California. The experience, network, and skills he gained have provided numerous benefits. 

Staying connected with BRC through high school allowed Charles Christian to attend multiple conferences in Orlando, Florida and in the spring of 2015, he returned as a Show Set Design intern. This middle school internship program truly set him on an amazing career path.

After graduating WSM, Charles Christian attended Toledo School for the Arts and studied at the College of Design, Art, Architecture, and Planning (DAAP) located at the University of Cincinnati. 

After college, Charles Christian worked in Houston, Texas as an architectural designer with Gensler, the second largest architecture firm in the world. In 2017, Charles Christian began working for Universal Studios Hollywood as a Visual Creative Designer.

“Growing up and learning in classrooms with mixed-age students was a critical aspect in shaping how I work today. In both higher education and professional work environments, diversity of coworkers and peers is an indispensable component for success," said Charles Christian.

"By grouping peers together in similar ages, I grew accustomed to and learned from being around students at all different levels of work, from different backgrounds, and with different work methods. 

The student-teacher relationship at WSM was another paramount factor in understanding who I am today. Learning how to speak with adults in a non-lecture based classroom, but as a peer conversation, and learning and exchanging ideas back and forth brings a greater understanding to the work. This has allowed me to confidently engage in conversations and network at a younger age in professional environments.” said Charles Christian.

Charles Christian values the philosophy of Montessori education which emphasizes exploration of new ideas. Each student is responsible not only for their own education, but for the success of the classroom as a whole. 

The environment provides opportunities for students to realize their full potential. It allowed Charles Christian to pursue and understand what he was passionate about, which inspired him to leverage the power of knowledge and education to create a better community.

Charles Christian enjoys travel and has experienced the beauty of Beijing, Shanghai, Galapagos Island, Machu Picchu, Java, Bali, and Lombok to study art and culture. 

Charles Christian is the son of proud parents, Michael Tylinski and Laura DeBenedetti. 
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