As the drafting instructor at Tri-County Career Center (TCCC) in Nelsonville, Ohio, the author is proud and pleased to give students real-life drafting experiences that apply learned theory. One of the best experiences his students have had involves taking part in building a custom home. Another is producing authentic house plans. The author also takes his students on frequent field trips to the senior carpentry house. This reinforces what he teaches in the classroom and lets the students see firsthand how a house is built. All these projects have turned into great learning tools. The students like working on a set of plans for structures that they know will be built. They enjoy getting out and looking at the locations and getting a feel for how a project will be laid out. Their experiences also give them something that will greatly enhance portfolios they can use when looking for employment after school.