Think again if you ever wondered why you have to learn mathematical formulas, study scientific experiments, read assignments and become skilled at problem solving techniques.

Alex Lesniak, a sixth grader at Fuquay-Varina Middle School, knows the significance of these school subjects. In perfecting his woodworking hobby, Alex employed all of them in crafting a turned wooden ink pen. He turned his achievement into a business, helping himself earn money for college. Appropriately, his Web site is called pensfor college.com.

Alex’s parents, Cathleen and George Lesniak, are fully aware of the cost of tuition these days. His mom said, “In an uncertain economy, it is difficult to determine what to invest in. Investing in Alex is a ‘win-win’ for all of us. We feel we are getting a stronger return by backing our son than we might get in any conservative investment fund.”

Alex’s earnings are deposited into his college fund. His profits yield additional interest as he gains knowledge that supports a traditional work ethic. His dad added, “We have always stressed the importance of a good education. Since Alex’s dream is to one day attend Duke University, we are proud of Alex’s effort to get a jump-start on ‘in-sourcing’ his dream.”

In the family’s home basement-turned-woodworking shop, influenced and encouraged by his dad, Alex has, over the years, learned how to safely handle his father’s many machines and tools involved in woodworking.

“Alex was always interested and ready to help me,” said George Lesniak, “developing and sharpening his seemingly natural aptitude.”

Alex said, “One day I decided that I would like to design something of my own but I didn’t know what to work on. My dad suggested that I could try my hand at making wooden pens.

“I was amazed at the method,” Alex said. “I watched some videos and pretty much figured out what I needed.” A Christmas gift from his dad brought him the final item — a lathe.

Lesniak wanted his son to learn a life lesson regarding value and worth.. It was due to the challenge placed before him that the idea of starting a college nest egg fund occurred to Alex.

Alex practiced shaping a piece of wood with the lathe, a machine that spins a block of material to perform various operations such as cutting the work piece to a desired contour, producing an object that has symmetry.

Included in the mix of finely appointed pens he turns out are ball point, roller ball and fountain pens.

Alex completed his first pen in March 2008. Diligently, he progressed to fashioning designs in acrylic and tru-stone finishes.

It takes approximately one to four hours to produce a pen. The finish, according to Alex, takes the most time. However, in a relatively short time, Alex has hand-crafted approximately 75 pens and to date has sold about 30. The pens range in price from $30 to $185.

He entered the 2009 North Carolina Woodworking Showcase on April 18, sweeping the prize field. He took first-, second- and third-place awards as well as best in show in the youth division.

George Lesniak said, “Both the skill and concentration Alex exhibits for his age have produced workmanship beyond his 12 years. Our family takes special pride in the personal responsibility he assumes.”

Both parents agree that there is a true sense of accomplishment in this endeavor — boosting Alex’s confidence and self-esteem, keeping him moving forward, and heightening his pride in being able to contribute to and watch his college fund grow.

Among Alex’s other interests is video production. He entered one that he made in the basement for a school competition, again taking first place. Starting off with a piece of tree (the pen’s beginning), he demonstrated the precise steps in the progression of constructing a turned-on-a-lathe finished pen.

“I have a lot of fun making the pens and helping my dad, so I think I’ll be sticking with pen-making for a long time,” said Alex, whose career choice is medicine. “I’d like to be a heart surgeon. I think that the familiarity I’m developing in working with my hands now will serve me well later in life.”

It is his mom who designed and tends to the business of the Web site.

She said, “I’m extremely proud of Alex, not just for his craftsmanship, but for his ambition, determination and positive attitude. I believe in him.”

Although Alex’s chief role in the business is making and selling the pens, he is experiencing the dedication it takes to run a business. “I feel happy, motivated and glad that people are purchasing my pens, which helps me support my goals.”