Building Legos may be seen as a childhood activity, but for Shadow Ridge senior Rhet Layton, it has grown into a long term hobby that combines creativity, focus, and relaxation. With a large and detailed Lego collection, Layton continues to find enjoyment and stress relief through building complex Lego sets that challenge both his patience and imagination. Layton’s interest in Lego started early, thanks to his family.
“My dad got his old Lego sets out when he hurt his knee and my grandma got me my first Lego set which was 70403 Dragon Mountain when I was 5 or 6 years old,” Layton said. That early introduction sparked a passion that has followed him throughout his childhood and into high school, growing stronger with time.
As Layton grew older, his Lego interests became more advanced. Rather than smaller, simpler builds, he began collecting larger sets that require time, patience, and advanced building techniques. Many of these come from the Lego Ninjago series, which is known for its detailed city style designs and layered construction.
“My favorite Lego set is probably Ninjago City Gardens because of its design, building techniques, and parts usage,” Layton said.
Layton explained that the appeal of these sets goes beyond just how they look when finished. The challenge of building them is a major part of the experience and keeps him engaged for hours at a time.
“My favorite sets to build would be the Ninjago City, City Gardens, City Workshops, City Markets, and Tournament Temple City,” Layton said.
Building Legos is also a way for Layton to relax. With the pressures of school, homework, and planning for the future, having a hobby that allows him to focus on something creative is important. Building Legos are a great way to relax, and Layton finds that working through each step of a build helps him unwind, stay focused, and clear his mind.
Layton’s Lego collection reflects years of dedication and enthusiasm. What began as a simple childhood gift has grown into a meaningful pastime that continues to challenge and inspire him. His passion shows that Lego building is not just for kids, but can remain an enjoyable, rewarding, and beneficial hobby well into adulthood.
