Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. Describe how it shapes your way of navigating the world, and how you wish to address it in your future career.
What do you want to be when you grow up? As a child, my answers were as limitless as my imagination-some so bold they could have landed me on the moon. But as I grew up and high school began, the endless possibilities needed to be narrowed. With so many options to choose from, it was a daunting task. Little did I know, that a global pandemic would force my 16-year-old self to confront this question earlier than I anticipated.
As a result, I began working full-time in residential construction. At first, it started as something to keep me busy during lockdown, but eventually turned into a career that brought me real purpose and determination. It taught me about building, teamwork, and most importantly the impact spaces can have on others. As my skills grew, I realized everything I worked on started as an idea- a vision with intention and purpose. This intensified my curiosity:: How are spaces envisioned? How does architecture shape how people experience spaces? These questions opened the door to a flood of possibilities and ideas for me, and I knew I wanted to play a part in this process.
As my fascination with design deepened and as I spent time researching, I began to understand that design is not just something that exists as drawings on paper, but as a form of artistic expression-an unwritten language. Driven by this new perspective, I enrolled in design and AutoCAD courses, dedicating myself to expanding my knowledge as much as possible.
Months later, and inspired by what I had learned, I devised a plan to apply my skills in real life. I approached my boss with a proposal: to help draft small projects for the company after hours. A year later, I began working on larger residential landscaping projects, with a focus on designing backyards. I also took on the responsibility of acquiring permits, which is how I learned the limits of what can and cannot be done. Once I became proficient, my design work evolved into an in-house design service for the company. This allowed us to expand what we offered to clients and gave me a chance to discover whether this was something I truly enjoyed.
Through these experiences, I discovered my love for design and the creative process that takes place through design. What I love even more is how much of an impact it can have on people's lives. I knew that I wanted to dedicate my life to a career in design, and that I wanted to earn full credentials. Although, I needed a deeper understanding of design principles and technical knowledge to accomplish this. Certain this was the path I wanted to take, the next step was to further my education. With this goal in mind, I enrolled in the required courses for architecture, determined to fill the gaps in my education and prepare myself for the future. The shift to studying while working full-time was challenging and exhausting but I completed all the required courses and am now ready to put my best efforts forward.
Since taking that first step forward during the pandemic, I've built a foundation that is capable of supporting all of my ambitions. If I had not leaped into uncertainty, I would still be standing on the edge, certain I wouldn't fall but never knowing if I could fly. From working and designing, to continuing my education, the path I've carved is built on purpose. No matter what the next chapter of my life may be, I am ready to meet it with the same dedication and passion that has brought me this far.
What do you want to be when you grow up? As a child, my answers were as limitless as my imagination-some so bold they could have landed me on the moon. But as I grew up and high school began, the endless possibilities needed to be narrowed. With so many options to choose from, it was a daunting task. Little did I know, that a global pandemic would force my 16-year-old self to confront this question earlier than I anticipated.
As a result, I began working full-time in residential construction. At first, it started as something to keep me busy during lockdown, but eventually turned into a career that brought me real purpose and determination. It taught me about building, teamwork, and most importantly the impact spaces can have on others. As my skills grew, I realized everything I worked on started as an idea- a vision with intention and purpose. This intensified my curiosity:: How are spaces envisioned? How does architecture shape how people experience spaces? These questions opened the door to a flood of possibilities and ideas for me, and I knew I wanted to play a part in this process.
As my fascination with design deepened and as I spent time researching, I began to understand that design is not just something that exists as drawings on paper, but as a form of artistic expression-an unwritten language. Driven by this new perspective, I enrolled in design and AutoCAD courses, dedicating myself to expanding my knowledge as much as possible.
Months later, and inspired by what I had learned, I devised a plan to apply my skills in real life. I approached my boss with a proposal: to help draft small projects for the company after hours. A year later, I began working on larger residential landscaping projects, with a focus on designing backyards. I also took on the responsibility of acquiring permits, which is how I learned the limits of what can and cannot be done. Once I became proficient, my design work evolved into an in-house design service for the company. This allowed us to expand what we offered to clients and gave me a chance to discover whether this was something I truly enjoyed.
Through these experiences, I discovered my love for design and the creative process that takes place through design. What I love even more is how much of an impact it can have on people's lives. I knew that I wanted to dedicate my life to a career in design, and that I wanted to earn full credentials. Although, I needed a deeper understanding of design principles and technical knowledge to accomplish this. Certain this was the path I wanted to take, the next step was to further my education. With this goal in mind, I enrolled in the required courses for architecture, determined to fill the gaps in my education and prepare myself for the future. The shift to studying while working full-time was challenging and exhausting but I completed all the required courses and am now ready to put my best efforts forward.
Since taking that first step forward during the pandemic, I've built a foundation that is capable of supporting all of my ambitions. If I had not leaped into uncertainty, I would still be standing on the edge, certain I wouldn't fall but never knowing if I could fly. From working and designing, to continuing my education, the path I've carved is built on purpose. No matter what the next chapter of my life may be, I am ready to meet it with the same dedication and passion that has brought me this far.
