As I began my freshman year in high school, I was often asked a question: "What did I plan on doing with my life." For most freshman, the thought of college, jobs, and the rest of life seems like a future that can wait. Having not fully explored myself, and what I truly enjoyed, my go to answer became lawyer. Television shows like ABC's How to Get Away with Murder and Scandal did a great job of glamorizing the occupation, which made it seem like an interesting way to spend one's life. However, after a little more exploration, it soon became clear that the drama and danger portrayed within these shows misrepresented the actuality of the occupation.
For as long as I can remember, I have been enthralled with architecture and buildings. What started with an obsession with Legos, turned into a passion for architecture and design that I had since pushed away to focus on the idea of someday arguing in a court of law. However, around my junior year of high school, I began to really appreciate architecture and design after a trip to Amsterdam and London. The beauty of the historic castles, cathedrals, and other buildings sparked a rush of interest that has yet to die down. Finally, after talking about the future with my parents, it became clear that I should pursue a career in which it would feel like I never worked a day in my life.
This year, I was able to secure an internship here, at KFW Architects, which has given me a unique look into the world of architecture. When I began, I was surprised to learn that an architect does not just draw up what a building should look like and erect it. The extensive amount of time and effort that is put into each and every project has shown me a new appreciation for the structures, and those designing them. Additionally, being able to work on design programs like Revit and SketchUp, as well as on specifications and field reports has not only given me a more in depth look at the career, but also given me some valuable skills that I will be able to use at Texas Tech's College of Architecture this fall.
In conclusion, the future can be a stressful topic for high school students, and I am grateful to have found my passion in Architecture. Yes, it is possible that my major could change ten times in college before I find what I want to do, but I am hopeful that I will find a life in architecture.