I am constantly inspired by the energy and passion around me daily to create and learn. The diverse group of students and faculty makes it a well-rounded and welcoming environment that I am proud to be a part of.
Hometown
Hometown Weston, CT, United States
Degree Program(s)
B.S. Architecture
Expected Graduation Date
2024
Academic Areas of Interest
Architecture, sustainability, psychology, astronomy
Hobbies or interests outside of academia
Cooking, hiking, playing tennis
Why did you choose Taubman College as the right program for you?
As someone who attended the ArcStart Taubman College Summer program as a prospective student, I had experienced a taste of what it would be like to be an architecture student at Taubman College and from thereafter, I always felt that Ann Arbor and specifically Taubman College was the place for me.
My time in Ann Arbor during the summer of 2019 was spent learning and working in the Taubman studios, exploring downtown Ann Arbor and utilizing Taubman’s AR headsets and a multitude of AutoCAD design platforms. While working in the Taubman studios that summer, I felt inspired, excited, and passionate about the work I was producing, the things I was learning, and the people I was meeting through Taubman College. It was the first time I met people who shared the same curiosities about the world, and I couldn’t have loved that feeling more. From that point on, I knew I wanted to find that feeling again. No matter how many architecture tours I did, I did not find the same excitement about the environment at any other school besides Taubman.
Although not all prospective students will have the same introduction to Taubman as I did, I’m sure students will feel the same way when they step into the Taubman studios. The physical environment of the studios is exhilarating and allows for extensive collaboration, flexibility, and engagement due to the well-lit and inviting layout, not to mention the state-of-the-art resources students have access to.
What is special or excites you about the Taubman community?
I am especially excited by my peers within Taubman College. Every day I find myself in conversation with someone new about something unfamiliar and exciting. I am constantly inspired by the energy and passion around me daily to create and learn. The diverse group of students and faculty makes it a well-rounded and welcoming environment that I am proud to be a part of. There are many backgrounds, identities, and perspectives which are all brought together by our common interest in design. It’s really special to be part of something larger than myself, a small community within a larger one. I have truly found connections that will last a lifetime.
If applicable, tell us about studio culture – what is inspiring or innovative or unique?
The studio culture is a unique experience where students can expect something new every day. Its ever-changing structure is set up so every day looks different, which facilitates a well-rounded and engaging learning experience. The days consist of lectures, group discussions, work days, or one-on-one “desk crits” with professors. It is an environment where I find myself thriving due to peer-to-peer collaboration and student-to-professor connections.
The bonds I’ve formed in the studio will last a lifetime, and my relationships make every day so significant. I look forward to coming to the studio every day because working with people who are passionate, kind, and knowledgeable is truly fulfilling.
Describe your experience with faculty and professional staff during your time at Taubman?
The faculty at Taubman proves to be excited and passionate about furthering students’ ideas and producing meaningful discussions. The class sizes are perfect for personal and group development, facilitating student engagement. It is evident that the faculty genuinely want the best for their students and cares about their success.
The most unique part to me about the faculty is their diverse backgrounds; some of them are alumni of Taubman College, some are licensed architects, and some have experience practicing architecture, and I feel lucky to work alongside all of them. Having these connections with professors is special because I get the opportunity to pick their brains about their experiences, which helps shape my understanding of what I want to do with architecture in my life. It is a pleasure to be a part of the astounding Taubman Community, where students are encouraged to share and engage.
How has Taubman’s career and professional development support prepared you for a successful career in your chosen field?
Taubman’s career and professional development support has provided me with continual guidance throughout my education. I discuss my trajectory with the advising team every semester to make sure I am on the right track, and I always feel I can turn to them for any kind of support. Taubman also hosts career fairs and workshops that connect many students with firms for potential career opportunities, and I have learned that the Michigan alumni support system runs deep! The support and resources at Taubman are personal and organized compared to the typical college support of a Big Ten school which is something I can feel every day.
What benefits have you experienced being part of the University of Michigan?
Being a part of the University of Michigan has been such an incredible experience. I get the chance to be a part of something larger than myself in a multitude of ways. I’m lucky enough to be an architecture student, a football fan, a sorority sister, a member of the architecture frat, a club leader of the Initiative for Inclusive Design, and most importantly, myself. In other words, I get the chance to have many identities within a variety of communities which has led me to multiple different groups of incredible people. The University of Michigan has also provided me with outlets to explore all of the different sides of myself which has facilitated the most exciting and well-rounded self-development and a place for me to grow.
What do you like most about being part of the Ann Arbor community?
The Ann Arbor community radiates tremendous spirit and energy every day; while walking around campus, especially while attending sports events, you can feel the passion and excitement for learning and being a part of the Big Ten sports. The energy in Ann Arbor is simply unmatched! There is no stadium like the Big House and no crowd of fans like the Wolverines.
There is a lot of energy downtown and on the campus itself; there are so many restaurants and things to do in Ann Arbor, making it a fun environment to experience while getting a college degree from a top university. I couldn’t recommend this college town enough; it’s truly the best. Everyone is super friendly, even the squirrels! There’s a lot of diversity in Ann Arbor, which is something I’ll always appreciate for providing me with diverse people to meet and endless things to learn about the world.
What advice would you give prospective students as they consider Taubman College?
I recommend that prospective students visit Taubman in person and experience the space for themselves. Touring architecture studios really helped me understand what kind of environment I wanted to be in, and Taubman, specifically, has a unique studio layout worth experiencing. Prospective students should definitely take a tour of the Art and Architecture Building and see the woodshop, laser cutters, and fabrication lab (FABLab). Taubman has amazing and accessible resources worth exploring. I would also recommend talking to any current or former students who could offer specific details about the Taubman experience. I myself have thoroughly enjoyed my Taubman experience so far and am so grateful for the chance to grow, learn and share that with any prospective student.
If you are applying and creating a portfolio, my biggest advice to you is to be confident in who you are and have your work speak to that; show what makes you, you! You do not have to be Picasso, although that would be cool. Show what you like to do, what you’re passionate about, and what your creative brain is like. Most importantly, do not compare yourself to others. You are uniquely you, and an architecture path is all about bringing unique perspectives to the table.
What are your plans after graduation?
Currently, I plan to pursue my education in architectural graduate school after graduation. I then hope to work in the field and then become a licensed architect. Whatever I do in the world, I know that Taubman College has provided me with the best launchpad to success, and I am grateful to be a part of the Michigan family forever.
Additional advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective students?
If you’re seriously considering architecture but might not be sure, I highly recommend you check out summer programs like ArcStart at Taubman College. It was an incredible introduction to architecture and is where you might realize that architecture is or is not the thing for you. Just know that it could also be an interest of now that might lead you down other roads. You will only know what you like if you try it all out.