El Auria Atienza

“Overall, the opportunities that Urban Tech presents for personal growth, academic exploration, and a range of career paths are both exciting and promising.”

Hometown
Royal Oak, Michigan

Degree Program(s)
Urban Technology

Why did you choose Taubman College’s new program in Urban Technology?

I chose Taubman’s new Urban Technology program because it is a future-focused and dynamic field. I love design, I love cities, and I want to make life better for others. Additionally, the prospect of traveling to different cities is highly intriguing, as it promises to expose me to diverse perspectives. Overall, the opportunities that Urban Tech presents for personal growth, academic exploration, and a range of career paths are both exciting and promising.

What excites you about urban technology as a field?
I love that Urban Technology is so new and cool! It’s all about making cities better with technology. There are so many possibilities with Urban Tech. It’s not just about making things high-tech for the sake of it but about solving real problems that cities face every day. Like how to save energy, reduce pollution, or make transportation easier for everyone. I think Urban Tech is exciting because it’s not just one thing—it’s a mix of many different fields. Plus, it’s all about making the world a better place for everyone who lives in cities. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?

What is your favorite city and why?
Detroit is my favorite city. I grew up in the nearby suburbs, so I visited often. Sometimes it was for entertainment events, other times for DECA conferences, and many times just to hang out. But no matter the reason, Detroit always had something special to offer. An aspect I love about Detroit is its architecture. Every building tells a story, and I often find inspiration for my drawings just by walking around the city. One place I always love visiting is the Detroit Institute of Arts. My family and I spend hours there, exploring all the incredible artwork from different cultures and time periods. But what really sets Detroit apart is its hidden gems, like the creative alleyways. These little spots are like works of art themselves, adding a unique charm to the city. Overall, Detroit holds a special place in my heart because of its creativity, diversity, and the memories I’ve made there. It’s more than just a city to me; it’s a source of inspiration and adventure.

The new Urban Technology program is unique, with first-year students beginning classes in January. How did you spend your time last fall?
I found having a gap semester to be a great opportunity. I was able to enjoy my summer with friends and family, and then in the fall I worked two different restaurant server jobs. It was exhausting but it helped me put away some money for school and improve my selling and interpersonal skills. But I didn’t want to miss out on any of the fun stuff happening on campus. So, I made sure to be on campus for welcome week and all the home football games. And on Sundays throughout the semester, while my friends were doing their homework, I was learning Python through the coding class that was recommended by U-M.

What are you most looking forward to at Michigan?
I’m looking forward to college life in general, both the academic and social aspects. I’m excited to live in the dorms with a roommate who is also in urban technology. I’m also looking forward to engaging in collaborative design projects and the opportunity to be creative and acquire practical skills. Finally, exploring various cities through the Urban Tech program is what I am most eager to experience.