Jenna Jarjoura

“The professors are truly unmatched.”

Hometown
Ann Arbor, MI

Degree Program(s)
B.S. Architecture

Expected Graduation Date
May 2025

Academic Areas of Interest
Architecture, Sustainability, Agriculture, Cultural Organizing

Hobbies or interests outside of academia
Farming, Biking, Cafe Lounging

Why did you choose Taubman College as the right program for you?
I was born and raised in Ann Arbor and went to Community High, the high school in Kerrytown. I find a lot of similarities between my high school experience, graduating with 100 other students, and Taubman College, where I will graduate with a similar number of people.

What is special or excites you about the Taubman community?
The professors are truly unmatched. Even when I think I know a good amount of different software and how to do things creatively in architecture, there are learning curves each semester. Everyone is super committed to their education and, therefore, the community. I would not be able to complete my education holistically without my peers and professors.

If applicable, tell us about studio culture – what is inspiring or innovative or unique?
This semester is a bit different for me as I am in “studio reassembled.” It is more lively and more relaxed with the same expectations for deadlines and craft being executed. Studio Reassembled is exciting because you are free to work where you would like within a bigger space, which allows for more collaboration between ages and studios who are doing different things. In terms of the actual culture within my experience at Taubman, I think a lot of people in this field talk about how you can speak a different language to your architecture peers in comparison to your friends and family outside of this field. I feel so deeply connected to my peers within my studio and, at this point, know everyone within my grade. Relationships are being formed within and outside of the studio in the form of bonfires at friends’ houses to celebrate the end of reviews or going out and getting a drink and talking about life outside of architecture.

Describe your experience with faculty and professional staff during your time at Taubman?
I was definitely quiet when I first got here, and I am 100% not that anymore. I think I can thank both my peers and my professors for that. They really support your growth not just your drawings but your confidence. There have been many times where I have felt like an imposter and all the professors I have worked closely with have done a great job at reminding me that I belong.

What benefits have you experienced being part of the University of Michigan?
Comradery is a huge one. Like I said, I was raised in Ann Arbor, but it is different when you are a student. There are parts of town I didn’t know existed until I started going to school here. Overall, I am grateful to be privileged enough to have had these experiences at a top university where I get to pay in-state tuition — paying out-of-state was truly not an option.

What do you like most about being part of the Ann Arbor community?
I like that I can continue to build the relationships that I already had without being so far away and also get to introduce parts of my life pre-college to ones that I have now in college and being part of the U-M Community — which is definitely different than the Ann Arbor community. I like the culture surrounding sustainability and politics, creating a better city for all of the people who inhabit this awesome place.

What advice would you give prospective students as they consider Taubman College?
If you have imposter syndrome, don’t let that stop you from applying. There is an informal culture at this prestigious school that has to do with meeting you where you are. You are not expected to know everything. You are not expected to have all the tools to be the best student. You are expected to be a sponge. Be a sponge!

What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to stay in the Midwest, ideally somewhere like Chicago. I will be working at an architecture firm or diving more into my interests in agriculture.

Additional advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective students?
Have fun and recognize that there is life outside of the studio. Normalize having a life. Real-world events are going on both amazing and unprecedented and those things make you a better artist and person, therefore a better future architect. Also, remember that rest is productive — my motto for all of UG1.