Mia Flynn

 It feels impactful to be part of a university that makes space for students to influence and challenge it to be better.

Hometown
Port Washington, NY, United States

Degree Program(s)
B.S. Architecture

Expected Graduation Date
April 2024

Academic Areas of Interest
Sustainability, public spaces, energy science

Hobbies or interests outside of academia
Hiking, art, and cooking

Why did you choose Taubman College as the right program for you?
I knew Taubman College was the right choice for me because it allowed me to not only obtain an incredible architecture education but also to explore my other related interests. The flexibility of the four-year degree has given me space in my course schedule to explore the different architecture modules, take on a minor in energy science and policy, and take an art class for fun here and there. These additional courses have all related back to my studies at Taubman and have shaped my unique interests in the architecture field.

What is special or excites you about the Taubman community?
Taubman College is diverse in both backgrounds and interests. The students and faculty work to support and build community by learning from one another and working together to grow. A great deal of what I’ve learned at the college is a side effect of getting to know everyone in my cohort.

If applicable, tell us about studio culture – what is inspiring or innovative or unique?
The studio culture at Taubman is energetic. The studio spaces themselves encourage students to float around from studio to studio and see what their peers are working on. Whenever I land on a project I am curious about, the creator is always excited to talk about it and share their knowledge. Experiences like these make studio more than just a desk to work at, but a place for constant growth.

Describe your experience with faculty and professional staff during your time at Taubman?
It has been great to experience the professors’ diverse personalities and teaching styles. I’ve grown very close with my studio professors and my spring travel professor because we spend so much time together. Developing this type of relationship has made it very easy to go to them as a resource, even after I had left their class.

How has Taubman’s career and professional development support prepared you for a successful career in your chosen field?
I have always felt comfortable taking advantage of advising appointments with the career and professional development team. They have been invaluable to my navigation of the often dizzying course guide and have helped me find the classes that will interest me the most while fulfilling my requirements. I will definitely use all the assistance I can get from them when it comes time to apply to grad school.

What benefits have you experienced being part of the University of Michigan?
I have had many opportunities to participate in environmental advocacy alongside students from a variety of other areas of study. I have found community in a few clubs and organizations around this topic and obtained a student job that promotes campus sustainability efforts. It feels impactful to be part of a university that makes space for students to influence and challenge it to be better.

What do you like most about being part of the Ann Arbor community?
I would try to make a more inspirational answer, but in truth it’s the food. You can find everything you could want at walking distance from campus. I’m currently working on trying new places instead of only sticking to my tried and trues, but it is proving challenging to avoid my favorites!

What advice would you give prospective students as they consider Taubman College?
Be yourself in your application. As I said, the best thing about Taubman is the variety of interests and identities that make up the student body, and your interests will add even more to the pool.

What are your plans after graduation?
Right now, I am planning on going to graduate school to take the next step toward becoming a licensed architect. I would be lying if I said that my career aspirations didn’t shift by the day, but I am excited to find a job that satisfies my inner architect/activist/artist.

Additional advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective students?
Come here! We’d love to have ya.