Skye Patton

“Students root for their peers’ success while consistently pushing each other to present their best possible work.”

Academic Areas of Interest
Urban planning, urban studies, architecture, and sustainability

Hobbies or interests outside of academia
Figure skating – University of Michigan Figure Skating Team, Thrifting, Admitted Student Tours – Campus Day Leaders

Why did you choose Taubman College as the right program for you?
I chose Taubman College because of its strong academic program and its priority on community. Paired with the other University of Michigan colleges, you can truly explore every academic interest. Taubman provides students with a small classroom environment and close attention from professors, while also offering an expansive alumni network, thousands of clubs, and amazing school spirit that comes with the University of Michigan.

What is special or excites you about the Taubman community?
I love the diversity of experiences and interests within the Taubman community. Our College is united through passion, and by simply interacting with professors, staff, and my peers, I grow more every day.

If applicable, tell us about studio culture – what is inspiring or innovative or unique?
I have not experienced Junior or Senior year studios; however, through the modules, there is a culture of hard work, collaboration, and community. Students root for their peers’ success while consistently pushing each other to present their best possible work. At Taubman, it never feels like you are doing it alone. There is always someone there, whether a peer or staff/faculty member, to lend a helping hand.

Describe your experience with faculty and professional staff during your time at Taubman?
My experience with the faculty and professional staff at Taubman has been nothing short of amazing. Professors at Taubman come from all over, with vastly different experiences and backgrounds; however, that is what makes the College so special. I have gained a new skill or understanding from every class I have taken and every professor I have had the opportunity to work with. The passion that exudes from the faculty and staff is unmatched, and they will root for your success while pushing you to new heights every single day.

What benefits have you experienced being part of the University of Michigan?
The University of Michigan is a phenomenal school filled with school spirit, community engagement, academic rigor, and collaboration. Between the exceptional faculty, expansive course load, travel opportunities, thousands of clubs, and passionate student body, you can truly achieve anything you put your mind to while finding your community along the way. I love that you can take classes or join organizations across the colleges. I chose to pursue two minors in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, Sustainability and Urban Studies, which has allowed me to round out my academic interests and complement my architecture education. The alumni network is also extraordinary. Alums are incredibly engaged with the student body, offering opportunities ranging from scholarships to internships to portfolio reviews to advice. Once you go blue, you are in this community forever, one that pushes you to achieve your best, roots for your accomplishments, and lends a helping hand.

What do you like most about being part of the Ann Arbor community?
Ann Arbor is an amazing community with a phenomenal art scene, community events, and local fairs that occur year-round. I currently work at a local non-profit that provides free after-school programming for high school students, which has been a really great way to get involved with the community. I also love going to the farmers’ market every Saturday and seeing all the local vendors. Truly, Ann Arbor is such a vibrant city, and I am so grateful I get to call it my home away from home.

What advice would you give prospective students as they consider Taubman College?
The University of Michigan is a place where anything is possible. Taubman is so special because it makes a large school feel small through a tight-knit, passionate community. My best piece of advice would be to go all in. Join the clubs, apply for internships, go to the seminars, talk with your professors, and explore your interests. Taubman has so much to offer, and by engaging with the College, you will get so much out of your education at Michigan.

What are your plans after graduation?
As of now, I am hoping to earn a dual master’s degree in architecture and urban planning, with the intention of engaging in restorative justice while creating more equitable communities. I am really passionate about making quality, safe housing more accessible, specifically, working directly with communities to create more sustainable adaptation/development.

Additional advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective students?
Embrace the journey. The work can be challenging; however, you will learn so much and build so many relationships along the way. Trust yourself and your abilities. You can do anything you put your mind to, and just know that you will never be doing it alone!