“I appreciated the personal connection to faculty, especially in a large school setting.”
Hometown
Amman, Jordan
Degree Program(s)
B.S. Arch
Expected Graduation Date
May 2025
Academic Areas of Interest
Architecture, Entrepreneurship, Real Estate
Hobbies or interests outside of academia
Traveling, Baking, Art
Why did you choose Taubman College as the right program for you?
When I visited Taubman, I was immediately drawn to the energy in the building. During my tour and while shadowing a student in the studio, I noticed and loved the collaborative spirit in the studio, the work-in-progress models, and the experimentation. Most notably, I appreciated the personal connection to faculty, especially in a large school setting.
What is special or excites you about the Taubman community?
I love the lively atmosphere at the building, there’s always something happening! The Taubman community, from student groups to administrators, does a fantastic job of organizing events that give students a chance to take a break and socialize. Even during studio time, students come up with initiatives that enhance the overall experience!
If applicable, tell us about studio culture – what is inspiring or innovative or unique?
I think that taubman does a great job at keeping a healthy and productive studio culture. Our studios emphasize learning from one another, with students collaborating to provide mutual support. Another cool aspect is that during your senior year, you get to ballot for studios. This allows you to choose topics and get paired with students who share similar interests, which is always a cool experience.
Describe your experience with faculty and professional staff during your time at Taubman?
I’ve had a very positive experience with the faculty so far. They are really supportive and willing to collaborate with students. So far, I’ve been paired up with faculty who have helped me uncover interests in architecture and develop my own style that I didn’t know I had.
How has Taubman’s career and professional development support prepared you for a successful career in your chosen field?
Taubman’s career and professional support has been super helpful as I’ve been transitioning to the professional world during the summer. With a large school like Michigan comes a vast alumni network, which can seem overwhelming. However, Taubman does an amazing job of maintaining connections with alumni and facilitating connections with students. This has helped me engage with alumni who have assisted me in improving my portfolio and resume for internship applications.
What benefits have you experienced being part of the University of Michigan?
Being a Wolverine comes with benefits throughout your life. You’ll encounter fellow Wolverines everywhere, whether it’s at the airport, in your workplace, or even internationally. This network helps you make friends, connections, and gives you plenty to talk about. Also, because of the school’s size, companies recognize the quality of our education and actively seek out Michigan graduates to join their teams.
What do you like most about being part of the Ann Arbor community?
I really appreciate how tight-knit the Ann Arbor community is. So many local businesses here collaborate to organize events and festivals, bringing vibrancy to the community. From food festivals and art shows to music festivals, there’s always something happening to celebrate and enjoy.
What advice would you give prospective students as they consider Taubman College?
Make sure that architecture is something that you are actually interested in learning about. What’s appealing about Taubman’s program is that the first two years help provide you with a better understanding of the field without being too in-depth. And if you navigate through these two years while maintaining your passion, you’ll be on the right career track.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan on going to graduate school for architecture, with a focus on entrepreneurship within the field. I want to learn not just the design aspect but also the behind-the-scenes of running an architecture firm. My goal is to get licensed and open up my own firm that’s a good mix of both.