Allow Me to Introduce Myself


    Hello and welcome to my blog! My name is Jaycie Clarke, and I am currently in my second year studying architecture at North Dakota State University. Though architecture takes up much of my time here, I like to be involved in other ways, including my sorority Alpha Gamma Delta, intermural sports, and leading welcome week for incoming freshman. I love the connections I get to make with people and the opportunities I'm given to learn and grow through my involvement at NDSU.


    In my first 3 semesters here at NDSU, I have been asked one question countless times: "Why did you choose architecture?". Every time I get a little nervous because I don't have a moving, in depth answer for that question. My answer usually is "because it seemed cool, and I like buildings". Groundbreaking, Jaycie. But what's more important to me is why I've stayed in architecture. In these 3 short semesters, architecture has become my dream career. The more I learn about it the more I want to learn about it. Each new building, I learn about both amazes me and inspires me to imagine how it's ideas could be improved or built upon. The working architects and faculty I've met have become role models for the type of adult I want to be. Working in a studio environment has made me love bouncing ideas off of my peers. Architecture, as I've learned, combines many of my interests--design, math, interpersonal communication, art, and more--into a career that I can use to impact the world in meaningful ways. 

NDSU's Architecture Facility
    I look to the future of my career with excitement, but also lots of uncertainty. I'm still new to the study (I've been in school for 3 semesters, as I mentioned), and I have lots to learn about the different ways an architect can use their degree. At this stage, I don't have a clear idea of what I want my career to look like. I know it is evident when a space was carefully, thoughtfully designed, and I want the spaces I make to echo that. I hope to create spaces that have a positive impact on the environment rather than a negative. I want them to enhance natural landscapes rather than overshadow them. I also would like to work with improving the affordability and accessibility of housing in the future. In general, I want to do something that makes a difference, as cliche as that may be.

    As for this blog, I will be posting about current events and innovations in the field of architecture, as well as my experiences as a student. I'm sure I'll have plenty of stories to tell.

 Thanks for letting me introduce myself!

    

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