Wrapping Up!

My second year in college is coming to an end, so I thought I would reflect on the year as a whole. 

The main thing that comes to mind when reflecting on this year is how much I and my peers have improved. Sometimes it feels like our projects are so long-term and incremental that I'm not actually learning anything. We don't spend a lot of time on concrete facts and formulas, and there aren't exactly boxes to check off to show our progress. But when I think about the beginning of this year, it's clear how far I've come. Our first-year projects were very abstract. This was the first year we actually got to design buildings, which is a big step in and of itself. Learning new software programs has been crucial in making my projects look more polished and professional and has improved my workflow. I've also improved my hand drawing ability and gained a new appreciation for sketches in an increasingly digital field.

It's also remarkable just how different this year has been compared to last year. Now that we're in the actual program, lots has changed. Though things are less competitive, they're also more serious. We also now have our own desks in the studio. The endless hours spent at my desk have really allowed me to get to know my classmates and collaborate with them. The studio environment is a lot like how it will be in the real world, so I'm glad to be getting the experience now. Another big difference, as I mentioned before, is that we have moved from more abstract projects to actual architecture. I remember being frustrated last year when we never got to make an actual building, so that experience last year is something I'm grateful for. 

Though this year has been challenging, I am thankful for all the experience I've gotten, and I can confidently say I am more prepared for the real world. 

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