In May of last year I graduated from a grueling fi ve year program at Kansas State University ready to set out in the world with my shiny, new degree. Of course, the best laid plans don’t necessarily come to pass the way we would like. In the time since graduation, I have tried to make light of not obtaining a job by involving myself in other activities. Being a part of my church has always been important to me, so once I was back home I decided to give back what was given to me growing up and become a sponsor of the senior high youth group. Being a sponsor meant mentoring and being present in the lives of these teens in hopes that I might make a diff erence. I even had the opportunity to travel with them to South Dakota for a week long mission trip on the Lakota Indian Reservation and again this year to Cleveland, Ohio.

Once I returned, I was able to get involved with a project much more related to architecture. The director of theKansas City Design Center needed help completing research for a historic preservation project in Kansas City, Kansas. I have been passionate about historic preservation for a few years now, so I happily jumped on board. In addition to this project, in order to keep myself “in” the architecture world, I had begun to teach myself Revit. I have also continued to sketch and watercolor to keep my skills fresh. I’ve even designed and built a desk for myself, with the help of a fellow church member who can only be described as a master carpenter. In addition, I have done some
graphic design work for a Kansas City based not-for-profi t organization called Transformation Journeys. More recently, I have had the fortunate opportunity to be the lead designer on a pro-bono project for Hillcrest Ministries, a transitional housing ministry in Kansas City, Missouri. With the help of 360 Architects, I have been able to be a part of the project from the start, communicating with the client directly and preparing the needed drawings. This project has given me invaluable experience for my future in the architecture world. In the midst of this, I have also been fortunate to take a Revit class. The skills I have gained in this class will only further my education and make me an even better candidate for an Architectural Intern position. In July of  2011, I had the opportunity to participate in a design charette put on by the Kansas City based organization EcoAbet. Eight teams made up of students, new graduates and practicing designers worked together to find solutions for urban issues including a home for girls, a bike shop, a day center for homeless, and an urban garden. 

As frustrating as this post-graduation time has been, I have learned so much and obtained many skills that will make me a better architect and person. I strongly believe that I have what it takes to be a part of a design team that delivers to the client exactly what they never knew they wanted. I learn fast, am a self-starter, take constructive criticism well, and always finish the task at hand. One trait I pride myself on would be my easy-going nature. I have always been able to see the good in people, which allows me to get along with most everyone, and I enjoy working with all types. As my resume states, I do have experience working in an architecture fi rm and was lucky to be able to dapple in many diff erent projects during my internship. Those experiences as well as the many I have obtained over
the past year will help me in my career.

Last but but not least, I have been given a wonderful chance to return to Italy where I studied during my time at Kansas State. I will be working at the study center I once attended, honing my language skills and continuing to study watercolor and sketching using the beauty of Tuscany as my model. I know I will learn as much this time as I did the last.