Year 3 Reflection
To me, someone who exemplifies a Global Citizen Scholar proactively uses their talents to enact positive change. My definition of a Global Citizen Scholar has remained consistent throughout my time at UC, but my personal approach to expressing myself as one has evolved. This year was particularly unique because I decided to embrace my creative talents and pursue a minor in architectural studies, a plan I had since my freshman year to complement my degrees in finance and real estate. So far in my architectural journey, I have taken two courses: Ritual and Space, and Design Science.
Ritual and Space introduced me to the world of architecture. Each week, we focused on different architectural principles such as space, light, material, tectonics, and landscape, and were tasked with creating written reviews of architectural works that emphasized one of these principles. Over time, I learned to view buildings critically and use my analysis to uncover deeper meanings behind design elements.
Design Science taught me how to draw like an architect. Similar to Ritual and Space, each week we explored different architectural principles, but instead of written analysis, we applied our knowledge in our sketchbooks. Attached below is a collection of my works from this course. Developing the ability to sketch architectural elements was crucial as it enhanced my understanding of structures, joint connections, lighting, and space.
I have had the opportunity to use these new found skills to enact positive change through my spring semester internship at The Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority. The Port is a Cincinnati organization working with the Cincinnati Government and local community development corporations to bring broken real estate back to productive use. Working on the Commercial Development Team, I have had the opportunity to assist with larger development projects in Cincinnati by creating preliminary underwriting analyses and working with leadership to better gauge the application process for grant funding. My architecture skills have been useful in my understanding of development plans and aided my ability to communicate with various project contributors. This experience has been extremely meaningful as I have been able to contribute in a small way to the economic development of various neighborhoods in Cincinnati.
Going forward, I hope I can continue to find ways to combine my interests in finance and real estate with creative pursuits. I believe this route is the best combination of my talents and will enable me to continue to grow into a Global Citizen Scholar.
