My Freshman Year

Hey there cuAIAS Bloggers! My name is Michael, but feel free to call me Mikey. I will be a sophomore this upcoming fall. I want to commend you for choosing such a rigorous major to pursue. Architecture will be an arduous yet creative road ahead of you with countless of opportunities at your fingertips. I know this may sound a little cliché, but it honestly does feel like it was only yesterday when I entered CUA's campus and started my college career as a freshman. All the experiences and friends I've had this past year are without a doubt timeless memories. Recollecting on a few would simply take days, but let me try to give you a few snippets from each semester…

Fall semester definitely started a little earlier than expected, but it was no biggie at all. The courses I took that were relevant to architecture were ARCH 100 - Introduction to the Designed Environment and ARCH 135 - History of Architecture I. Both classes were absolutely enlightening; introducing me to the power of a sketchbook. ARCH 100 allowed me to practice sketching and all sorts of techniques to help me along. There were several lectures from very influential people (some even architects), movies, and demonstrations that were unbelievably valuable. ARCH 136 exposed me to architecture from all over the world. I know it sounds so boring, but just sitting through class made me so excited. I felt like the class took you back in time and to the exact location of each piece. It was also great studying a few places that I traveled to before! The assignments, projects, and tests are demanding for both classes, but without a doubt, anyone can handle it. During the fall, I also got involved with the school's chapter of AIAS - the American Institute of Architecture Students. It's a small organization, but that allowed me to get close to the rest of the members. We discussed several topics, not only Architecture, arranged a few events during the fall like cool “movie nights” and the organization itself was another resource for great events, volunteer opportunities, and competitions around the area!

For the spring semester, I took ARCH 104 - Introduction to Architectural Presentation/Graphics, ARCH 115 - Introduction to Digital Tools, and ARCH 136 - History of Architecture II. ARCH 136 is definitely like ARCH 135, just later time periods. ARCH 115 was absolutely so much fun! You get to use your personal laptop and mess around with the plethora of programs that you will encounter throughout a career in architecture. I felt like a savvy, technical nerd because I was actually learning how to use such complex software programs! The work and projects didn't feel like horrible, agonizing tasks; it was fun more than anything. Now, ARCH 104 was the real shocker. This was my studio time. First, we were divided into groups of ten or so with TA's (Teacher Assistants) managing us. Then, we were assigned to our specific location in the building. I was ecstatic, just jumping off the walls when I got my own space, desk , and supplies. But the work and assignments came right from the get go, usually announced in the exhibition space. Everything assigned seemed overwhelming and confusing at first, but my TA was there for me with my never-ending questions. The work is positively hard and time consuming, but nonetheless, manageable. You must, must, must manage your time well and pace yourself and your work. Sleepless nights are avoidable, but that wasn't the case for me sometimes. I honestly didn't mind though, you usually weren't alone. Once you're done a project, you have juries to present your work. Now, they were intimidating at first, however you get use to them. A jury is a chance for you just to explain your ideas and processes during the time it took you to complete whatever assignment. If you're happy with your work and confident, it's just simple talking. In studio, I felt like I was an actual architect, it was pretty awesome. Being able to work whenever you wanted to, having your own workspace, and of course being around your friends were all just phenomenal! One last thing to include about spring semester is the Beaux Arts Ball. This was a fabulous event out in the city, planned by AIAS, where you dance, dine and enjoy the company of your friends and teachers all dressed to impress! This year it was held at the fantastic, ultra hip Lotus Lounge. It was frankly a blast and totally great just to sit back, eat, relax, and mingle!

Now, I know that I am sounding pretty jolly about my freshman year and everything sounds sugar coated, but I just had an unforgettable, great year that I cannot complain one bit! Good people, good experiences, good memories that have all made me realize how happy architecture makes me feel. Each of you will have your own individual journey at Catholic, but I can assure you it won't be less than ordinary.

“Dare to disturb the Universe.”
----Robert Cormier, The Chocolate War