An Architect's Dream by Emily

An Architect's Dream by Emily - March 2020 Scholarship Essay

Ten years from now, I want to run an architecture firm in the United States and Ecuador. It’s something I’ve been wanting to do since I was eight years old, but it’s easier said than done. To get there, I am going to have to start small and work my way to the top.
The first phase of this long journey started in the spring of 2019, when I began taking college courses through The Ohio State University. Since then, I have completed fifteen credit hours—and I am currently finishing another seven—through OSU’s Academy program. These courses count towards my General Education requirement for a bachelor’s degree in Architecture and will make it easier for me to pursue a minor degree. I am majoring Architecture at The Ohio State University’s main campus in Columbus, Ohio, and I will be studying there for four years. While I am getting my degree in Architecture, I plan on getting a minor degree in Environmental Resources. I believe this minor will complement my major nicely because I need to understand how my buildings will impact the environment around them. Once I earn my bachelor’s degree in Architecture, I will stay at OSU for two more years to earn my master’s degree and my professional license.
The second phase of this journey, getting workplace experience, will begin while I am attending OSU. I am going to spend my summers interning for architecture firms in order to get more experience outside the classroom. This will allow me to not only to see how my knowledge can be applied in real life situations, but I will also be able to learn how architecture firms are run. Once I receive my bachelor’s degree, I plan on working full-time at a firm for at least three years. By continuing to work for a firm, I will be able to expand my portfolio and build a name for myself in the architecture world, while also continuing to learn more about the business side of architecture.
The third phase begins when I open an architecture firm in the United States. Currently, I am planning on opening a firm in my home state of Ohio. My focus will be on houses and church buildings, although I may extend the range based on the specialties of my employees. Assuming everything goes according to plan, I will branch out to other states.
The fourth and final phase, opening a branch in Ecuador, will come once I have established a strong base in the United States. I have a cousin on my mom’s side of the family with an architecture degree who I would work with to open this Ecuadorian branch. I would very much like to work with him in planning houses and churches for the wonderful people of Ecuador.
I understand these are lofty goals, but this is what I truly want to be doing in ten years. I believe that by devoting myself to working and studying hard now, I can complete all four phases of my plan by 2030—and maybe even go global with my business. It’s my dream, and I will achieve it.