My interest in a career in architecture began in high school, but unfortunately, I did not pursue it at that time. Instead, I studied film production and moved to Los Angeles to try my hand in the industry. In my spare time, I was painting and drawing, following lessons learned from an art tutor in my childhood. To show off my artwork, I learned how to build a website, and as I continued to build those skills, found work in web design and development.
For a little over a decade, I worked as a software developer, all the while regretting not pursuing architecture. After my personal and professional life stabilized, I decided to go back to school. For the past six years, I've been studying full-time at UIC, first in undergrad and now at the graduate level, while also working full-time as a software developer to support myself and my family.
I plan to graduate December 2024, and am looking forward to the start of a new career.