This summer was more super-busy and stressful than the previous summer breaks. However, summer 2013 was enlightening. I learned more about myself as a person and reflected about my career path.

In my first year of Architecture school, I had become overwhelmed in school. I'll admit it. I dropped courses and was overwhelmed easily. I was thrown into a new curriculum where I felt inferior and isolated by the new class I was with. It seemed like anxiety, stress, lack of sleep and a less than perfect grade in a few classes would screw with the year I thought I would succeed and own. I didn't feel like a student in control of his life at all.

A few months later, right now, I am starting to change my outlook on my current situation in life (or trying my best to). I want to regain that control in my life so not get myself in to a dark stressful place I was last year. Freshman year was not all bad though! I'm a perfectionist and very hard on myself so most of this stems from my expectations (sometimes warped) of what I expected first year of college to be like, instead of the reality of what it actually turned out to be. I want to show myself that it's not the end of the world if things don't work out perfectly or if plans change.

Summer has made me question and reflect on my architecture career path. And, though ambitious as it is, my struggles and this enlightenment has kinda rekindled my goals in continuing in my architecture career path by looking into non-traditional forms of architecture practice. I'm still remaining in architecture. It's great realizing that there's more opportunities with our degree than just aiming for being licensed and practicing in a design firm.

So as I end Summer 2013 - I just gotta say thanks for the lessons. I'm glad for the personal growth I've made. I hope with dedication and effort that I can begin this year on a high note. I know architecture school is not easy, so I'm hoping that this year will be better than the last and let's rock n' roll!!