Most people play games to escape reality—I played one that helped me discover mine. When I got my first iPad, I downloaded The Sims, and I was instantly hooked—not by the characters or storylines, but by the architecture. I spent hours building homes, placing furniture, and designing entire neighborhoods from scratch. While others were creating drama between Sims, I was carefully aligning windows and picking floor finishes. I didn’t realize it then, but I had stumbled across my passion. That game didn’t just entertain me—it gave me my first taste of what it means to be a designer. I still play it to this day, because it reminds me why I fell in love with building community through thoughtful design. Today, as a senior architecture student, I’m more committed than ever to that dream. I want to create spaces that do more than look good—I want them to feel right for the people living, working, and gathering inside them. I want to bring beauty, purpose, and care to the environments we occupy every day. As I continue my journey, I strive to embody Luminaut’s values in everything I do. To me, being humble yet hungry means always being open to learning—from professors, professionals, and especially the communities I hope to serve—while staying motivated to grow and push my creativity. I know I don’t have all the answers yet, but I’m hungry to keep exploring, experimenting, and improving. Being focused yet fun is something I live out daily. Architecture school is intense—between long studio hours, deadlines, and critiques, it can be easy to burn out. But I’ve learned how important it is to bring lightness and joy to the process. Whether it’s adding a playful design element to a project or supporting my classmates through late nights, I try to stay grounded in the love I have for design. That balance keeps me engaged, curious, and connected. To be super yet human is to pursue excellence while never losing sight of the people behind the project. My own experiences have shaped this mindset. Balancing school with personal challenges—especially caring for my mom during her illness and managing financial stress—has taught me compassion, resilience, and perspective. I know what it’s like to carry a heavy load, and that’s made me even more committed to designing spaces that feel supportive, healing, and inclusive for others. Looking ahead, I plan to graduate with my Bachelor of Science in Architecture, then pursue a Master’s in Community Development Planning. My ultimate goal is to work with firms and organizations that prioritize sustainability, affordability, and community impact—especially in underserved urban areas. I want to design not just buildings, but neighborhoods that uplift the people in them. Just like in The Sims, I want to keep imagining and building vibrant, connected communities—but now, for real. I’m excited to bring both passion and purpose to the field of architecture, and I’m grateful for opportunities like this one that support students like me along the way.

Throughout my educational journey, one person has stood as a pillar of strength, unwavering in her support: my mother. Her influence on my life has been profound, but it is her recent diagnosis with stage 4 breast cancer that has brought her unwavering love, resilience, and determination into sharp focus. My mother, who has single-handedly raised me for most of my life, has been the guiding force behind my academic achievements, teaching me lessons that go far beyond the classroom. Growing up, I watched my mother navigate the challenges of life with grace and an unyielding spirit. She was both mother and father, the one who held everything together. The demands of being a single parent didn’t deter her; instead, they fueled her resolve to provide me with the best opportunities possible. She worked tirelessly, often sacrificing her own needs and desires to ensure that I had everything. Her dedication to my education was evident in the countless hours she spent helping me with homework, attending parent-teacher conferences, and encouraging me to pursue my interests. Her support extended far beyond anything. My mother instilled in me the belief that education was the key to unlocking a better future. She taught me that knowledge is power and that with determination, I could achieve anything I set my mind to. She was my first teacher, instilling in me a love for learning that has stayed with me throughout my life. Whether it was reading to me before bed or discussing the news at the dinner table, she made sure that I was always curious, always questioning, and always striving to learn more. When my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, our world was turned upside down. The diagnosis was devastating, and the reality of her illness was overwhelming. However, in true form, my mother faced this new challenge with the same strength and determination that had always defined her. She continued to encourage me to focus on my studies, even when her own health was deteriorating. She reminded me that education was the foundation of my future and that it was something no one could ever take away from me. Despite her illness, my mother remained my biggest cheerleader. She insisted on attending my school events, even when she was too weak to stand for long periods. She continued to offer guidance and advice, helping me navigate the complexities of school and life. Her resilience in the face of such a devastating illness has been nothing short of inspirational. She has shown me what it means to be strong, to persevere in the face of adversity, and to never give up on what is important. My mother’s support has been more than just words of encouragement; it has been her actions that have truly impacted my educational journey. She has taught me the importance of perseverance, even when the road is difficult. Her fight against cancer has made me more determined than ever to succeed in my education, to make her proud, and to honor the sacrifices she has made for me. In many ways, my mother’s battle with cancer has strengthened our bond and deepened my commitment to my education. I am acutely aware that every moment I spend learning, every exam I pass, and every goal I achieve is a testament to her love and support. She has always been there for me, guiding me, encouraging me, and believing in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. Now, more than ever, I am determined to achieve my educational goals, not just for myself, but for her.