In the abandoned basement of my childhood home, deemed as my playroom, away from the screens of video games and movies, was my haven: a collection of handcrafted barns, each specially built for my beloved toy horses. But these weren't just trivial enclosures made of cardboard and wood; they were the beginnings of my architectural journey, sparked by my enduring love for horses. Horses have always been everything to me. Their grace, power, and beauty captivated my young heart. While I aspired to one day care for a real horse, I began constructing homes for my toy versions. Feeling that each one deserved a barn that embodied its elegance and detail. With a mom unable to purchase the expensive, pre-structured barns, with careful fingers and boundless imagination, my architectural journey began. For a long time, I yearned to become a professional show jumper. My passion for riding and horses had been long in the making until the beginning of my secondary school years. At this juncture, I was required to make a life-altering decision: did I pursue this and become a full-time online student, or did I accept that my time on the exquisite four-legged creatures I so loved had come to a halt? Never stagnant, the evolution of life was left unharnessed and I was found with the reality of confronting myself. This was the precise moment at which innocence evaporated and this unknown territory commenced. Some would say that falling out of love with my first passion shattered me; however, it unequivocally ignited new fires within me. I would eternally adore the equestrian way, and for this and multiple reasons will always cherish this time riding, yet I, Sierra Mckenzie Washington, am also a realist; I would emerge a brilliant architect whose tenacious drive would create buildings and environmentally conservative structures the type mankind had never seen. My adolescent crush for crafting Breyer barns and stalls for the collection of toy horses I had acquired throughout the years would eventually have a lasting purpose. There's a pivotal moments in all people’s lives when one realizes that life is not a game of perfection and there is not just one “correct” path to traverse. Hitting a concrete wall does not equate to failure. I have discovered that life is a series of experiences that cultivate the soul inspiring the blossoming of several gardens within me. As I begin the chapter of my new journey, I have the certitude that my collegiate time will continue to enrich me and bestow to me the opportunities to foster a more tranquil society in which all inhabitants can thrive and become the best version of themselves. As I look to the future, I know that all the lessons that life has taught me thus far, have not been in vain. Contemplating the unknown journeys that await my tomorrow, I am filled with wonder and eagerly anticipate my time: I am determined to soar.

From the ground up, infrastructure impacts the health and mindsets of the surrounding population. Poorly designed infrastructure can lead to pollution and disrupt local communities, leading to poverty. It also leaves people vulnerable and disadvantaged. With a Bachelor of Design in Architecture, I plan to help change and improve infrastructure in and out of the United States, offering those in need more opportunities and access. Most buildings run off of nonrenewable resources, partaking in air pollution. Air pollution causes cancer, heart disease, lung disease, and other life-threatening illnesses. So changing something as simple as the energy a building runs on can improve the health of numerous communities. Using my degree in Architecture, I want to be able to design establishments that produce net-zero emissions, meaning that the energy consumed by the home would be repurposed from renewable resources. This would essentially lower the cost of living, further allowing for more access and opportunity. Many areas that are highly concentrated with minorities are surrounded by poor infrastructure, causing a lack of health care, lack of access, and opportunity. Often, the cities are slowly gentrified, pushing the residents out, and raising prices, leaving those unable to afford residences. However, with my future degree and experience, I plan on providing budget-safe materials to help construct safe and influential infrastructure. Additionally, having a voluntary group of construction workers would lower the budget and give those who need jobs multiple opportunities. All of the above work to improve the environment, repairing the damage done in small communities without causing further harm. Some ways I could use my degree in Architecture for projects that improve minority health, including some community buildings. A future project of mine that could improve minority health is a women's clinic. While women's clinics are already implemented in communities, they are often stigmatized and lack quality health care. Constructing a net-zero-emissions women's clinic opens up the opportunity to have better healthcare. As the clinic would have a low opening and running costs, there would be more room in the budget to afford quality workers and treatment plans. Developing clinics such as the one described all over the country can improve women's (minority) health while improving the environment. Environmental issues and health go hand and hand with each other. Preserving the environment decreases pollution, leading to fewer cases of cancer, heart disease, lung disease, and other life-threatening illnesses. Having a degree in Architecture will allow me to give back while improving. I can potentially implement these improvements in essential infrastructure in other countries to help women and other minorities worldwide.