For my fifth and final honors experience, I decided to give back to my DAAP community. I participated in the brand new DAAP Mentorship program. The purpose of this program was to help the freshman in the SAID program feel more connected to the DAAP community and get tangible advice from the upperclassmen. I had the pleasure of mentoring three students, all in different studio sections. We discussed their work, their career goals, and just how they were dealing with the challenges that come with attending college during the pandemic. I prepared many presentations for our meetings throughout the semester, including advice on coop, architects they should know, and just advice on how to survive the long nights before critiques.

 

I really hope they got a lot out of our meetings this semester, because I know I got a lot out of them and it was an absolute pleasure to be their mentor. I couldn’t think of a better final honors experience – while I was preparing for our meetings I was reflected on my experience in DAAP at UC, from the late-night runs to Center Court after studio, to my first day starting work in Chicago, and of all my final presentations. I have learned so much in my time at this University, and it was an absolute honor to be able to share what I have learned with the future of this incredible program.

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I had my mentees take a brief survey after our last meeting, just to get feedback for myself, so I can be better prepared for the next semester. I am so happy that the mentor program will continue into next semester, and I hope it will remain a part of the DAAP program even after the Unversity experience returns to normal.