Setbacks to Success: My First Year

My first year of undergrad was nothing short of memorable. Majoring in architecture, I entered college with limited experience in hand drafting or drawing.

While I always had a passion for innovation and creation, I had never used traditional artistic mediums to express it. So, when I began my studio classes, my projects initially fell toward the lower end of the spectrum in terms of both visual execution and technical skills.

That belief in myself only grew as I earned additional scholarships and professional certifications over the summer thanks to the skills I developed.

To make matters more challenging, I battled a series of illnesses throughout the year. From contracting COVID twice to suffering a concussion and dealing with persistent migraines and blurred vision, I faced a constant uphill battle. Multiple professionals advised me to take medical leave, but thanks to my college's dean, who believed in me and offered guidance, I was able to continue as a full-time student with disability accommodations. Being surrounded by such support gave me the space to explore subjects that had always fascinated me.

Education, for me, became about pushing boundaries — exploring new concepts and technologies through every assignment. I expanded my skills in hand drafting and model making, and began learning how to use the laser cutter and 3D printer. I also refined my abilities with digital tools like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Lightroom, and Rhino 8.

By the end of the year, though I still faced some health challenges, I finished strong. I no longer felt lost with instructions and learned to trust my instincts when taking creative liberties. My final project was a testament to my growth, and I no longer felt like my work was subpar. I was honored to receive my department's "Courageous Learners" award, recognizing my curiosity and determination to seek knowledge despite the obstacles.

That belief in myself only grew as I earned additional scholarships and professional certifications over the summer thanks to the skills I developed. Now, as a sophomore, I'm committed to learning even more technologies and sharing what I've gained with first-year students. Looking back, I am deeply grateful to everyone who supported me through that challenging year — they helped me build the foundation for both my academic success and personal resilience. And that's how my first year at Drexel went — challenging, but incredibly rewarding.