02/27/2020
I first dreamed of being an architect when I was 10 years old; today I became one.
When I was 10 years old, I started drawing house plans and dreaming of the spaces and the people who would live their lives in them. I used to take the giant Sears and JCPenney catalogs and cut out the furniture and set them in my floor plans in the spare room and pretend play. It was then I discovered I wanted to be an architect. I knew so much so that I focused my classes then after through high school to prepare me for my dream job. Then of course, I went to the best school around for Architecture at Kansas State University. In the first year, they expose students to all of the architectural disciplines, which I am so thankful for as I found myself falling in love with the endless possibilities of Landscape Architecture. Fast forward 5 years of the program, several semesters of interning, and a hefty financial investment in my future, I graduated with my Masters of Landscape Architecture, ready to take on the world, but with zero job opportunities at the lowest point of the great recession to try to find employment. Through my great connections and support made thru interning, I was lucky enough to snag a 'temporary' job with a design/build landscape company. The economy and job market improved, as did my experience and construction knowledge, but I found myself immersed in a company and job I loved and was proud of. Any kid who goes to school to become an architect has the ultimate goal to be licensed which requires many hurdles being jumped. But I found myself several years out of school, busy with life, working successfully without licensure, and honestly not interested in the amount of work required to gain it. Then something happened after I had my babies. I had a desire again to achieve for myself and for them. To show them that moms can do it all and we should. So I started the road to licensure November of 2018 with a full time job. 4 major tests over a full year, providing proof of education and experience as well as referrals.... All to receive this rubber stamp with my name and a reserved number for me to practice my trade. I'm so proud of completing the goal my 10 year old self made. It has taken hard work, focus, committment, and incredible support. My family, friends, teachers, mentors, coworkers, and most of all my husband. He has been supporting me and my dreams for 14 years now and taken the brunt of the work so I could study intensely over the last year. This is for him as well as for me, we are an incredible team and together, anything is possible. Now to set new goals and show my boys what dreams and life are meant for!
Don't give up on growing and achieving, as the moment when you reach the summit and can look at all your victories, is the most rewarding feeling!