Hobbies and interests
Painting and Studio Art
Screenwriting
Writing
Anthropology
Liberal Arts and Humanities
Human Rights
Art History
Hiking And Backpacking
Camping
Business And Entrepreneurship
Finance
International Relations
Interior Design
3D Modeling
Woodworking
Social Justice
Environmental Science and Sustainability
Architecture
Animals
Stocks And Investing
Economics
Dungeons And Dragons
Acting And Theater
Art
digital art
Walking
Yoga
Coffee
Math
Geology
Mathematics
Collaging
Reading
Academic
Adventure
Science Fiction
Fantasy
Classics
Architecture
Art
Sociology
Social Issues
LGBTQA+
Book Club
Design
Literary Fiction
Literature
Humanities
Murder Mystery
Folklore
I read books multiple times per week
Taylor Henderson
8,045
Bold Points1x
Nominee2x
Finalist1x
WinnerTaylor Henderson
8,045
Bold Points1x
Nominee2x
Finalist1x
WinnerBio
Hello, Friends- thank you for visiting my page!
Besides my background in architecture (MArch + DigiFab), I have a strong love of art, humanities, and literature.
My curiosity and desire to learn encompasses everything from academia to places and people. I love traveling and am always learning something new. My modus operandi involves diving head-first into my latest job/project/adventure. Thanks to this, I've made connections and taken opportunities others might shy away from (e.g., living abroad, jobs, and creative projects).
Currently I'm living in an Indiana arts community, working on local exhibits and civic engagement (also my own art). Professionally, I practice architecture in Chicago. My plan is to return to school for either an MFA or Industrial Design degree. After practicing professionally I would like to eventually teach at a collegiate level while being a self-employed artist.
I am vocal on equity and representation, a bibliophile, writer, avid animal lover, and tea & coffee enthusiast. LGBTQA+ and proud.
Before wholly investing myself in new large-scale undertakings, I must clean up my academic finances. Through Bold, I hope to lessen my school debt; allowing me to save and invest funds for returning to school.
I am very thankful and appreciative for all I've been able to achieve thus far; everything from world travel, rigorous research with professionals in my field, job opportunities, and artistic collaborations... but there's still so much more I want to do, and I am asking for your help to make that happen!
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Education
Ball State University
Master's degree programMajors:
- Architecture and Related Services, Other
Ball State University
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Architecture and Related Services, Other
Minors:
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Miscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Master's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General
- Interior Architecture
- Design and Applied Arts
- Industrial Engineering
- Architectural Engineering
- Educational/Instructional Media Design
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Crafts/Craft Design, Folk Art and Artisanry
- Museology/Museum Studies
Career
Dream career field:
Architecture & Planning
Dream career goals:
designer/fabricator
Architectural Designer
ZPD+A2022 – Present2 yearsPrint Specialist
Office Depot Print Center2019 – 20212 yearsKitchen and Bath Designer
Von Tobels2021 – 20221 year
Sports
Pickleball
2024 – Present10 months
Kayaking
2000 – Present24 years
Ski
Present
Snowboarding
Present
Soccer
Varsity2008 – 20124 years
Awards
- Vice Captain
Fencing
Club2012 – Present12 years
Awards
- 居合道 completion of 一番
Research
Architecture and Related Services, Other
Ball State University — Thesis Research/Design/Fabrication/Presentation2016 – 2019
Arts
- Visual ArtsPresent
- PrintmakingPresent
- PaintingPresent
- JewelryPresent
- IllustrationPresent
- Graphic ArtPresent
- DrawingPresent
- DesignPresent
- Conceptual ArtPresent
- Computer ArtPresent
- ArchitecturePresent
Public services
Volunteering
ArtSpacePresentVolunteering
Humane Society & other local shelters — Anything they need at that time: cleaning, socializing, feeding, etc.Present
Future Interests
Advocacy
Politics
Volunteering
Philanthropy
Entrepreneurship
NYT Connections Fan Scholarship
Here is the solved grid with explanations below:
RANCH SHED STABLE SILO
WINGS EXOSKELETON CHITIN LEGS
CELERY TABASCO TOMATO VODKA
RIPOSTE ATTACK DISENGAGE ALLEZ
Group 1: Rural Buildings
Three of the words have double meanings and can be paired with words from other categories. For example: RANCH could be paired with WINGS, CELERY, and TABASCO to be 'things you find at a sports bar.' STABLE could be a reference to structural integrity or one's mental state.
Group 2: Insect Parts
Players will likely make cross-category assumptions about these words. EXOSKELETON looks like it might pair with SHED, or that LEGS and WINGS might again make some sort of poultry or recipe reference and pair with other food-centric options.
Group 3: Bloody Mary Ingredients
Not many people are a fan of this savory drink, so it won't be obvious. Certainly no one will immediately intuit TABASCO and VODKA pair. Many will mistakenly link TOMATO and RANCH (flavor profile) or TABASCO and RANCH (condiments).
Group 4: Fencing Terms
Players may incorrectly link DISENGAGE and SHED. It also seems counterintuitive that DISENGAGE should pair with ATTACK. RIPOSTE is similar to the word 'repose' and so some might make incorrect assumptions about its definition. ALLEZ is obviously French, so there will be people looking for that link as well. If you think that either RIPOSTE or ALLEZ is too challenging, they can be replaced with 'parry' to lessen the challenge.
Thank you taking time to read my application. In addition to being an avid player of the NYT games myself, there would be no end to the satisfaction I'd receive knowing one of my own puzzles was considered worthy of this scholarship.
Fall Favs: A Starbucks Stan Scholarship
A fun fact about Starbuck's seasonal drinks is that they vary geographically. Since the cafe has a ubiquitous global presence, its menu differs around the world; catering to regional preferences while at the same time creating exciting and flavorful drinks for new travelers to discover. Several years ago, living in Japan (teaching English), I have distinctly warm and fuzzy memories of drinking marron (マロン/栗/chestnut) and hanī (ハニー/蜂蜜/honey) lattes in the fall. There was a Starbucks in the train station nearest me, and after a time the nice barista started giving me extra whipped cream (as well as occasionally suggesting other toppings and add-ons). I would take the drink and wander the neighborhood on my walk home, exploring shops, parks, and other hidden treasures.
One specific memory I have is stumbling onto a small autumn matsuri (festival) on my walk. There was an older couple who tried very hard to engage with me (my Japanese was not proficient); it was a cold evening and I ended up offering the woman a sip of my drink (please remember this was pre-Covid times). They loved it! And as I tried to explain the flavors to them, I saw the couple's eyes light up and they took my hand and led me to a shop they owned. It turns out they were selling freshly roasted chestnuts and gifted me a bag. It ended up being a magical night.
It has been almost five years since I went to that Starbucks, but the memory is still one that evokes comfort and happiness. There are chestnut praline lattes in the United States, but for some reason they don't satiate my soul the same way the Japanese ones did.
The ultimate compliment you can give to desserts or sweets in Japan is "ama suginai," which means "not too sweet." For me- in a similar way to Goldilocks discovering which porridge she likes best- I found myself strongly aligning with this ideology. Their chestnut latte, as well as other Japanese latte flavors such as the hojicha (roasted green tea) and taro (yam) also embody this ideology, and I think it's one of the reasons I love Japanese Starbucks so much.
Every fall I remember these drinks and am transported to that happy and adventure-filled time of my life. I think of that generous barista, the kind old couple, travel, and happy discoveries. In 2025 I plan to return to Japan for the World Expo in Osaka, Japan. It's unlikely that I'll have the time to visit that small, charming town I lived in (let alone that exact cafe), but I will be traveling in the fall and am eagerly anticipating trying all their cozy, seasonal flavors.
Barbie Dream House Scholarship
Working at an architecture firm, I can confidently say this is the scholarship for me! Holy Moly, I am excited to have a captive audience for my Dream House vision. I'll be as succinct as possible because I've got a LOT of ideas. For the sake of Barbie's colloquialisms, I will refer to this as my Dream House, but know that in reality it's my Dream HOME. If this scholarship is ever offered again I recommend an option to include attachments because I HAVE BLUEPRINTS!
People always say "location, location, location" about finding the right house and that's true. I enjoy watching the seasons change, so my Dream House would be in the North. While I've lived and in dense urban environments, my true peace comes from being in nature, so I would locate my home outside of the city. Two acres would be the maximum amount of property I'd want because I don't think I could manage any more than that (I want to do the gardening and maintenance myself). This site would rest beside a creek or river near woodland. Towards the back of my property would be a bee hive as well as a compost area that would serve as a refuge habitat for lightning bugs (hidden by a boxwood hedge- I am telling you I've got this all figured out). in my opinion, no Dream House is complete without a backyard where one can watch fireflies at night; I loved lighting bugs as a child and it breaks my heart that they are becoming endangered. I won't bore you with the details of my garden, but know that I will have one (with fruit trees).
The house itself will be a courtyard-style home with a decorative garden at the center. The footprint makes a U-shape, one end extending into a pergola covered patio (where I will grow trumpet vine and host tea parties) and the other having a three seasons room with sliding glass doors that run into the interior part of the U, creating a "hisashi" (perimeter hallway used in traditional Japanese architecture) that will provide visual permeability into the courtyard from all points of the house. Farther out into the yard will be a firepit, and farther still will be my functional garden, hive, and compost area. Nestled into the side of the property will be a small ADU that would double as a paint studio and guest house. Finally, what outdoor space is complete without a ceiling-mounted swinging bench?
I'm picturing a blonde brick structure with deep eaves, French drain, and lightly-sloped roof with green glazed tiles. But I think facade details really depend on the exact location. However, I will never have decorative shutters- having shutters is fine, but they must be operable (form follows function)!
I prefer a Scandi or Midcentury Modern look for my interiors (paired with a touch of boho to take the edge off). Pocket doors everywhere, with double bookmatched wood veneer doors to the dining room. Frameless cabinets in the kitchen with the countertop extending into a full-height backsplash. Flush-mount switchplates and outlets. Absolutely no white walls (read 'Chromophobia' by David Bachelor)! There would be a vestibule or mudroom at each entry and a deep industrial sink in the laundry room. Radiant floors. Walk-in closet. I don't like having a television in my living room, so there would be a separate den for movies.
Art on every wall! And it would take time for me to find the perfect vintage furniture pieces for each room...
I've reached my word allotment, but know this is just PART ONE!
@frankadvice National Scholarship Month TikTok Scholarship
@normandiealise National Scholarship Month TikTok Scholarship
Bold Science Matters Scholarship
I think that teleportation study is amazing- here me out- the quantum physics field is rife with future opportunities, and the most recent observations of atomic teleportation are fascinating.
To be clear, I am not in this field, my STEM focus is engineering and physics (my background is architecture and digital fabrication). But to learn about how close we are to understanding something so mind-boggling- it's incredibly cool and engaging (even for a layman like myself)!
Did you know about Einsteins thoughts on vibration? Basically, everything is make up of and interpreted through vibrations. The colors we see, sounds we hear; our minds interpret vibrations and our thoughts and bodily commands become new vibrations. Liquids, gas, and solids are still expressions of vibrations of atoms, which are comprised of constantly moving energy parts. Energy can basically be boiled down to types of vibrations. Hippies kind of had it right with the 'everything is energy' spiel.
When orbiting electrons are energized within an atom, photons can be made. Photons are particles that have energy, but no mass; either comprised of light or electromagnetic radiation. The teleportation of photons has been observed for decades, though it wasn't always understood. In 2017 a Chinese lab successfully teleported photons from Earth to an orbiting satellite.
We're a long way to being able to say, "beam me up, Scotty!" But immediate data teleportation is at hand (though certainly not mainstream). And with the knowledge that everything in the world is just unique masses of vibrating energy, there's hope that some day in the future the kind of teleportation we see on sci-fi tv can become a reality.
Act Locally Scholarship
Living conditions go a long way to uplifting people's quality of life; it effects your mental well-being, identity, and physical health. Creating safe and healthy built spaces for people to occupy is why I chose to study architecture.
Publicly, we need more public bathrooms in higher density cities, safer public transit depots, and more walkable/bike-able suburbs. We have bountiful amenities an opportunities in this country, but they mean nothing if they can not be safely or comfortably accessed by people. Regarding basic human needs; similar to a popular study on world hunger- enough supply exists to satisfy the demand, but it's the logistics that get in the way.
Privately, incentives need to be given for homeowners to adequately upkeep the integrity of their buildings. Too many middle to lower class citizens end up tolerating unsafe or unhealthy conditions due to the degradation of homes that they can not afford to renovate and insurance will not cover. This past year, I had an aunt and uncle pass away from Sick Building Syndrome; an illness directly linked to one's home (usually mold or other toxic contaminants that go undetected until it is too late). Their deaths were untimely, doctors were unable to identify the cause; it was only after one of their surviving children moved into the house and also fell ill that the cause was discovered. Just like how we have preventative well-being checks on our bodies, similar checks should be done on the spaces we let our bodies occupy. Additionally, building standards, codes, and permitting need to hold developers at a higher level when it comes to the quality of homes being built. "Cost-effective" doesn't mean optimal.
Systematically, we need to invest in better public transit infrastructure, parks and protected green spaces, and buildings meant to be long-lasting and carbon neutral. Embodied carbon (the CO2 emissions in new construction) makes up 20% of our CO2 emissions. And nearly 30% of our carbon emissions are generated from the operation of existing structures. Learning how to build with less of a carbon footprint, as well as creating buildings that operate more passively, are the biggest steps architects and engineers can take to making large-scale progress with climate change.
For me, I do what I can on several levels. Locally, I live in a community arts building and do what I can to increase civic engagement and community participation in my small Indiana city; making it a happier and safer place for people to be. I take an electric commuter train to work in Chicago, where the architecture firm I work for engages in built and conceptual space across the country with a focus to enhance the world, rather than just make a profit. Finally, as part of the never ending process of learning, taking part in national and international architecture and design forums, learning what opportunities are available to us, and continuing on my journey towards architectural licensure.
I hope in time my contribution to our built environment will be farther reaching and more impactful; we all do what we can and the important thing is I am continuing to learn and grow.
Pettable Life Transitions Pet Lovers Scholarship
Bold Simple Pleasures Scholarship
There's a couple "simple pleasures" in my life: my cats, tea, and coffee- I like to joke that I have a love for single point heat sources.
Making my morning coffee has become an enjoyable act of mindfulness for me. Coffee used to be something I drank without thinking about, but now I like to take time to savour this part of my routine. I drop a bit more money than I used to on getting better quality beans and use a kettle and press pot, so there's a bit more process to it. I have found that taking time to relax and enjoy this part of my morning also helps with my overall mood and sets a positive tone for the day.
The act of making tea is similarly satisfying. I have a whole tiered roll-about cart dedicated to teas, and really enjoy the subtlety of flavors and being able to share them with people. Part of this aligns with my love of travel and using tea as a datum for cultural exploration, but I also just think there's something ridiculously soothing about having a warm drink in your hand.
Now, what's better than curling up on your couch with a blanket, cup of tea/coffee, and a good book? The answer (for me anyways) is doing all of that- but with the addition of a cat on your lap! I rescued two cats this past year, and let me tell you, I did not know how happy having pets would make me. Can I classify taking care of my cats a "simple pleasure" when it's really more a profound love? I suppose the "simple pleasures" would be the small, silly things they do that make my day. Just thinking about them makes me smile.
AMPLIFY Diversity in Technology Scholarship
Diversity is synonymous with adaptability and change. Keeping everything the same stymies innovation and creates stagnation and weakness. Whether you're looking through the context of people, nature, or technology, diversity is a key component to growth and success.
With architecture, diversity optimizes design and allows for more creative problem solving. Just within the last generation of architects, we've seen a transition from geometric derivation of form to an algorithmic design process. More CNC machining tools and NURBs softwares are becoming available, and people are pushing the boundaries of what can be done. While new technological exploration and form-finding is necessary and should be applauded, we also need to remember that just because it's new doesn't make it optimized. Passive design systems that have been utilized by humans since BCE times are still relevant today. Diversity means the seamless integration of any and all possibilities, not just replacing the established with the new or exotic.
My career goal has always been to make good design accessible for all and to increase people's quality of life through the built environment. I want to continue pushing for optimized design using new technology incorporated with passive design opportunities. This means embracing diversity on multiple platforms; recognizing that you must serve a diverse "customer" base along with integrating varied design/tech solutions and drawing from a multifaceted workforce.
One of the best ways to achieve diversity in design is to have diversity in your team. Being able to draw inspiration from multiple types of people with their own specialties and backgrounds allows for a broader perspective and more unique solutions. Regardless of whether I am in charge of my own firm or working for someone else, being part of a varied workforce that values its members is critical. And that does not just mean race and religion, but also age, professional specialization, interests, and design sensibilities.
With modern technology, globalism in architecture is more achievable than ever. But let's be careful of false equivalency; this does not mean that there is also a universal design architects should be striving for. The earth is diverse, and that diversity needs to be appreciated. Different geographies, climates, and cultures all requires their own specialized design solutions. Technology not only needs to be diverse, but needs to recognize the diversity of need within its own scope. Architecture needs to be adaptable to every environmental need if it is to be enduring and optimal.
In short, limiting possibilities creates mediocrity. Diverse technology and diverse design for a diverse world is the only equitable way to problem solve the diverse needs that architecture meets. Equitable habitation and quality of life can not exist without purposeful inclusion of all factors.
Pettable Pet Lovers Scholarship
A year ago, Toast was found in a factory parking lot, only a few months old and malnourished. Buchi came on the scene a short while later from the Humane Society. After a string of vet appointments and socialization work, both girls are now living their best lives in my little apartment. I hadn't planned on having pets so early, but am so grateful for them. And I know I've helped them just as much as they've helped me. Please, adopt don't shop!
Also, being unsure if the link was for the post or my page:
POST- https://www.instagram.com/p/CUp8g53LV55/?utm_medium=copy_link
PAGE- https://www.instagram.com/t_a_y_l_o_r_henderson/
Bold Optimist Scholarship
I remind myself that even though I am having a difficult time, that I used to dream of being where I am now.
When I was struggling in undergrad, I would cheer myself by remembering that only a few years ago I aspired to be a college student. I did the same thing when I got my first job in my career field. It's easy to romanticize the hard work and effort needed to achieve your goals before you actually have to do it. When the rose tinted lenses come off, you need to remind yourself of the bigger picture that you're striving towards.
Even when I had to take a mental health break and suspended school for a year- I used the time to teach English abroad- I framed it from the perspective that I am traveling, exploring, and fulfilling another dream.
Covid brought my academic and career plans to a halt, but I remind myself that right now I have an apartment with two cats, large windows with deep sills, and a dedicated home workspace- all things that I used to wish for like my life depended on it.
Reframing like this has truly helped me stay positive. It's also taught me that things do get better.
Even when I am forced to take a step backwards (the past few years have seen several personal financial and health crises), I tell myself that I am on the path to where I want to be. I can go at my own pace with the confidence that I'll get there eventually.
Bold Future of Education Scholarship
There are two paths you can take to answer this question: 1) what can you change for the students, and 2) what can you change for the teachers. I am going to suggest one change for each. Most people would agree that our current education system is in crisis- there's too many existing deficits to be able to suggest just a single solution. If this risks disqualification for this scholarship application, then please skip to the bottom paragraph.
For the former, I believe decreasing class size would have the greatest immediate impact. Having a max of around 15-18 children in a classroom would allow for more one-on-one attention from teachers, a less distracting environment, and more teaching jobs (which would put less stress on the teachers). This would also allow for more immersive and interactive classroom design, rather than the lecture style rooms schools are forced to use now in order to accommodate the high level of students in classes. Antiquated classrooms cater to rote learning methods, which are outdated and ineffective.
For the latter, we need to reimage what it is to be a Teacher. Teacher should be a prestigious career similar to that of Doctor, Lawyer, Architect, or similar. There are several ways to make this happen. The money they make should reflect the critical role they are fulfilling by teaching and mentoring future generations. Having a larger salary will create more competitiveness for the field, which means higher performance standards and a more critical review process. The altruism embodied in teaching can also be gauged via reviews from students, co-workers, and supervisors. Too many times low salaries are excused as a way of finding those whose "true-calling" is to teach, but this is a fallacious argument that only enforces an unsustainable system.
If what I have written disqualifies me because I am suggesting multiple solutions rather than the "one change" requested, then please disregard the above and accept this answer: MORE FUNDING.
Bold Financial Literacy Scholarship
Investing in your quality of life and overall happiness is just as important as keeping to a budget.
When I first entered the job market after undergrad it was easy for me to stick to my financial plan and not spend too much. The problem I kept running into was general dissatisfaction. I would find myself very unhappy, which initially led to quick-fix solutions like decreasing my work hours. Saving money is a lot easier when you are making money, so I knew this solution was not sustainable. It took me awhile to realize my malaise was because I wasn't investing in my present self or situation. Positive change started happening when I expanded my budget (slightly) to help optimize my daily life.
Maybe I could have muddled through with that cracked pencil sharpener or wobbly chair, but when I upgraded them my mood and efficiency improved. The amount of money I invested in fixing these small daily annoyances yielded a much higher return. Saving money does not have to equate to sacrificing your comfort. Once I found that equilibrium for myself, both my happiness and efficiency increased exponentially.
I suppose this falls into the realm of "self-care," but I like to think of it as streamlining. Many of the changes I made were subtle and indirect, but they all added up to create a profound impact on my daily life.
3Wishes Women’s Empowerment Scholarship
The frequency of hearing this question at a professional level is tiring. It's good that society is asking women what we need, and that the support network for women is growing. However, the onus is still on women to to get the help they need. And it can be draining wading through the niche opportunities to find one that works for you. The only way to make significant change is at a systematic level.
Helping women helps everyone. What I mean by that is that sexism is discrimination, and the tools and tactics used to fight discrimination are universal. Whether it's gender, race, or religion centric, the same tools that help women succeed help everyone succeed. The best tactic is always to educate (not just women) and make resources available to everyone. For me, there are three spheres of influence on women's rights that are critical in our fight for equality: the workplace, men, and healthcare
One surefire way to help is complete transparency in the job market. Employers should not be ashamed to show their employees' salaries; if they are than that's indicative of some form of subterfuge on their part. If salaries are based on things like, education, experience, and performance, then a good company should have all of that documented and reflected in their workers' salaries. There should also be some coefficient in place to calculate how long it would take for new hires lacking either experience or education to reach their company's standard salary with the assumption of good performance.
Men need to be a part of this solution. I'm not saying they should be in charge, just that there needs to be equal work and discourse on both ends. Most people know that sexism exists, but miss the unconscious biases, microaggressions, and other subtleties they may in fact be guilty of themselves. A lot of men feel excluded and claim misandry, but organizations like the ManKind Project help with that. People are too quick to get defensive, and we need to work at breaking those barriers and incorporate men as members in gender equality organizations.
Finally, bodily autonomy and access to unbiased medical treatment is a critical component to equal rights for women. And I am not just talking about reproductive rights- there are many documented cases of medical harm and neglect due to women not being respected or listened to. Many medical institutions refuse certain treatments for women based on outdated and unproven beliefs (I myself have been victim of this). Many male doctors also lack a thorough understanding of female anatomy. On this topic, here is a funny/scary personal anecdote: I had gone to my doctors (one of the largest medical institutions in the area) for a wellness check and needed to give a urine sample. Half an hour later the male doctor comes sprinting to me to tell me that I needed to go to the emergency room immediately due to the fact that there were traces of blood in my sample. I calmly explained that, no, it was just my time of the month, and there was no cause for alarm. He would not believe me. Fortunately there was a female nurse who talked him down, but if she had not been there I don't think he would have let me leave. Until a woman's bodily autonomy is not forced to bend to men's opinions and speculation we will never be equal.
Workplace transparency, open and safe discourse between the sexes, and bodily autonomy are the top three ways we can make an immediate impact on the fight to empower women.
Markforged Distinguished Women Engineers Grant
Currently I am a designer and artist with the hopes of becoming an architect- I have a degree in architecture, but am unlicensed. Along with my masters degree I have a certificate in Digital Design and Fabrication. While in school, I had access to all types of machines, from laser cutters to 3D scanners, standard wood shop tools, and robot arms. I did a lot of personal projects to play with the machines and realized my love for fabrication as well as the design process. My career goal is to work or run a small scale firm that takes projects from design to completion. To realize this, I would use any funds gifted to me to invest in a workspace and equipment.
When I left academia the tools I had vanished, and I realized how hard it was for makers to have access to fabrication equipment. If you're in a big city, often times there are guilds or co-ops, but even then access is tenuous. During Covid many of my friends were affected when communal shops closed and they could no longer practice their craft. While some machines have small table-top options, like 3D printers (as long as the material is nontoxic), in most cases dedicated spaces with special ventilation and other safety features are necessary. After not only using, but managing a woodshop and FABLAB, I feel confident that I would safely and professionally make good use out of any personal fabrication equipment I could acquire.
One project that I have had to suspend due to lack of equipment was an algorithmic paper folding textile that I made by lightly laser cutting paper. I want to eventually upgrade to polypropylene and after trial and error with differently shaped templates license the textiles and process as an intellectual property. Right now I have the resources showcase the paper as an art piece, but the true beauty of the project lies in making the paper function structurally, as a skin around pre-existing forms, but I currently lack the resources to build new shapes.
I also practice visual art as a hobby and use many woodshop and digital laboratory tools to create multimedia art. A lot of my projects involve 3D printed custom components for connections, joints, or skins. Since graduation I have had to drastically scale down my ambitions due to lack of proper tools and space.
Trying to establish yourself without the proper resources is nearly impossible. And I don't live in an area with many cutting edge fabricators or designers who I can apprentice under. While I could move to a urban area, the current health of my family is keeping me here. While grounded, I am trying to make the most with what I have and build something from the ground up. This scholarship would go a long way towards that goal.
"Wise Words" Scholarship
This was an incredibly difficult prompt for me. I have read and heard many impactful phrases, but throughout the entirety of my life, there's only one that I continually circle back to:
"Thank you."
No one will ever know who said it first. I am sure the expression of gratitude in humans existed far before we had written words that could document it. Technically it is not even a quote, as we'll never be able to attribute it. But the reminder to take time to be grateful, even for just small things, will always be a lesson I keep close.
I am not religious, but I do not believe you need to have a recipient to give appreciation. Regardless, when I am having a hard time, it always helps to thank the small things I have or that have happened to me. Even if it was just being able to sit and have a cup of tea. No matter how seemingly insignificant- or maybe because of the insignificance- giving appreciation never ceases to help my mindset.
And besides giving thanks for what you have, taking time to thank present individuals in your life can make just as significant an impact. I for one get ridiculously happy when others extend gratitude towards me. It is more than just positive reinforcement because no one is forcing you in the first place, it's the most altruistic of compliments. This same ideology can extend to salutations: always offering a morning greeting when you get up and making sure to say goodbye. This shows your acknowledgement of their presence in your life. Times have been hard for many people lately, myself included. And right now showing appreciation for the smallest of gestures can go a long way.
Most manifestos or theologies fall in and out of relevance for me, something that resonated with me one year may fall flat the next. But the general mindfulness of saying "thank you" doesn't require a prescribed faith as it is you, the individual, who chooses what to prioritize. Was your cup of coffee pleasant this morning? Were you given an opportunity that changed your life? Do you have a pet? Any of these are great examples of things to be thankful for, and remembering these happy moments will condition you to be a happier person.
Susy Ruiz Superhero Scholarship
Navigating college can be difficult when you know nothing about how such institutions operate. As a freshman I enrolled in 22 credit hours while internally wondering what a credit hour was (after that first semester I dropped down to 18). One of my first and most time-intensive classes I signed up for was a design studio through the architecture college. There I met Miguel San Miguel, a visiting professor from LA.
At first I thought I had made a poor impression. I was the only student who brought all their supplies to the studio and set up their desk before class. I was also the only one who walked up to our instructor, extending my hand, and introducing myself. Rather than the firm handshake and interview-like dialogue I expected, he seemed confused; I realized I was probably coming across like a sycophant. Later, talking to Miguel after finishing my Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, he explained to me that moment lingered in his memory as a favorable first impression. He was not put-off (as I had suspected) but surprised and impressed.
His classes were extremely rigorous and intense, but also the most rewarding. He pushed all of his students to think critically and go beyond what was expected. One aspect of teaching that Miguel excels at is being able to recall each students' design sensibilities and priorities. For me, this manifested in many long conversations about style, construction, and aesthetic priorities. These discussions ultimately culminated in what would become the adventure of a lifetime.
After my first year Miguel announced that he was organizing the college's first field study to Japan and requested that I take part. Feeling I was an ideal candidate, he helped me work through the financial barriers holding me back. Knowing that this trip would set precedence for the future, he set an incredibly high academic threshold, including a full semester of extracurricular planning and study. But the result was well worth it: the artistry and care given to our final creative projects and essays set a new standard of academic rigor which did not go unnoticed by our department. For me, there were many takeaways and discoveries, many of which have come to define me as the person I am now.
I always had a sense of wanderlust and love of humanities, art, and culture. Through school I had the chance to travel and explore many countries, but something about that trip to Japan stuck with me. It lead to me relocating there, teaching English through the JET program. Miguel had a hand in that too, aiding my application and offering support while abroad. Meanwhile, he returned to my university as an assistant professor and was there when I came back for graduate school.
Things came full-circle when Miguel offered me a position co-teaching the field-study program I had participated in as a student. With that gesture my mentor had outwardly elevated me from his student to his peer (though in my mind I will always be his student). Knowing my ultimate goal is to teach at a collegiate level, this was yet another way for him to help place me on the right track to achieving my dreams. Words cannot express how thankful I am for all this man has done to influence both my academic career and who I am as a person. At every turn he has displayed kindness, intelligence, altruism, and a passion for learning, which I am sure has helped many other students through their academic years. He deserves all the acknowledgements and accolades possible for a teacher to receive.