Day 5: The Office, Part 2

On March 15, I went back to visit the office. I did the same thing I did last time, mostly just wandering around and talking to other engineers and architects and planners and helping them with anything they needed. I also watched my mentor work while she did blueprints on her computer. It was interesting to see how architects work; I learned that it's not just artistic creativity, it's also scientific knowledge. That's a bit unfortunate because I'm not very good at physics. I guess I'll have to learn to love it!
Hours spent: 5

Day 4: Doing Something

On March 2, I spent some time gathering my resources for my paper, while also doing some sketches for my mentor. I went to the library and borrowed two books, and I searched for information online. I also did some sketches of building designs at home. It was pretty time consuming and made me more nervous for the future. But maybe someday I'll get to design my own house!
Hours spent: 4

Day 3: The Office

On February 15, I met up with my mentor at the airport again. I spent the whole day at the office, just kind of helping people out. I met more of my dad's and godmother's friends, who include other architects and engineers. I learned how they work together to get projects done and I saw what it was like to work in an office environment. It's not really my thing; it's a bit too quiet, but I guess I'll get used to it if this is what I'll be doing in ten years.
Hours spent: 7

Day 2: Thinking Ahead

On January 18, I went to the airport again. I met my Ninang Melissa in her office and she talked to me more about her experiences when she first became an architect. At first, she started off at a private firm. It's harder to get find work, but clients do pay more. After a few years she decided to work for the city of San Francisco at SFO. That's where she met my dad and all my other godparents and family friends. She recommended that I try to same thing once I become a professional: try working privately for a while and see how it goes, and if it doesn't work out, I could always try the airport. Overall, it was an interesting and helpful conversation.
Hours spent: 3

Day 1: Introductions

On January 4, I met my mentor, Melissa Stephenson. Actually, I already knew her because she's a close friend of my dad and also my own godmother. She works at the San Francisco International Airport as an architect for the city. I asked her to be my mentor for capstone because someday, I'd also like to become an architect and will be studying at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo's College of Architecture and Environmental Design for the next five years. So I decided that senior project would be a perfect opportunity to get a head start on my future. On that day, I went to the airport with my dad and met up with her (I'm not sure how I should refer to her here: Mrs. Stephenson? I call her Ninang Melissa...) in her office. She kind of just explained to me the basics of her job and gave me some advice on my career choice. I really learned a lot about architecture and it actually made me a bit nervous about my future.
Hours spent: 2