MIT :)
I feel all dreamy.
I've just spent quite a bit of time looking around on the MIT website. They have several Bachelor's and Master's programs in Architecture, and I am aspiring to attend there. It's not simply because "Well, duh, because they are MIT." I mean, it is a little- honestly, they ARE MIT, and attending college there and receiving a degree program from such a prestigious (and creative) institution would not only make me incredibly proud and happy, but would give me a wonderful educational experience, and undoubtedly enable me to meet so many other amazing designers, scientists, and engineers, that my little dorky heart might just explode. :P
I was reading through their admissions information, and I really connect with their approaches to education and collaboration. They are very realistic. They want you to manage your time well, and do well, and be challenged, but they also want you to have fun, and most importantly, be yourself. They really emphasize that growth truly happens when you pursue whatever interests truly inspire YOU, rather than trying to fit whatever you believe the proper criteria is to attend MIT.
There is a large part of me that is very apprehensive- that little man (to sort of paraphrase from "Men Who Stare at Goats") that says, "There's no way you could go to a school like that! You are regular! You are not amazing and innovative and smart, and you're dreaming a lofty dream. Get back to your interior design projects and shush." But I know truthfully that I am more than capable of doing this- the goal is to seize every opportunity I have now and grow as much as I can in the field I am in now, to create a skill set, design philosophy, unique creative approach in a diverse range of mediums, and work/play balance that will make me a valued candidate.
I have to get on some more science and math courses, as well.
It's all very intimidating, and just thinking about aspiring to do this nearly brings tears to my eyes and makes my breath all weird. Because part of me thinks I'm dreaming an impossible dream. But I realize that thinking that about any dream will make it not happen. I mean, I thought that I was going nowhere out of high school, and instead of challenging that, I settled for Stockton until I realized I WAS indeed capable of more, and that I needed to stop doubting myself. Stockton was a learning experience, and sometimes a very enriching experience, and I met someone I value very dearly through the blaze of ridiculousness and complications, so I would never dare say I made a "mistake." Just a detour that did me a whole bunch of good in the long run, and got me on the right path.
The moment you decide you are capable of something and shoot for it, you become capable. And I am so excited with the prospect of going to this school. The programs seem wonderful. The school's education philosophy is wonderful. The work output is impressive. And I want to be part of that.
I think I'll explore their website more later, and learn all that I can. And maybe over one of my breaks I will schedule a tour, stay over a night, learn more about this dream school, and decide whether or not it is right for me. If it is, which I am thinking it definitely is (outside of the little man saying I can't do it and me stomping on him and telling him to shut it), I will continue working to achieve that goal. It won't happen immediately, of course, but the near future or relatively near future is better than never. :)
Whoo! I need to do some dishes because they are getting a bit pathetic. Then a shower, and preparing for train ride, eye exam, new glasses, and perhaps a bit of wondering around the book store, depending on whether or not I decide to come home in time to work out or not at the Y.
Word of the Day is Catawampus. It is a fun way to say crooked, or askew. Everyone should use it whenever possible. :)
I've just spent quite a bit of time looking around on the MIT website. They have several Bachelor's and Master's programs in Architecture, and I am aspiring to attend there. It's not simply because "Well, duh, because they are MIT." I mean, it is a little- honestly, they ARE MIT, and attending college there and receiving a degree program from such a prestigious (and creative) institution would not only make me incredibly proud and happy, but would give me a wonderful educational experience, and undoubtedly enable me to meet so many other amazing designers, scientists, and engineers, that my little dorky heart might just explode. :P
I was reading through their admissions information, and I really connect with their approaches to education and collaboration. They are very realistic. They want you to manage your time well, and do well, and be challenged, but they also want you to have fun, and most importantly, be yourself. They really emphasize that growth truly happens when you pursue whatever interests truly inspire YOU, rather than trying to fit whatever you believe the proper criteria is to attend MIT.
There is a large part of me that is very apprehensive- that little man (to sort of paraphrase from "Men Who Stare at Goats") that says, "There's no way you could go to a school like that! You are regular! You are not amazing and innovative and smart, and you're dreaming a lofty dream. Get back to your interior design projects and shush." But I know truthfully that I am more than capable of doing this- the goal is to seize every opportunity I have now and grow as much as I can in the field I am in now, to create a skill set, design philosophy, unique creative approach in a diverse range of mediums, and work/play balance that will make me a valued candidate.
I have to get on some more science and math courses, as well.
It's all very intimidating, and just thinking about aspiring to do this nearly brings tears to my eyes and makes my breath all weird. Because part of me thinks I'm dreaming an impossible dream. But I realize that thinking that about any dream will make it not happen. I mean, I thought that I was going nowhere out of high school, and instead of challenging that, I settled for Stockton until I realized I WAS indeed capable of more, and that I needed to stop doubting myself. Stockton was a learning experience, and sometimes a very enriching experience, and I met someone I value very dearly through the blaze of ridiculousness and complications, so I would never dare say I made a "mistake." Just a detour that did me a whole bunch of good in the long run, and got me on the right path.
The moment you decide you are capable of something and shoot for it, you become capable. And I am so excited with the prospect of going to this school. The programs seem wonderful. The school's education philosophy is wonderful. The work output is impressive. And I want to be part of that.
I think I'll explore their website more later, and learn all that I can. And maybe over one of my breaks I will schedule a tour, stay over a night, learn more about this dream school, and decide whether or not it is right for me. If it is, which I am thinking it definitely is (outside of the little man saying I can't do it and me stomping on him and telling him to shut it), I will continue working to achieve that goal. It won't happen immediately, of course, but the near future or relatively near future is better than never. :)
Whoo! I need to do some dishes because they are getting a bit pathetic. Then a shower, and preparing for train ride, eye exam, new glasses, and perhaps a bit of wondering around the book store, depending on whether or not I decide to come home in time to work out or not at the Y.
Word of the Day is Catawampus. It is a fun way to say crooked, or askew. Everyone should use it whenever possible. :)