TOPIC:

Here's how my classes have made me think differently about my career. 

When I first began my classes at the University of Texas at Austin, I was a biology major. I wanted to be a dermatologist. I intended to pursue a career in medicine because I was under the impression that having a stable job that could earn me a great salary was the only way to go. However, sitting in my science classes made me reconsider this decision. I would doodle in my notes and redraw elaborate diagrams of biological structures and animals. I was always into art and drawing, so I decided to take an Intro to Design class as an elective.

In my design class, I was able to express myself creatively in a way that I didn't think was possible. I learned how to use 3D software and print out the designs I created within it. This class really opened my eyes to what doors were open for me as far as my career goes. I found a way to merge my love for science and art into one: design. I designed orthopedic shoes that would cater to a range of foot issues and even an app that could be used by students in times of crisis. It was a lot of work and research, but I found it extremely enjoyable. My professor in this class was amazing and very encouraging. He would work with me individually on several occasions to try to work through my ideas. After this class, I decided that I wanted to be a designer. This is what I was meant for. 

I took a landscape architecture class as a part of the HDO curriculum and ended up really enjoying it. Learning about how landscapes are crucial to the overall composition of a space and of buildings is powerful. I love gardening and plants, so this opened my eyes to another career opportunity as a landscape designer. I also found out that landscape architecture is a graduate program here at UT that I could attend when I graduate. 

Other classes I took also have opened my eyes to various career opportunities. I took a drawing class that really helped develop my technical skills. I took a 3D art class that made me think about art differently. It made me see that so many things could be art if placed in the right context. In that class, I made a short video complete with music, sculptures, editing, and animation. I learned so much about producing videos and editing and, most importantly, I learned that I definitely love this process so much.

Even if I don't graduate with a degree in design, I will find a way to incorporate design in my career. I am purchasing a 3D printer soon and I plan on teaching myself how to create all sorts of designs and have fun with it. I'm also planning on transferring into the design school here at UT to take a wider range of design classes while I'm still an undergrad. If I cannot transfer into design, I will graduate as an HDO major and possibly pursue design through graduate school.