Until recently, I have always thought that coming from a humble background was a disadvantage for me going into a college environment. The reason being that it is a context in which most every student has a background with more available monetary resources and a better preparatory education coming in. I have found, however, that it is not the case. In fact, it could potentially be advantageous for me. My parents did not have the luxury to even contemplate what they wanted their futures to be like, much less have high educational goals. This was predominantly due to their economic situation and upbringings in a small farming town in Mexico, where the opportunities were not very abundant. Despite their hardships, they understood and instilled in me the value that an education can have on a person, something that many parents of their background do not provide for their children. Coming from an environment such as this and transitioning into a completely new one while in college has given me two completely different outlooks on the way people interact and their cultural differences. As a result, it allows me to understand some of the diverse views people from different backgrounds can have, especially in the field of architecture. This is an asset which could benefit me as I continue in my education.

When I am asked why I chose to study architecture, I respond that at the time it seemed like a “cool” subject to study. The reason I have stuck with it, however, is because it has proven to be so much more. On a personal statement I wrote prior to pursuing a higher education I stated, “Whether at the age of ten, constructing structures out of Legos, or at a later age, admiring buildings, I always had a connection with design. That was when I discovered the field of Architecture, and the closer I explored it, the more intrigued I became with it.” Although I appreciate my curiosity for the subject, I now realize my view of architecture prior to exploring it was somewhat ill informed of what it is truly about. During my time at Cal Poly studying the subject, I now better understand its ideas and am excited to learn more about them.

Simply studying architecture has changed my views towards many aspects of our world and the way we live. It has made me think about concepts I would have never contemplated before. It is not just about architecture itself, but about history, engineering, philosophy, anthropology and the curiosity of the world and the inspiration it offers. Architecture is the only profession that I have found that integrates these and other subjects and coordinates them to create spaces and experiences that people enjoy.

My passion for architecture has convinced me that not only do I want to continue studying it, but I also wish to go beyond this. I yearn to experience this subject in a different light and through different perspectives. The LA Metro program could provide me with just that.

Working with a firm on projects that could eventually be realized would give a greater sense of significance to the effort that I put into everything that I work on. Being a member of a team of designers and playing a role in a project that is not only my own can add both great value and mold me into a better team player. In school I rarely get the opportunity to work in groups and to collaborate on design ideas and seldom get the chance to explore the intricate detailing that makes a project complete. Being a part of an experienced group of individuals and sharing ideas with them as well as receiving their critiques and suggestions would be reason enough to be a part of the program.

Being given the chance to take part in such a program is something that most students do not get the