Alex Noble once said, “If I have been of service, if I have glimpsed more of the nature and essence of ultimate good, if I am inspired to reach wider horizons of thought and action, if I am at peace with myself, it has been a successful day.” Through the years I have learned you never know how the small things you do impact others lives. A smile, a laugh, a greeting, a glance or compliment can change someone’s day. It has always been my goal in life to help people. I want to make a difference in the lives of every person I meet.
Enhancing others lives has always been an essential part of my life. Thus when considering my course of study I considered all my interests: people, art, aesthetics, and using creativity; all of which indicated interior design. Design is my passion. It is capable of serving people in many capacities. Not only is it a way to add beauty to people live, it is also a way to create functionality and efficiency. Interior design encompasses such a broad spectrum that it is easy for someone to find a niche in this field. However, design is viewed as a luxury, which in uncertain economic times decreases demand.
In 2008 I graduated from college with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design, but in the midst of the recession no one was hiring an entry level candidate in an industry in which experience is extremely important. Unemployment gave me time to reevaluate my future ambitions. I decided I wanted to attend graduate school. I sought a field that entailed aiding other and design. With design there are economic limitations and I sought a profession that would transcend those barriers. After some research and discussion with friends, classmates and professors, I decided urban and regional planning is the right choice.
I am able to contribute a different perspective to the field. Designers have a unique problem solving process which incorporates aspects that those who have studied other disciplines may over look. Designers are taught to pay close attention to detail, as to not overlook anything. Furthermore, I have lived and worked in different cities in the United States, which could help me provide insight for solutions to not only regional problems, but national issues as well.
During my studies I'd like to concentrate on urban revitalization and sustainable community design. My roots as well as my current surroundings have inspired my interest in these concentrations. I thoroughly enjoy the southern charm and hospitality of the people that live in Atlanta. This city possesses much more of a feeling of togetherness and home than many other large cities across the country; that fact draws more people here every year. However, my background and perspective have illustrated some oversights of this city. More can be done to preserve the beauty and culture of this southern state as well as catering to the droves of young professionals, like myself, looking for a place to grow businesses and start families.
My goal after completion of this degree is to revitalize neglected communities. Restoring abandoned homes and historic buildings, while utilizing current resources more efficiently, and preserving them for future generations, is vital. This type of planning would bring in much needed tax dollars to support our public schools, parks and other facilities. I have so many ideas and the possibilities are limitless once I have gained the knowledge and experience provided by this outstanding institution. My desire is to meet other students that feel just as passionate about transforming our greater community as I do and to collaborate with them to, ultimately, find the best solutions to our social, economic, and environmental issues. During my matriculation I will strive to find innovative ways to help build a better community for a better future.
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I wrote this as a personal statement for my graduate school applications back in 2010 and not much has changed. My passion for planning and my appreciation for planners has grown ten-fold. I drank the Kool-Aid; I bought into the ideals of planning and how sweet it is! I believe that I can change the world and the way we live in it one good deed, one service, one speech, one paper, one report, one politician, one resident at a time. In my book that's not a bad following to get behind. Despite my analogy, planning is made up of leaders not followers. Leaders that are forward-thinking problem-solvers, innovative and imaginative, bold and compassionate. We are necessary and I'm glad to be a part of this number!
