#pcx fa24

This year, I commit to building strong relationships through mentorship. My time at AECOM, where I shared the experience with two friendly buddies, taught me the importance of connecting with others. Our conversations during lunch made the office time more enjoyable. I’m ready to create similar bonds with those I mentor, as it makes learning more fun and teamwork stronger.

I had the chance to be mentored by a great host at AECOM. Pablo guided us through how the firm works, taught us useful architecture terms, and made us feel like part of the team. His support made the experience really special.

The second project took us to the Shattuck Hospital near Mass Avenue. We met with the architect, who explained the hospital's new features and the ongoing efforts to address its challenges. It was fascinating to see how the program operates for a hospital serving DPH, DMH, and DOC/HoC populations. I learned a lot, and one key takeaway from the architect was: "Always keep learning, even if something isn't your direct responsibility. It's essential to understand what others are doing, and it ensures things are being done correctly."

Mentorship is critical for a young designer. Guidance, knowledge, and support are priceless, especially from an experienced person. As the Open Studio TA this semester, I am excited to mentor the BAC’s foundation students and anyone else who needs help. As a young aspiring architect myself I am also looking for a mentor. There is so much to learn from other people.

A Brilliant Buddy and friend! When I think of the word "brilliant," the first person who comes to mind is Jharitza. She’s not only one of my closest friends at the BAC but also one of the smartest people I know. Having her as my Practice ConnEx buddy was such a gift, and our time together during the externship was nothing short of amazing. We were lucky enough to land the same externship at The Met, and even better, we got to be roommates for five days. From the moment we arrived in New York City, it felt like an adventure. Working together at such a prestigious museum was incredible, we learned so much and grew both professionally and personally. But apart from work, we had so much fun just exploring the city, trying out different types of food, and enjoying each other's company. Jharitza is the kind of person who lights up a room with her presence. She’s incredibly insightful, always asking the right questions, and her ability to solve problems is something I admire deeply.

I had the privilege of being paired with two great students at The BAC. Together, we represented what I hope will be a continuing trend in architecture. We were mentored by a diverse group of professionals at AECOM, which inspired me to work toward greater diversity in the field. I am motivated to mentor and serve as an example for underrepresented individuals in the space of architecture.

Mentorship at AECOM looks like a helping hand when you need it. Architects at AECOM find a way to fill in knowledge gaps for their peers while also offering chances for them to develop. A variety of complex issues can arise but at AECOM they utilize their network of professionals globally to find solutions. A mentor at AECOM is open to questions and is available to point you in the right direction. Conversely, a good mentee, is receptive to feedback and actively searching for ways to improve.