I think one of the hardest parts of applying to college was deciding what major I'd pursue. Some say, "Pick an easy major."  Some say, "Don't pick one at all." I was very unsure what I wanted to do, but I always had an interest in architecture, so when I applied to UMass I also applied to the architecture program. I ended up being accepted to the program along with sixty other incoming students. 

Compared to many other majors at UMass, architecure is small, but that also made for a more unique freshman experience. I ended up spending three-hour studio classes with the same students four days a week, which was a great place to make friends and make campus feel nice and small. Freshman year in the architecture program can be exciting and frustrating. You get the chance to create a lot of new art, but you don't get to focus on creating buildings until sophomore year. Freshman year tested us all in different ways, but prepared us to really begin designing architecture our sophomore year.

Now, for sophomore year, my classmates and I have moved our supplies into our own studio desks in the brand new design building. The sixty of us are all in one big room, which makes for a really fun atmosphere. Since we spent so much time together freshman year, we're all close now, and someone always has a snack or an extra ruler to offer. When we're all there late at night someone always has a speaker to play music, and the occasional pizza is ordered when we really need it.

The architecure program can be very demanding and time consuming, I certainly did not know what I was getting myself into when I applied, but the support of my classmates makes it all worth it. We all genuinely want to see each other succeed and have developed genuine friendships. My UMass experience wouldn't be the same without having been in this program and everyday I'm happy I applied during my senior year of high school. Even if you don't know exactly what you want to do, go with your gut! It could seriously work out!