Chicago is a city that truly changed my life.
My first-ever internship brought me there. Lamar Johnson Collaborative took a chance on me, even though I had never lived outside Ohio, never worked a 9-to-5,  and had never even been to Chicago before saying yes. Bold of me, I know. That leap turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made for myself.
I grew more outside my job than in it—networking through AIA Chicago, going to lectures, meeting professionals, learning what architecture could actually be and being welcomed to this huge, supportive community. I left Chicago with new goals (grad school! licensure!) and a real answer to the terrifying “where do you see yourself in five years” question.
Spoiler: hopefully living, working, and mentoring new interns in Chicago.
      Impact, innovation, inclusion—all of it. I’m endlessly thankful that the                       city helped me grow up so much. I have never been more excited for                         my future- especially envisioning it all leading me back to the city.