From Hawaii to Chicago, 2013
So it's been almost a month since I started my life in Chicago as an architecture intern at VOA Associates, Inc.. Time sure flies fast. I just want to type something here to reflect on my co-op experience so far, with one being with an eccentric artist in Hawaii and the other in a big corporate firm in Chicago.
To be honest, I was freaking out the night before I started my co-op in Chicago! I guess I was just not expecting to be working in such a big firm in, mind you, Chicago - the city that basically invented skyscrapers and is architecturally phenomenal. Compared to my Hawaii co-op, this is such a huge change. Did you see me in the picture up there? I mean, I was living in the jungle, dealing with bugs and mud, without any worry about work hours and office regulations. And then BAM, here I am, a working lady 8 hours (at least) everyday, in a big city, civilization and all. And then I was nervous; I didn't think I was good enough (Sorry, low self-esteem sometimes). However, I am adjusting very well and feeling very welcomed by the people from my new firm. I've been trying new things and meeting new people. It's been a blast so far (except for this one day when I worked 14 hours straight).
People asked me whether I missed working in Hawaii. Yes, that's for sure. But I did feel like while that experience permanently changed my life in the most positive way, it made me doubt my major/future career. And so, this co-op with VOA gives me the opportunity to explore the real working architecture world. So yeah, I'm loving it. Chicago has been an amazing place, just as amazing as Hawaii I must say. These sure are very different experiences, but they both are helping me learn more about who I am and where I am going. Wish me luck :)
Have a good week, folks.
Anh
To be honest, I was freaking out the night before I started my co-op in Chicago! I guess I was just not expecting to be working in such a big firm in, mind you, Chicago - the city that basically invented skyscrapers and is architecturally phenomenal. Compared to my Hawaii co-op, this is such a huge change. Did you see me in the picture up there? I mean, I was living in the jungle, dealing with bugs and mud, without any worry about work hours and office regulations. And then BAM, here I am, a working lady 8 hours (at least) everyday, in a big city, civilization and all. And then I was nervous; I didn't think I was good enough (Sorry, low self-esteem sometimes). However, I am adjusting very well and feeling very welcomed by the people from my new firm. I've been trying new things and meeting new people. It's been a blast so far (except for this one day when I worked 14 hours straight).
People asked me whether I missed working in Hawaii. Yes, that's for sure. But I did feel like while that experience permanently changed my life in the most positive way, it made me doubt my major/future career. And so, this co-op with VOA gives me the opportunity to explore the real working architecture world. So yeah, I'm loving it. Chicago has been an amazing place, just as amazing as Hawaii I must say. These sure are very different experiences, but they both are helping me learn more about who I am and where I am going. Wish me luck :)
Have a good week, folks.
Anh