Ameena Class

Degree: Architecture Major, Music Minor

Expected Graduation Date: Spring 2025

2024 Scholarship
Don Corner Student Travel Scholarship

I Am Originally From Houston, Texas

WHY I CAME TO THE UO AND HOW I CHOSE MY MAJOR
Applying to colleges during Covid was tough. After I came to visit, I knew Oregon was for me. I loved the culture surrounding the outdoors, there’s skiing and hiking and beach, and I enjoy the spirit when the entire school comes together for tailgates and sporting events. I chose Oregon’s College of Design for its accredited Architecture program and integrated focus on sustainable design practices that I couldn’t find at many other schools.

I took Mechanical Engineering Drafting classes for two years in high school before realizing it wasn’t exactly what I wanted to do. At the end of the class, we had a unit more focused on Architectural Engineering, so I switched to my school’s Architectural Design class for senior year and fell down the Architecture rabbit hole. Now in my third year of studies, I have realized how influential architecture can be and want to design spaces that positively impact human experience.

UNIQUE QUALITIES I BRING TO MY STUDIES
I am a musician and have played and performed flute and piccolo for 10 years. I enjoy listening to music as well as performing and studying. I have taken various music theory and history classes working towards my music minor here at UO. I believe that music is very impactful and helps me bring a new perspective to my Architectural work.

MY INFLUENTIAL PROFESSORS
My most influential professor was James Givens. He taught my favorite studio in Fall 2023 as well as The Intro to Architecture class in Fall 2021. He constantly pushed me to do more and I have never been happier with my work than when Givens was always working to give me new constructive feedback.

Other influential professors I would like to thank are Peter Keyes, Tom Hahn, and Sibohan Rockcastle for pushing me to do my best and connect my architecture with the environments I build in.

MY EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
I am currently working on the media committee for the UO chapter of the American Institute of Architecture Students . I enjoy extending my involvement in Architecture to our club which helps promote social opportunities as well as career-boosting opportunities for Architecture students on campus. I am also a member of the Oregon Atheltic Bands and perform at both Football and Basketball games. I have been to almost every Football and Basketball game and have gotten to march everywhere from on the field to the stands and even parades. I enjoy the feeling of cheering on our Oregon Ducks with a sold-out crowd in Autzen Stadium, all the travel I’ve gotten to do, and the friends I’ve made along the way! My band director Eric Wiltshire is also a great inspiration to me. He encourages me to continue my passion for music alongside my architectural studies.

MY GREATEST LEARNING EXPERIENCE AT UO
The greatest learning experience I have had at UO is expanding my social circle. Growing up, I was always very reserved and shy. After spending all of my Senior year online during Covid, college was a huge leap for me socially. All of the clubs and organizations I have been able to join here have helped me make so many friends outside of my classes and allow me to attend fun social events along with travel trips.

AFTER GRADUATION
I hope to become a licensed Architect and work on community-oriented projects.

YOUR GIFT
I am so honored to receive this award for my travels and studies abroad. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to spend my spring term in Vicenza, Italy, and watch all the buildings from my textbook come to life. I can’t believe I get the opportunity to explore both Rome and Florence on this trip as well as an excursion to Switzerland. This term is providing me with so many new opportunities and experiences to grow as a person as well as an Architecture Student!

I want to thank you so much for this generous donation. Without it, I would be burdened with the stress of student loans. Thank you for allowing me to enjoy my studies abroad without the weight of paying for tuition and travel. Taking my studies from Eugene to Vicenza would not be possible without you!