Reviewed Questions from Colleagues

Colin:
Who or what circumstances brought you to the BAC, how you discovered the school?

The story begins after my arrival in the United States from Brazil at the age of 16. By giving the fact that most of the people in my family has pursued a career in the medical field, while still a high school student living in Miami, I constantly lived on the idea of me following their same foot steps in the work field. After graduating from high school at the age of 20, and still undecided of what I wanted to do, I took some time off from school to just work. Due to a financial circumstance at the time, I couldn't move on straight to college after high school, so I waited for about two years to save some money. When I was ready to begin looking for a college at the age of 22, my mother decided that she wanted to move to Boston to explore her job here. My mother is an Artist by nature and growing up by her side, her artistic influence has also become an important factor of my appreciation for art and nature. Nonetheless, after arriving in Boston, I continued in search for a college where I could study Pre-Med and later Medicine. During my Pre-Med schooling years at Atlantic Union College, Massachusetts, I study many disciplines required for the program including Art History and other Art related classes, which helped me realize that my instincts and interest for the arts and science field where stronger than Medicine. It was just before concluding my Pre-Med studies that I made I decision to instead pursue a career in the Architectural and Design industry. After dialoguing with friends, family and school faculty about my new desired career choice, I was encourage - based on my artistic personality - that a career in the Architectural and Design field would be ideal for me. Unfortunately for me, when most people where receiving their first degree before they reach the age of 25-26, I decide to make a change in my life and go for a different profession. When I was 25 I learned about the BAC through an old friend who happens to be an architect and knew about the BAC. In spite of the long program and other few challenges I would come to face while studying Architecture, I decide that I would pursue my dreams anyway. In 2004 I became officially a BAC student and a student of Architecture. It was not until the fall of 2007 - after completing my B-level studios - That I learned about the new Landscape Architecture program at the BAC and realize that working as a Landscape Architect was the missing puzzle to fulfill my career dream. Becoming a Landscape Architect, I knew it would allow me to explore and combine Architecture and Nature to so design for the outdoors as I am also an outdoor fanatic.

Edward:
What is your favorite hobby/extra-curricular activity?

My favor hobby will always be, to be in the outdoors. Off course, in the summer the activity that I enjoy the most and do often is biking. I can bike for hours around Boston and never get tire. I do also enjoy boating and fishing some times. I have a Portuguese background, so fishing is a huge tradition in my culture.

Mat:
If you work in a firm, how did you secure your position there?

I have worked in many different industries before. One thing that I believe is the same for all of them and it worked for me is simple...if you were asked to walk a mile, walk two! Employers seems to appreciate a lot employees that are committed to the best interest of the firm/company. Another important factor that employers always appreciate is an employee that is friendly, and easy to get along with everybody. Be courteous and respectful is a key!!!

Nancy:
Where do you see LA going over the next several years and do you think that the downward turn we are experiencing in the job market turning around for us?

To answer this question let me just say a thought. I believe we all have the fate of our success in our hands. To me, success is not always related to the amount of money I make or in the many properties I own or even in the wealth of a financial institution, but some times just in the small things I can accomplish as an individual. The severance of our depression or degree of our accomplishments are set in the goals standards we all have established to fulfill as professionals. As a Landscape Architectural student and designer, I see the future of LA going different ways for different individuals. The one reason I like the most about becoming a Landscape Architect is that this career field gives me the opportunity to work independently and pursue my professional dream unlimited of borders and politics.

Sara:
I value public transportation and believe it is vital to a more sustainable society. How willing to pay more for better and expanded service are you?

If we are talking about Boston, I believe its about time that MBTA should do something to update its subway systems. It is not clear to me, how can a 1st world country, such the United States be so behind in the transportation industry and so undated. I have travel to other countries before, specially countries that are considerate to be 3rd world country by today's society and I am speechless about the sustainability and modernization of their infrastructure compared to ours. Yes, I would pay more (If am not already paying for it). The question is, how much more?

Susan:
How can we help shift the dangerous belief of those who see insist that global warming and the environmental and energy crises are myths created and perpetuated by fear mongers? How can we broaden their perspective enough to help them to understand the holistic nature of Nature, our place in it, our responsibility to it (and ourselves), and the catastrophic consequences of continuing to make the ignorant choices that have led us here and are systematically destroying our one and only planetary home.

This is a very critical issue. I don't know how best answer it but my suggestion would be for everyone to do its part in saving the world by preserving nature and influence others near you to do the same. Educate who you know about the importance of keeping vegetation alive in the world.