“I have been doing arts and crafts for a LONG time. Since I’m so art-focused, I struggled to find a major that I felt would teach me what I wanted to learn while still opening me up for jobs in the future. I was afraid to fall into the starving artist stereotype. As a result, I had a rough time trying to find a college and a major. It’s taken me two years, two colleges, and three majors to find what’s right for me. Finally.”
For ACC graduate Genevieve B., pursuing a degree in architecture was about turning a favorite pastime into a career.
“I have always loved building houses in games such as Minecraft and the Sims 4. It is also a practical application of design that I think I could make a career out of.”
ACC offers two options for students looking to pursue architecture: the Associate of Applied Science degree for students seeking a workforce credential and direct job entry and the Associate of Science degree program. Genevieve completed the Associate of Science degree program, which focuses on creating a transfer pathway for those seeking a bachelor’s degree or higher.
She is now taking the next steps to make that a reality as one of the first ACC Associate of Science in Architecture graduates.
“The Architecture Program at ACC was incredible. The professors were not only helpful with learning the material but also helped me outside of class with my portfolio and recommendations.”
For Genevieve, one major roadblock to success in her program was finding the right balance and support system. However, finding the right balance and support system helped her persevere and even turn her weaknesses into strengths.
“I had never been a math person, but Calculus 1 and 2 were required for my major. I decided to take both as 8-week courses in one semester to get them out of the way. What ended up happening was I got an incredible, unendingly patient professor, Lori Rosenthal. With her help, I discovered that I love calculus, and it changed how I thought about math.”
After completing her program in spring 2024, she was successfully accepted to the University of Texas at Austin’s School of Architecture.
“I was accepted to multiple programs at the University of Colorado, Auburn, University of Houston, University of Texas San Antonio, and Texas Tech. UT is second only to Rice in architecture, and it happened to be the most affordable for me! So I felt the decision was pretty easy.”
Genevieve wants to make sure others looking to transfer know there is plenty of support to set them on the right path.
“When I was going through transferring, I met with a transfer advisor every month, if not twice a month. I also had an architecture professor review and refine the portfolio that I needed for my applications. While it was certainly a lot of work, it was a lot less scary with everyone’s help. At ACC, there is help waiting for you. You just have to make the appointment.”
Once she finishes her degree at the University of Texas, Genevieve wants to become a residential architect.
For more information on transferring, visit austincc.edu/transfer.For information on ACC’s Architecture Program, visit austincc.edu/architecture.