All right, everyone, let's head over and meet Alex. He's double majoring in Architecture and Urban Planning, writes for the school newspaper, and even works in special collections at the library. Alex will tell us how Miami University makes it possible for him to explore all of his interests. Over to you, Alex.
Hey there, I've wanted to study architecture as long as I can remember. My parents, they'll have a piece of paper I filled out in the first grade where I said I wanted to be an architect when I grew up. When it came time for me to pick a school my brother suggested Miami. He'd heard a lot about it and thought I would like the campus. My trip to Miami was my first college visit, and I immediately fell in love. Everything from the beautiful campus to the undergraduate focus grabbed my attention, and no other school seemed to have what Miami offered. When I was awarded the Presidential Fellows scholarship, I withdrew my applications from other schools and signed for Miami's incoming class and I've never looked back. Miami's liberal arts core called the Global Miami Plan, paired with my incoming AP credits allowed me more freedom in my scheduled than is possible at most other architecture schools. So much so that I was able to declare a double major in Urban Planning. Looking forward, I hope to use this tool expertise to create alternative housing solutions, particularly for people on the lower end of the economic spectrum. Beyond core classes, Miami has so many electives that enrich my understanding of both fields. I just completed a summer studio designing exhibits about gentrification in Downtown Cincinnati through the Over the Rhine center. And next semester, I'm working with both departments to create an independent study project, studying alternative housing types in the EU as I study at Miami's Luxembourg campus. Even outside of the studio in the classroom, Miami offers so many ways for me to pursue multiple interests. I write for our on campus newspaper, The Miami Student. I've also explored my interest in library sciences through my employment in King libraries, special collections, the university archives, where I've had the distinct pleasure of working with our librarians and technicians on the proper storage, digital preservation, and repair of priceless manuscripts and volumes. Miami is helping me work towards my goals every day. And my professors and my advisors collaborate to provide me opportunities I never could have imagined. My connections in the library and across campus support me now, and prepare me for my future, and I can't wait for my next two years. That's my story. Back to you, Alex.
Alex, thank you for taking us through your experiences as a student here at Miami University. It's amazing how your professors collaborate with you to ensure that you're getting the support you need to combine all your interests. That's probably why nearly 60% of Miami students graduate with a minor or a second major. With such wide ranging skills you have a very bright future ahead of you. Cheers, Alex.
