Why I'm Going Back to School

Years ago, I stepped away from college without obtaining a degree. At the time, life pulled me in a different direction, and I pursued another career path early in my adult life. Eventually, I found my way back to my true passion—architecture—but by then, the idea of becoming a licensed architect felt daunting. The thought of starting over, going back to school, and putting in the years of work required to earn my license seemed like a massive undertaking. Instead, I built a successful career in architectural drafting, gaining hands-on experience in design, construction documentation, and working closely with contractors.

Even though I’ve taken online courses and earned my career diploma along the way, I’ve always felt that something was missing. I’ve realized that to truly grow—both as a professional and as a business owner—I need to deepen my understanding of more than just drafting and design. That’s why I’ve decided to take the leap.

I’ve recently been accepted into Arkansas State University’s online program to earn my Bachelor of Science in Construction Management starting this fall. This program will give me a stronger grasp of the entire building process, from budgeting and scheduling to project coordination and client communication. Understanding how projects come together from start to finish will not only make me a better drafter, but it will also allow me to better serve my clients by bridging the gap between design and construction.

But my journey won’t stop there. A degree in Architecture has been on my mind for years, and while it’s a long-term goal, it’s one I’m finally working toward. Architecture has always been my dream, and now I’m laying the foundation to make that dream a reality.

While I’m not in a rush to turn my firm into a full-fledged design-build operation, I want to be prepared for the future. The knowledge and expertise I gain along the way will ensure that when the time is right, I’ll be ready to take that next step.

This journey won’t be easy—it’s essentially starting from the beginning—but it’s one I’m excited to take. After years of working in the industry, I know that deepening my education and expanding my skill set will open doors to new opportunities and, ultimately, help me become the architect I’ve always wanted to be.