From the mind of the high school intern...
Posted by Jedd Heap on Thu, Apr 23, 2009 @ 03:36 PM
by Zac Hazelwood
Hi, I'm Zac. I joined the CSA team back in September of '08 to complete my Pine View Externship program. Yes, I did say "team," and I certainly meant to. I've worked with the coolest group of people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting.
Each one of them reminds me of myself in some peculiar way: Becky, the art student; Jedd, really dedicated; Harry owns a motorcycle (I want one); Michael, easy-going but knows his stuff better than most; and Phil, that genius you didn't expect to be a genius. Oh, there's a dog, too; seemed odd, but I guess Einstein's the unspoken office mascot.
I worked 2 days a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays, for 3 hours each day. 6 hours a week doesn't seem like enough time to get to know a group of busy architects, but everyone is so personable and happy that becoming a part of the office took all of 20 minutes, day 1.
I joined the program for an oppurtunity to affirm my life-long committment to wanting to become an architect. Mission accomplished. Not only that, but I fell in love with SketchUp, which is also great.
I came here for experience; I didn't expect to get an experience. Whether the team believes me, or not, I actually learned quite a bit during my time at CSA. I picked up things, ideas, practices, and an attitude that college doesn't bother teaching. Sure, professors prefer students to come in with a blank slate and an open mind, but what's wrong with a little personal experience to fall back on? What I'm getting at is that I love everything about this place. The people, the atmosphere, the mints at the front desk; everything. I love it enough to come back to Sarasota after my 5-6 years at FIU are up and pop in the door, unexpectedly, and say "Hey! Look! Steve/Bob/Jack/Zac is back!" All of those people are me. I'm a man of many sweaters and Phil has a name for all of them.
But it's about time I stop writing. If I don't, then I'll keep going and I'll be here much later than 5 o'clock. Besides, I feel like another stress-ball war is going to start and I need to keep out of the crossfire. I would whole-heartedly like to thank each and every team member I've had the honor of working with. Certainly one of the best groups of people I've ever met.
Thanks, toodles
Zac Hazelwood