Dear Donors/Wishbone Team,

My experience at the EmbARC Summer Program was wonderful. What made my experience even better was the fact that I decided to stay at the dorms. I meet my 4 roommates, and one of my roommates was Jeffrey. It was a big coincidence since he is also a student participating on wishbone. He was the first person I met, and later l met my other 3 roommates. We got along quickly and we discussed why we like architecture and chose to do the EmbARC program. It was also a unique experience seeing the diversity of students and cultures who came from distinct places to participate in the program. In general, I enjoyed the taste I got of commuting to campus and the college life. Also taking care of responsibilities like laundry and managing time. Although I experienced a heavy culture shock and got super homesick I got over it on the first week. I'm still sad that the month of July ended quickly since I miss my new friends and living with roommates. Regardless of that, I still keep in touch with the people I met.
The EmbARC course taught me about the art in architecture and its history of how it changed. It also taught me why buildings and its location matter (this is called Urban Planning) and how it impacts communities. We also had lectures given by experts in this subject who had worked on projects in the bay area and for other famous corporations. Believe me, I definitely took notes on those lectures.
So the schedule of each day was different throughout the month. I got to do; studio, digital, fabrication lab, and a urban planning workshop.
At the studio, I was taught the different ways to draw and represent objects and structures. I was also given different tools, used by architects, to draw and was taught how to properly use them.
In digital, we were taught how to create structures with computer programs such as Rhino and Sketchup. I also learned how some architects do their digital portfolio professionally by using programs such as Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign. I also learned how a 3D printer works and how to laser cut is put into use. Both machines allow for architects to make a scale model of a real structure.
On the Fabrication lab, I got to work with wood in order to make a shelf to hold food by being efficient in the space it occupied. It was amazing learning how to use a table saw, use clamps, drills, and sanding in order to then paint. I made curted the wood for parts of the shelf. Since it had a hexagonal shape and was made of wood, I worked with wood glue and a drill to put the sides of the hexagon together. My group and me had to be quick and precise to make sure the pieces were aligned. I really enjoyed the fabrication lab because it was really hands on, and brought to my perspective how a project, which is designed and planned in paper becomes a reality and how materials make that structure.
Lastly, I really recommend this program to those who are interested in engineering and Art since those are main components of architecture. I also highly encourage for future students to stay at the dorms to meet roommates who share their passion for architecture. My main advice is that the assignments given in this course require for you to stay even after class ended because of work pace or other challenges. If the student stays at the dorms, they have more time to work since the class is closer in location and are able to finish their assignments without rushing or stressing.
Lastly, thanks to the wishbone team and my donors for making my attendance to EmbARC possible! It is an experience I will never forget!

Sincerely,
Eduardo

I'm excited to attend a summer program that is based on my passion of creativity in design and architecture. I'm looking forward to meeting mentors and professors that can enlighten me with knowledge that I've been looking for a while now. I am also excited to meet other students that share the same passion as me. I'm also curious and want to experience living with a roommate and look forward to meet that person. I will have a backpack and suit case ready to go!