The document describes the author's experience as an architecture student and their decision to switch majors to communication and digital media. Some of the key reasons for switching were a lack of interest in the architectural course material, a preference for a more interactive learning style than what was offered by the French university system, and a desire to study abroad. After self-reflection and consideration of alternative solutions, the author ultimately decided to change programs in order to pursue their passion.

1. I will tell the story of how
and why I decided to switch
majors from architecture to
communication and digital
media.
Nathalie Habib
My name is Nathalie, I am applying
for the Communication and Digital
Media Bachelor’s degree and I
decided to do the PowerPoint
presentation for my IE express
yourself application.
I am going to talk about a time I faced a challenge, what I learned
about this experience, and how it has affected the way I view future
obstacles.

2. Problem Solving
Architecture was mainly about finding solutions
using critical thinking to create and design a
certain project.
Communication
Public speaking was as important as the project
itself, defending my work and trying to sell the idea
was a big challenge.
Engineering Skills
Architects need a basic understanding of structure
when submitting a project, engineering principles
and basic physics are a must.
Life as an
architecture student
Architecture appealed to me because of the
combination of two main guiding principles: art
and creativity combined with the mechanics of
building.

3. Presentations boosted
my confidence
significantly throughout
the semesters.
Confidence
Building relationships
with the people around
me was also a way of
developing
communication skills.
New Connections
I also managed to learn
how to debate and put
out a well thought
argument facing any
opposition from the jury.
Debating
Art Direction
After one or two months of hard work,
presenting my work publicly and defending
it was very challenging and fun to do. No
matter how original or solid my project
was, presenting it with confidence
definitely enhanced the way people viewed
my project.
During this journey, I found that the
most appealing aspect of architecture
was presenting my project at the end.
COMMUNICATION

4. Even though I enjoyed university very much, I
always felt I was engaging and investing myself
in a future career that I quickly discovered was
not for me.
The bad days
My first year in architecture was an introduction year
and it was going well for the most part. However,
after starting second year I began to feel uncertain
about whether or not architecture was really for me?
In the fall semester of 2018, I started having doubts
about my choice in architecture. Though I enjoyed
learning and applying this knowledge into creating
projects, there was a part of me that was acutely aware
that something essential was missing. I stopped
engaging in activities that I normally loved doing and I no
longer felt satisfaction or pleasure in doing things I used
to be fond of.

5. Trying to
solve the
problem
Always working toward a goal, I hated feeling lost.
This was the first time in my life I didn’t know how
things were going to turn out. I didn’t know if
architecture was the right fit for me, or if I had to
take courage and switch majors? I started thinking
about the reasons why I was not satisfied with my
career choice and came up with three:
I was not interested with
the architectural aspects
of the academic content.
Course material
Enrolling in a french
university, I realized the
academic approach did
not encourage out of the
box thinking skills.
French system
Staying in my native
country made me feel like
I was holding back on
many experiences I could
have, if only I had
travelled to study abroad.
Travel
Furthermore, the relationships with professors
did not promote interaction nor mentorship, it
was rigid and lateral. It quickly became
apparent to me that this system was not
suitable for me.

6. One last
try
After profound reflection, questioning and self-doubt, I
came to the conclusion that having the courage to make
a change was essential. With the advice of my parents, I
decided to start the second semester of my second year
with a more positive attitude, thinking that maybe last
semester I started off on the wrong foot.
I didn’t want to jump into a major life decision and not
be sure about it.

7. Ultimately
One month into my spring semester at university, I
started reliving my last semester and decided that I had
to take a decision. I brainstormed every possible solution
in order to make this necessary change possible. Though
my three semesters as an architecture student were not
fulfilling my passion, I also realized that it gave me space
to grow intellectually and mature. However, I am positive
that I am ready to embark upon another academic career
path without any regrets.

8. I am grateful that these two years of architecture have given me
knowledge and profound self-discovery. It is a challenge that has given
me the courage to accept that we can make mistakes and this experience
gave me further insight into discovering the source of the problem and
commit to changing and writing a new page in my life.
This is why I decided to apply to
Communication & Digital Media
Communication &
Digital Media
This experience made me look at setbacks in a different way; if I could advise my future
self the next time life hits me with an obstacle, I will remember to first recognize and
label my emotions in order to not be controlled by them. Secondly, to focus solely on
what I am able to control and be pro-active to alter circumstances in a positive direction.
Thank
you