I did have an amazing final review for my school project. Now, I’m interning at the Corporate Real Estate – Space Management/Portfolio Management. It’s really fun because I get to see all the departments in Walt Disney Company and also work with some architects who are doing the redesigning of floors. I’m also part of the Summer Internship Program at Disney so there are many intern events such as Executive Speakers, social events, and Disney Intern classes.

Today, the Disney Intern class was about ‘communication with style’.  My work style is ‘expressive – amiable’ which definitely defines my work habit/personality. We split up into our style groups and I definitely got along really well with the people in my group. They’re so fun to be around with. We all had similar answers and definitely clicked the instant we sat down at the table.

There are many students who are also from USC so it was fun to meet them because I don’t exactly socialize with non-Architecture majors. There are many interns who are not from California but came to intern in LA. I can’t wait to hang out with them and take them around.

And the buzz going around…there are two adorable boys are so sweet and make me smile every time I talk or see them. I can’t wait to get to know them more.

Charrette for final project is finally over and now, I can concentrate on applying for internships and include the project into my portfolios! I’m currently on  step 1 for my Disney interviews and I hope the manager does contact me for further interviews. If I am able to work for Disney, it will be a dream come true because my entire childhood, I’ve been surrounded by Disney.

I’ve discovered that I want to study the entertainment/civic/cultural part of Architecture. I want to further develop the connectivity between the people and its love for entertainment and fun lifestyle because I’m a fun person! I love studying innovative materials that involve advance technology. I also love to study how the environment is changing to fit the pedestrian lifestyle.

Finals. Portfolio. Review. This is my final last week and a half before I leave for Hong Kong. Then, one summer a semester away from studying in Como-Milan!

Does it really give me hope that I can one day meet a prince from a royal family? I mean, Prince Harry and I have the same birthdate and we both love to impact children’s lives. I love the fact that he cares so much about children who need the extra care and love. These children are special and I hope that one day, I’m able to join him and help make a difference in the world. This is coming from a girl who grew up as an only child and wanting to give back to the community. The community, the world, is my family.

Sometimes, I feel that I’m missing a big part of my college life. I’ve always wondered what would have happened if I did a sorority, joined an Asian American club, or just did a sport. I’m always concentrating on striving for the best…and I know I have my AIAS family..but I just need to let go and be free. I want to have a good social life yet have balance with my academics.

Maybe it’s the idea that I want to follow my rules and not drink until I’m 21. Ha. But my friends in studio already know that I’m not as innocent as I look. I do like to party and when I’m legal enough in that country, I do party. I’m already looking forward to turning 21 in Septemeber. Most of my friends are turning 21 within the next few months and it’s kinda depressing to see how much fun everyone is having.

I have nothing to lose.
“It’s going to be a big night.”
So I was assigned going first during my midreview and I’m really curious why my studio instructor assigned me first. I’ve never been assigned first. I was happy with my review because the jury actually likes my form and thinking. Now, I just step back and refurbish my circulation to make it clearer and easier. Yes, I’ve been in a confusing mode with that…so I’m happy. One of juror, who is the first year coordinator, said he’s looking forward to seeing my project and thinks my project is exciting. That made me smile. I’m content and excited too.

My instructor and the structural engineer said that my structure is fine. I really want to keep my structural system simple because my design is already getting complex and I don’t want to overcomplex the project. However, I think my studio instructor still likes my project because he enjoys “intellectual” and complex/interesting designs. Hopefully, I’m able to pull it off.

I need to continue studying Preson Scott Cohen’s projects. I’m currently doing something very similar and having two grids collide with each other. I need to make my plans clearer (well, I just have to fix up two floors plus continue my work on the parking.) But I can tell my studio instructor knows I’ve been working because of the progress I’m making and developming.

The reason why I don’t sleep is I’m a slow worker. I take my time…and I actually redo things as I’m working. I’m also very indecisive..however, I’m now at that point where I just have to take my risks and hope that my jurors understand and like my project.

Other than studio.
Spring break is coming up in a few weeks. I also have to register for West Quad. I have to tell my studio instructor that I’ll be going to San Diego to participate in an AIAS conference and I think he likes AIAS. Actually, all instructors + firms like students who participate in AIAS so I’m in a good position.

Where am I going for spring break? My family is still deciding. I want to go to Chicago. I know my parents won’t want to go to Boston or New York because they’ll be going there in October. Oh how I wish I can go with my family and relatives to the cruise to New England and Canada. My friend told me to skip school and go with my family because “making family connections is important”. And deep under that comment, he wants me to visit him – I can already tell.

I’ve found my two 4th years. We’re going to go to ALL GLEE EVENTS and meet them cast…DARREN CRISS, HARRY SHUM JR, AND KEVIN MCHALE. (okay, I’ve been a fangirl of Kevin since NLT days. and the fact that my friend Michael knows him very well…is just amazing. Two degrees of separation! which means three degrees of separation from Harry and Darren!)

Some people may think we’re crazy…but that’s because this is our outlet from Architecture. Who knows..maybe in the future, they’ll be OUR CLIENTS! Yes. I said that. I want to work with them in the future. Well, I actually would LOVE to BE FRIENDS with them because I know they’re just normal people. I’m not obsessed. I just want to be an ordinary person who has friends in that business.

Okay, back to Architecture. I’ve been working on my plans for the past few hours…and been procrastinating on and off. Also, I’ve been really interested in Charles Dicken’s “Hard Times”. I know I’m interested in it because I engaged myself with the characters (I seriously want to punch Louisa for not following her own heart). It’s true. I’m a dork. I love to be involved with the literature I love.

And so, I’ve decided that I’m going to apply for the traveling fellowships next year. I’m going to work with Mindy in one…studying literary places. And another one, I’m going to research, compare, and contrast the design of palace gardens and the design of cities (i.e Palace of Versailles and Paris).

School has been going really well..minus the fact that I skipped one day of my Arch elective because I slept at 7AM and felt sick so I didn’t go to my 10AM class but I managed to head to studio at 2PM.

We’re designing a school of performing arts: dance and music. I’ve drawn my inspiration from movies such as Center Stage and Step Up; Raise Your Voice – the mix between hiphop and ballet; voice and instruments. I also draw my inspiration my own experience with piano and my friends who are devoted to music and dance. I’m happy that I play piano so I know what the “perfect practice room experience” one wants.

I still haven’t reach my New Year’s resolutions about being more social in school. Well, being in AIAS allows me to get to know our chapter members and hopefully, I’ll be able to become a mentor to the upcoming 1st and 2nd years when I become chapter president. And also, I’m in Arch Student Council so many of the student council members know me. As an AIAS representative, I really want to get involved with the school…in addition to studio.

And then there are my friends from other AIAS chapters. I’ve been keeping in touch with many of them and will be seeing other chapters in SoCal very soon!

Is it possible that I’ve found the perfect prince charming. He’s super sweet and the way he talks is super cute..but he’s not as cute as the ‘prince charming’ is imagined. But, he’s 4 years older (a little less than 4 years) than I am and he’s currently working in Toronto. He’s from Canada. But he wants to visit LA. The funny thing is…I told him that Crystal and I want him to visit but I know he’s working. Then, he said he’s working…to get to LA. I miss him already. ): Also, he said he’s going to take me skating and camping. I told him that when he goes camping, he should catch a firefly for me. I did tell him that I love being in a place at night where I can see fireflies around me because it gives me hope in life. I want to have a firefly.♥

Or maybe it’s who I met. They inspire me to take the risks and become the leader I was born to be. It’s a good thing that I’m at USC because networking is important. I want to network with other chapters from around the world and bring it back to USC. I want to do something that helps the school and the city. It’s who I am.

Most importantly, I want to make a difference.

Thank you Ryerson University for hosting an amazing FORUM in Toronto. I’m really happy that I went to this year’s FORUM. It definitely has inspired me and I’m looking forward to next two years of FORUM conference. 2011 Phoenix…and 2012 SAVANNAH! Congratulations 2011-2012 AIAS board of directors and Savannah College of Art and Design! You all inspire us to go for it!

So I said that I’ll be updating what happened each day. Well, I won’t be typing everyone out in paragraphs. Instead, I usually bullet point everything. So here it goes.

Day 1.

- Arrived at Toronto 7PM and bumped into Jessica on the Airport express.
- Checked in; the girl working in the Front Desk was also Cantonese.
- Had dinner at Loose Moose. Really good food.
- Discovered internet at the Starbucks downstairs at PATH
- Met up with Crystal at night.

Day 2.
- Woke up at 7:30 AM
- Went to Starbucks downstairs for breakfast
- Saw a bunch of people while waiting in line.
- Went to registration booth for bag, schedule, and signed up for tours.
- Toronto Dominion Centre. by Mies!
- Went to see Calatrava’s building.
- Walked around PATH.
- Lunch at the Eatery. Had Tim Horton’s Ice Capp for 1st time & salmon rolls.
- Went back to room and got our laptops.
- Sat at another Starbucks for two hours.
- Saw two Starbucks worker being really sweet to an elderly man with disabilities (Crystal)
- Met another elderly man with disabilities and asked me what I was drinking. Said it was a smoothie which costs $5 and he bought one too. Strawberry flavor. The old man started talking to Jessica about getting a laptop because he wants to book a cruise/trip. And the Starbucks workers are smiled and they heard/saw the old man randomly talking to us.
- Having eye contact with one of the Starbucks workers. I thought he was cute.
- Having Crystal go up to the other Starbucks guy and said that what he did to the elderly man in wheelchair made her day.
- General session: 1st roll call + SO CAL SPELL OUT.
- James Timberlake as guest.
- Devil’s Martini: kinda crazy. a little too crazy.
- Everyone’s knowing us three are from USC and loving our SO CAL SPELL OUT + ending.

Day 3.
- Woke up LATE because our hotel room clock was behind one hour so I was late to the Council of Presidents meeting.
- Found out a friend was recently engaged. (:
- Stressed out by how our USC flyers were lost. ): Had to pay $30 for Internet.
- Decorated our table with my USC scarf. Made it look more…TROJAN style.
(we need to be better prepared next FORUM!)
- Went to the “SELLING YOURSELF WITHOUT SELLING OUT” seminar.
- Went back to the room.
- Another general session: day 2 of roll call – USC FIGHT SONG.
- Everyone wondering where I was because in the beginning, it was Jessica and Crystal. Then I popped up.
- Ha I remember Brett satubg “heyy…and I don’t have a fight song.” Haha (:
- Jessica meeting up with her friend; I was getting ready for my COP Reception.
- COP reception at a lounge: meeting tons of new people and people who inspire me to be an amazing leader.
- Dave and his “I welcome you” greeting to my first FORUM experience.
- Everyone hugging me and fighting over me. I’m a lover♥
- Chris asking me if I had a costume for Beaux Arts Ball and he still didn’t have one.
- Meeting Connor, an Irish, who lived in Taiwan when he was little and he USED TO know Mandarin which surprised me. He better brush up on his Mandarin before the next time I see him.
- Talking about stories that happened that day with Crystal and Jessica.

Day 4.
- Woke up at noon and went to Quad meeting while Crystal and Jessica went to Casa Loma
- Veronica and Dave and my scarf: GRYFFINDOR!
- Veronica kept calling me Harry Potter because of my scarf. Love her!
- Candidate panel!
- Our west quad circle!
- Robert and I trying to find our two groups.
- Harry Potter roll call: Roger Williams did it first…but everyone loved ours!
- Having NSAD chant “USC USC USC” after our roll call. I LOVE MY NSAD PEOPLE♥
- Getting ready for Beaux Arts Ball: CRYSTAL AND HER FURRY JACKET!
- Beaux Arts Ball. (no words can explain)
- Going back to the hotel, tired.
- Imperial lounge: Robert and his SNAPE SNAPE SEVERUS SNAPE because he loves us♥
- Michael and Kevin and their USC chant♥ They love USC too.
- Fell asleep even though was planning to go back to the lobby to meet up with Jessica and Crystal
- Crystal, Jessica and their stories about the boys they met.

Day 5.
- Woke up at 9ish for 10AM COP meeting! (wasn’t late)
- Sat next to Montana State Univ and he was like “i think i met you at grassroots” but I was like “that’s Ashley. I’m Deborah. Haha”
- Sat at the same table with David and Dakotah.
- Dave saying “she’s so cute” when I went to say hi to him and Steve. (these boys make me smile)
- re-electing FORUM 2012 three times
- West Quad table meeting
- Dakotah and his description of an Asian friend.
- Meeting ended at 3. Sat at Main Mezzanine – people watching, drinking latte, reading book, and napping.
- Finally met up with Jessica and Crystal: did D.A.N.C.E substituted with T.O.R.O.N.T.O.
- Inception.
- Crystal meeting random strangers and playing piano.
- Meeting some guys from elevator: one from ASU called me Gryffindor and I told him we have the same school colors. Ha.
- Karaoke night.
- Signing that banner: Action | Reaction. Thanks Ryerson and AIAS National!
- Meeting many people on the last night.
- Seeing Richy for…how many times within an hour?
- Taking pictures on the “set up stage” with Crystal and Jessica.

Anyways, I’ve been really busy doing other things for the past few months that I don’t have time to blog on my wordpress. It is depressing, I admit. However, I have some great news for you!

I will be leaving for Toronto on December 28 to January 2nd for 2010 AIAS FORUM hosted by Ryerson University. During this time, I maybe not be able to update about my trip because I will need internet. However, once I get back, I will uploading my photos on flickr and will post an entry on here dedicated to telling events that happened, day by day. However, I’m very looking forward to spending New Year’s Eve with a bunch of my friends. This is the first time I’ve spend NYE with my friends. It’s going to be amazing.

Also, it’s official! A month long of wait…has finally arrived. I am officially part of the SPRING 2012 ITALY STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM! I will be studying at Lake Como. In 2012, they are trying to make more connections to Milan. I’m really thankful for my parents and will be working diligently for the next two semester.

Lastly, I will be moving to Pasadena – from a single family house to a flat. My life, right now, is really chaotic because I have so much going on at once. I have a skyscraper competition that I am working on. I also have to print out business cards before I leave for my conference. In addition, I have to pack up my room. These next few weeks are packed hour by hour. On top of everything else, I’ll be working on my graphics for my blogs.

Stay tune for more updates during my winter break.

I’m so grateful for everything that has happened in the past month. My parents will be leaving for Hong Kong in the beginning of November and I have a long list of things for them to buy for me — more like supplies and winter clothes. I’m sad that I won’t be going back to Hong Kong this winter break but I hope I can go back for a few week during the summer. I’m still planning out my itinerary for my traveling fellowship application that is due in January. If I’m a finalist, I will need to prepare my proposal and if I’m a recipient, I plan on traveling for three weeks from the end of may to the mid-June. Then, I come back and hope to intern somewhere; I hope to intern a design/event planning agency or a theater/film company where I can be a design intern. It’s a way to help me with Architecture and do something I love: Public Relations and theater.

Anyways, I’ll try to update about my days more. If I do get a traveling fellowship, I’m going to try to get a domain so that I can blog about my “fairy tale” adventures. Yes, I have decided that I want to pursue my dream “Experiencing the real life fairy tale: exploring fairy tale homes of the royalty“. Sounds enchanting already.