NEFFIE (Lifestyle storytelling)

My professional life's story isn't very long, but at a pivotal point, I decided to try something new and live in God's purpose. 

 

            Located on the east coast, Hampton University lies on a peninsula about 30 minutes north of Virginia Beach and Norfolk's Naval Base, and three hours south of Washington, D.C. It's a place full of culture, and many campus buildings are a part of the National Historic Registry. I chose this institution because of its strong relevance in America's fabric, an academic scholarship, and proximity to family members in the area, but mostly, because it was a different environment from my Midwestern, St. Louis County, upbringing.  My mother (also my editor) is from rural Pike County, MO.  She moved to St. Louis after college to become an elementary school teacher and she later became a manager at AT&T.  My father is from Stowe/Pottstown, Pennsylvania.  He lived in New York City and various cities internationally during his military service and as a government contractor.  Though my parents divorced early on, I thankfully had positive role models on both sides and was able to bond with immediate family, extended family, and family friends.  I know that God placed me in my environments to fulfill His purpose - since this enabled me to reach out to both mentors and mentees, and later to share my knowledge with others. 

 

               The practice of architecture interested me because I was (and still am) curious about how so many different structures can be created with limited building materials. I believe that environments truly shape how people think, interact with each other, and perform. I also believe that every person, despite socio-economic status or physical impairment, has the right to experience a safe and amenable environment.        

 

               Urban design was a focus of the curriculum. We studied many theories and sustainable city planning practices before our European excursions. Ray Gindroz (founder of the Urban Design Association), along with our talented professors from various backgrounds, led us through eight French cities. We measured, sketched, toured (with Leon Krier's client Ariel Balmassuer, Christophe Clemencet of Toulon Blocks Redevelopment, artist Remy Kefriden, and employees of France- Etats Unis & Mayor's Cultural Attaché) and became acquainted with French culture before designing our own ideas for Toulon (Norfolk's sister city) redevelopment.  In addition to my French travels, I had an opportunity to go to the Middle East to visit my father (who was working on an American Military base there).  This experience allowed me to see the souks, restaurants, and skyscrapers of Doha, Qatar and Dubai, U.A.E.  To gain exposure on site and understand the interdisciplinary architectural experience, Hampton University, Old Dominion University, and The University of North Carolina Greensboro collaborated to design and construct a solar home that could possibly show in the Department of Energy's Solar Decathlon Competition in Irvine, California.

 

               Thankfully, during the educational process at Hampton University (2009-2014) that taught both career and life skills, I formed lasting relationships with many people who encourage me academically, professionally, socially, and with whom I share dreams and goals as we move forward.

 

               Since I published a book about the hypothetical construct of race as a follow up to my graduate thesis (2017), I identify as a black woman (an African American) whose lineage, according to Ancestry.com's DNA test, is 30% Ivory Coast/Ghana, 22% Benin/Togo, 16% Cameroon/Congo, 14% Europe, 8% Senegal, 3% Nigeria, 2% Mali, 2% North Africa, 1% Africa Southeastern Bantu, 1% Africa South-Central Hunter-Gatherers, and 1% West Asia (though my Midwest ancestors say that we are Blackfoot Native American as well.)

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               With my education and eight years of corporate experience (2011-2019) where I've focused on construction documents, graphics, and CADD support, my immediate professional goal since completing my Intern Development Program hours as a part of the Architectural Experience Program is to pass the Architecture Registration Exams Version 5.0.

 

            I am grateful for the few trials and many blessings as I journey on. Prayerfully, this inspires some of you to pursue your God-given purpose, also. 

 

Love, Christina (Laney) Snow-Hill (In the year 2019)