The University of Minnesota Scholarship Committee has selected Lauren Finch as the 2020 SPQR Fellow. Lauren is in her second year of the Architecture BDA program. In a letter introducing herself to the other SPQR Fellows, Lauren wrote:
I grew up one hour north of the Twin Cities in Lindstrom, MN with my parents and twin sister. My sister also goes to the University of Minnesota and is studying Business. My dad is an IT Manager for the Attorney General’s Office and my mom is a Branch Office Administrator at Edward Jones. Both of my parents are extremely hard working and have always been my biggest supporters. They have done so much to help me pursue my goals, including my plans to travel abroad this summer.
I have always enjoyed hands-on projects and would consider myself a creative thinker, problem-solver, and now designer. I knew that I wanted my future career to allow me to use these strengths in order to design creative solutions to help other people. Furthermore, I discovered my interest in studying Architecture back in high school where I was first introduced to residential architecture by taking a drafting class and other drawing classes. However, throughout college, my interests have slightly shifted as I have recently gained a passion for designing affordable housing. This is partly due to the Public Interest Design minor that I am currently pursuing. Taking classes has opened up my eyes to the role that ethics plays in architecture and has taught me how important it is for designers to consider this in their work every day.
Unfortunately, due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Design in Rome program has been canceled for this summer. I am deeply saddened that the other students and myself will not get the opportunity to travel abroad this summer, but I am thankful for the University of Minnesota for taking precautions and prioritizing the safety of all of their students. I am still honored to be a part of the SPQR Fellowship and am so thankful for everything that the Fellowship has done for me despite not being able to go and experience the beautiful city of Rome this summer.
Lauren’s Essay and Drawings > LFessayDRWGS
