Riley Keany

I am choosing architecture as my career path because I want to create sustainable designs within my control. I have struggled with a fragile immune system, a 24/7 headache, chronic fatigue, and a heart condition for many years. I try to push myself every day, knowing that I may not feel up to it the next. I learned to focus on what is in my control, continually working towards being the best version of myself. I always set big goals for myself, not allowing my disabilities to define me. Now that I am "healthy" enough to go to school, I am interested in taking any opportunity that comes my way, from being student body president, to starting a crochet club at my school, competing in design competitions, and partaking in an architecture workshop with Cal Poly SLO over the summer. I also completed a two-year Interior Design Career pathway at my high school. Where I learned that I could turn my hobbies into a career by participating in Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America Design competitions. Here I found success, winning first place in regional and state and placing 5th nationally by combining my eye for design and curiosity about technical fundamentals. My health and leadership experiences have helped me to focus on my future as an aspiring architect. I want to leave behind a long-lasting legacy of sustainable architecture designs for future generations to enjoy. Making sure that my designs are timeless, meaningful, and, most importantly, safe for our planet will preserve not only my designs but everything I stand for as a climate change advocate. If I can create structures that won't become outdated, insufficient, or un-useful, I will have achieved a legacy that I will be proud of. With sustainable building, there will be no reason to dismantle my work, and it will prevent the enormous amount of waste that accompanies the destruction of a structure