Student Spotlight:
Ava Schade

What makes Washington State University’s Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture stand out from the crowd for those looking to get a degree?

We ask architecture major Ava Schade for her thoughts on what makes WSU such a special place.

What made you decide to attend Washington State University?

From my very first step on campus, I felt at home. The overwhelming feeling that I belong really stuck with me and I still feel that today.

Why did you choose your major?

Since I was very young, I knew I wanted to design things and I didn’t fully understand what that meant until I was about nine when I decided I wanted to be an architect.

Art, design and the act of building things has always made me happy and at peace with myself. When it came down to choosing a major, I knew I had to choose something that makes me happy.

How have you benefitted by attending WSU?

I feel like I’ve really grown as a person since starting at WSU. I’ve learned a lot about myself and how to connect with others on multiple different levels. I can look back to the person I was before WSU and see how much more confident I am in myself now.

What has been your favorite class?

I’d have to go with SDC 350 with Gracjan Kraszewski. I absolutely loved his approach to teaching and learning, and the class atmosphere is unlike any other class I have taken. I’m a huge fan of art and design history, and how we apply our knowledge in this class forces me to think differently and see things from a new perspective. This is my second time having him as a professor and I hope I can take another one of his classes in the future.