While many of her peers enjoyed a break from school, Melissa Sosa spent her summer gaining a hands-on experience in the field of architecture. Through an internship, Sosa gained practical knowledge, insight into building design and a firsthand opportunity to learn from experts in the area and the challenges that come with the profession.
Contacting Soto & Garcia Architects through her mother’s connection, Sosa became an intern for two weeks. Here, she got to build and refine her portfolio—an essential asset for college applications. During her time there, Sosa completed projects that showcased her technical and creative abilities, such as crafting 3D models based on real-world architectural designs using the softwares AutoCAD and Revit.
“I have a lot of family members who work in the construction world and I have just been drawn to art my entire life. I found that architecture mixes those two. The career has always been interesting to me ever since I was young,” senior Sosa said.
In addition to her internship, Sosa was also a counselor at an architecture summer camp at the University of Miami, alongside Hazel Grosell and Alyssa Dopico. As a mentor, she rotated age groups between the kids and got to teach architectural concepts and history with engaging PowerPoints weekly. She also did fun activities with them such as going on a field trip to the beach and her personal favorite – building model houses with the kids. They would begin by sketching out different forms given out to them and then they would have to combine the shapes to make several types of buildings such as libraries, airports and houses.
“Spending the two weeks with the kids and the counselors helped me refine my own skills and build ones in teaching. Managing groups of 15-30 kids ages 7-14 was tricky. I learned how to be patient and positively convey new ideas,” junior Grosell said.
During the camp, Sosa also had a chance to explore her passion further by visiting different achitecture firms at Wynwood, Fla. Among her stops, Kobe Karp Architecture & Interior Design Inc, allowed her to create connections. She was able to meet people within the industry and gain a deeper understanding of the work environment.
“This really gets you in touch with great people who are professional architects. If you are a counselor, you see many opportunities for internships and overall it just gives you a chance to dive deeper into architecture without having to go to a school. Not only are you teaching kids but you learn as well,” junior Dopico said.
Having a solid basis for pursuing a career in architecture, Sosa has built a strong commitment to her art and a future in that major. Obtaining practical experience in how to use complex software, she has also managed to broaden her network of potential architects and designers. Looking ahead, Sosa’s main goal as an architect is to build affordable housing for those who are in need and create more environmentally friendly spaces around her community. Her love for architecture is only stronger now, and she is well on her way to making a lasting impact.
“Before this, I honestly did not really know how to navigate myself through the apps, and now I do. I think now applying this knowledge during college and then later on when I can apply it in a real office while working,” senior Melissa Sosa said.
