"Architects value educational breadth and depth, including a thorough understanding of the discipline’s body of knowledge, histories and theories, and architecture’s role in cultural, social, environmental, economic, and built contexts. Inevitable change in these factors requires lifelong learning"
National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB)
From my current perspective and understanding of vocation, it is referring to a deeper sense of purpose in our lives, a calling. For me, it goes further than just my profession and career and begins to include all aspects of my life. This includes my values, passions, and principles. Vocational discernment is a crucial topic of discussion at Belmont University, being a Christ-centered school. Pursuing vocation with the Christian tradition would require one to align our principles and values to not only ourselves as a person but ourselves through coursework, hobbies, and profession. Throughout my time at Belmont and in the O'More College of Architecture and Design, I have been working towards figuring out what my vocation is and how I can use my talents to serve God and serve others. He has given me two gifts that I have seen myself using both in and outside the classroom, doing what He has called me to do. As the eldest daughter, niece, and granddaughter on all sides of my family, I naturally have a very nurturing and type A personality. With this, the Lord has given me the great gifts of leadership and a servant's heart that have been working in my life throughout my time at Belmont.
At school, my leadership skills have been put to great use in my time outside of the classroom. Our local chapter of AIAS began in 2022, where I became a general active member. The following year I became a member of the board as Treasurer, putting my leadership (and type A) skills to use. The following year, my fifth year of school, I am serving as chapter Vice-President. Serving this position has allowed me to use one of the great gifts God has given me. Outside the classroom, but still through Belmont, I was able to serve a mission in the spring of 2024. With a group of 10 other Belmont students, I was fortunate enough to travel to the Dominican Republic for a week and build a home for a family in need. It was a life-changing week and I could really feel the Lord moving in Santiago. It was an incredible opportunity to serve my great Lord (which made my servant's heart smile) while also doing something I am so passionate about. As an architecture student, the ability to serve while also doing something aligned with what I am passionate about and want to do with my career was one of the greatest experiences of my life, I can't wait to do it again. Check out some photos from my experience below!
DIDACTIC STATEMENT:
In March of 2024, I traveled with Belmont University Ministries to serve a mission with Casas por Cristo in the Dominican Republic. The trip was led by two Belmont leaders, Meredith Davila and Derian Hamblin, along with Gus, Manny, and Osoky with Casas por Cristo. In just 3 and a half day we built a small home from start to finish for the sweet Hernandez family. It was the most humbling and inspiring experiences of my entire life, it was simply life-changing. The joy of not just the family, but also their community was incredible to see and it was so awesome to see a group of strangers to come together and serve our God. Despite language, knowledge, and experience barriers, the whole group was able to accomplish our goal and give the sweet family a home. The most incredible part was the worship service in which we officially gave the Hernadez family their home. Those who helped build the home, neighbors, and church community all came together to pray over the family and their new home, it was simply beautiful. The experience has taught you so many things, one of which its that I can use my knowledge and expertise in architecture and beyond to do good in this world and honor my God.
VOCATION [LO-4]:
I understand vocation as distinct from profession or career in that it represents a deeper, more personal calling, something that goes beyond a job or even a chosen field of work. While profession and career are often focused on skill development, advancement, and financial gain, vocation is rooted in a sense of purpose that aligns with one’s values, passions, and, for many, their faith. For me, architecture is not merely about designing functional or aesthetically pleasing buildings; it is a means of serving others, particularly those in need, and contributing to the common good. In the context of the Christian tradition, vocation is deeply connected to service, stewardship, and compassion. It’s about using one’s gifts to serve others and to honor God through acts of humility and care. My faith informs this view, encouraging me to approach architecture with a mindset of stewardship, creating spaces that foster community, well-being, and justice.
Throughout my time at Belmont, my understanding of vocation has grown significantly, especially this semester as I’ve reflected more on how my faith and work intersect. I’ve come to see vocation not only as a calling to be fulfilled in the context of one’s career but as a broader life mission that can guide all aspects of work, including architecture. This deeper understanding encourages me to focus not only on professional achievement but also on how I can use my skills to address societal issues such as affordable housing, sustainable design, and the needs of underserved communities. Looking to the future, I am inspired to view architecture as a ministry of sorts—one that honors God by improving lives, caring for the environment, and working for justice. This understanding shapes my plans to not only pursue a career in architecture but to do so with a strong sense of service and responsibility, using my vocation as a way to honor my faith and contribute meaningfully to society.