The Art of Time Management: Olivia Hernandez ‘27 B.Arch
Five Questions with Bachelor of Architecture Student Olivia Hernandez
“With a small cohort, it feels like family because we are always with one another and we want to see everyone succeed.”
Olivia Hernandez balances it all, whether she is working at the front desk of the South Rec Center or volunteering her time as treasurer for the American Institute of Architecture Students at CAPLA. She shares why CAPLA caught her eye and why she never looked back.
What brought you to the University of Arizona to study architecture?
There were a couple of different reasons why I chose the University of Arizona. I was born and raised in Chicago and was ready to branch out and explore new areas of the country. More importantly, I chose the University of Arizona because of the available opportunities. CAPLA is an NAAB-accredited program, which means I can pursue my goal of becoming a licensed architect post-grad.
What has been your biggest challenge outside of CAPLA related to your work or life, and how have you overcome that challenge?
I would say that my biggest challenge has been managing my time. Architecture is a lot of work, but it is meaningful work. There is a purpose to what we learn and there is a certain craft that is needed. This could mean a lot of hours at my desk, but I enjoy what I do. I have worked on overcoming this by writing assignments in my weekly planner, and by splitting up my workload and planning for when I will work on each part. My time management is a work in progress, but I have seen a lot of self-improvement so far.
What do you like best about your degree program and the College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture?
I enjoy the professors and the studio culture. The professors are helpful and knowledgeable. They help in guiding students through their work. They do a great job of encouraging us to be creative and resourceful while answering questions as needed. Their help during class helps to create a positive studio culture. Students help one another and they bounce ideas off of each other. With a small cohort, it feels like family because we are always with one another and we want to see everyone succeed.
What do you do in your extracurricular time? What are your hobbies, your passions?
In my extracurricular time, I am a part of a couple of clubs and I work. I am the treasurer of the American Institute of Architecture Students at CAPLA. I am also on the Branding and Marketing team for ZonaZoo, the university’s student spirit section for our sports. I also currently work at the South Rec Center as a facility attendant. There, I help at the front desk and check out equipment to patrons.
What advice do you have for incoming CAPLA students?
For prospective CAPLA students, I would say to talk to current students inside and outside of CAPLA. The students have the best insight because they are currently experiencing the university. They can try their best to answer any questions you may have, and when you decide CAPLA is the school for you, you’ll have a familiar face in the crowds!
