Diana Gaglione

Architecture has this unique ability to impact people’s emotions. Subconsciously, we walk into a space and immediately feel something. That can be joy, faith, frustration, or awe. What makes a house a home? How do we represent faith in a church or temple? What is it about architecture that allows us to express the beauty of feeling and emotion? That is what inspires me. I want to be able to answer that question with my own design. I want to create a space that drives emotion.

Penn College has created a sense of support that I never expected. My classmates and professors have become family to me. After being so close to giving up, it was the people here that showed me I can do this. They gave me the confidence I needed in myself to create work that I am proud of. Stress comes with this major, but the atmosphere we created as a class helps ease that stress. Architecture is a hard major, and without a solid foundation for support, you cannot succeed. They helped me build that foundation.

The most memorable experience in Spain was standing in front of Cathedral de Granada. It quite literally took my breath away. I wish I could describe the feeling with words but it's too intense to explain. I can share another moment that will stick with me forever, though. When we were in Seville, we had the option to do three events. I was only planning to do one because I couldn't afford all three. A friend offered to pay for mine and I literally cried. I will forever be grateful. The memories I made were just surreal.

Every second was priceless to me. You don't grow when you're comfortable. You're putting your mind at a disadvantage if you don't go out of your comfort zone. The beauty in this world is unimaginable. Looking through a screen doesn't do it justice. The creativity, respect, faith and love that people put into their culture is one of the wonders of the world. If I had one piece of advice it would be that you need to keep your feet on the ground, but your head in the clouds. Be curious. Be open-minded. Take everything in without your own prejudices and you'll learn so much and see beauty in everything.

The first thing I would like to say is "Thank you." The opportunity to experience a new culture was priceless to me. Words cannot describe how valuable it was for every person on this trip. We all gained a new understanding of the world. It's been easier to see the beauty in everyday life because of it.

I learned a lot about Spanish culture, but also a lot about my own culture, in small-town Pennsylvania. I could never see it before because I didn't really know anything different. Now, it's like the filter is off. I see things that I missed and love and things that I want to change. I respect it in a way I didn't before. Almost like it's easier to have an open mind with things I felt very strongly about. That is a very freeing feeling. Thank you again for that chance.

I don’t think I can choose just one professor. Both Daniel Brooks and Naim Jabbour have done so much for me. They both have helped me through the hardest part of my life, and I wouldn’t be here without their guidance. I am grateful to have their support in my career.

Brooks has been so kind to all his students and never fails to ease the stress with laughter. As a first-year student, having him as my professor inspired me to do the best I can. He always pushes us forward and I respect that.

Jabbour does the same. He challenges us to think differently so we don’t lock ourselves into a box. He is a difficult professor because he doesn’t allow you to give up. I am grateful to be one of their students and will be asking for their guidance long after I graduate.