After being diagnosed with a rare bone tumor, I spent a lot of time at home focusing on recovery. That period gave me the space to reflect on the things I’d always wanted to pursue. One of those dreams was studying architecture, so I applied for my Master’s in Architecture and was accepted into the program at San Francisco’s Academy of Art University. I loved beginning my journey into the study of architecture and was nearly through my first semester when I learned I would need another surgery. Prioritizing my health, I made the difficult decision to withdraw from the program, though I continued to learn independently, studying the course literature and expanding my understanding of design. While I haven’t yet returned to complete my degree, I still hope to do so in the future—and the experience continues to inspire my creative work today.