Week 6 Recap
This week at work, I had the opportunity to create an animation from a Sketch Up model for the very first time. While I’ve used Sketch Up for modeling before, I’d never explored its animation capabilities. My supervisors guided me through the basics of setting up scenes, determining transitions, and exporting the animation in a smooth, visually engaging way. It was one of the most technical tasks I’ve completed so far, and it helped deepen my understanding of how to present architectural projects accessibly. It also reinforced just how much there is to learn when it comes to digital representation in architecture, which is a skill I now feel more confident practicing on my own.
After a productive week, I set off Thursday evening for a long weekend on Ireland’s stunning west coast. I took a bus from Dublin to Galway to meet my friend Elizabeth, and we enjoyed the evening with dinner and drinks at a cozy, welcoming pub near Eyre Square. That night, we walked about half an hour to our accommodation at Galway University. Despite the rain that greeted us the next morning, we were determined to make the most of our trip.
On Friday, the weather was exceptionally rainy and cold, so we opted for indoor activities. We began our day at a local café for breakfast and then wandered into a highly recommended tattoo shop. Elizabeth, who is a bit more experienced with tattoos, got one that translates to “For the Glory of God and the Honor of Ireland.” I wasn’t planning to get one myself, especially considering I’d never had a tattoo before, but while flipping through the artist’s flash books, I stumbled across a vibrant, striking illustration of a gannet with a Celtic design inside its wing.
My tattoo artist customized it to fit my preferences and placement, and three hours later, I had my very first tattoo: a large, colorful gannet diving off my right hip. I am very proud of this experience because I realized that I was acting out of genuine desire rather than fear, which is a personal value I’ve been trying to practice more intentionally. This decision felt symbolic of the freedom and growth I’ve experienced during my time abroad.
On Saturday, we road-tripped down to the Cliffs of Moher and embarked on a beautiful hike down the coastline. Even though the visibility was literally 0%, the fog still made for a magical and eerie view. Afterward, we drove to Doolin, where we toured a cave that features Europe’s largest known stalactite. We followed that with a hearty lunch at a traditional pub before continuing on to Ennis for the highlight of the evening: a traditional Irish music session at an old hotel.
The session was magical. The room was filled with incredibly talented musicians, one of whom is a multiple-Grammy award winner, yet they carried themselves with humility and warmth. I even got to learn a few traditional dances and songs. Being part of a gathering like that made me so grateful that I stepped outside my comfort zone and made the journey out west. It reminded me how much there is to experience beyond the familiar.
On Sunday morning, before heading back to Dublin, I stopped at the Galway City Museum to learn more about the town’s fascinating history, particularly its role as a hub of trade and culture. I returned to Dublin feeling sore from the tattoo but full of new energy and appreciation for Ireland’s richness.
Reflections on Leadership
Although I’m not in a traditional leadership role during my internship since it’s just me and my two supervisors, I’ve learned a great deal about leadership by observing their styles. Both of them lead primarily through mentorship. They are patient, thorough, and generous with their knowledge, whether it’s walking me through a new software process or explaining the rationale behind certain design choices. Their approach has shown me how empowering others through teaching is a powerful way to lead.
They also demonstrate the importance of autonomy. Rather than micromanaging, they give me space to work independently and trust that I’ll ask questions when needed. This balance between guidance and independence is something I want to bring into my own working relationships in the future. I tend to micromanage when I care about a project, but I’m learning that stepping back can actually be more productive when collaborating.
Looking Ahead
I can hardly believe there are only two weeks left in my internship. I’m starting to think about how I’ll spend my final weekend in Dublin, since there’s still so much to see and do. A coworker recommended I visit the free National Museum to see the ‘bog bodies,’ but he refused to elaborate on what those are!