Blog 1: Summer Mentorship

Literal:

• At the beginning of the summer I had originally chosen tattooing as my senior topic. I had come across two people who were willing to let me shadow them, but one of the tattoo artists was going on vacation and wouldn't be able to let me shadow until after the summer. However, before I met the second tattoo artist, I decided that I wanted to change my topic to Theme Park Architecture, since this is ultimately what I want to pursue as a career. Upon recommendation,  I first contacted Melvin Rodriguez, who was nice enough to get me in contact with his architecture mentor, Henry Funes. However the same predicament applies that Henry is not free until after the summer. Next I contacted Michael Powell (Megan Powell's father) and he said his scheduel was extremely unpredictable due to architects need to travel, but to send him my information and he will try to help me when he was available. However, while I was waiting for Mr. Powell's availability I came across a design team in Pasadena called The Hettema Group (6266839876) who specifically specializes in theme park architecture and themed events. I went down to their studio in Pasadena and spoke with Matthew Adams, their secretary, who asked me to submit a resume. After submitting my resume, Matthew Adams told me he had sent it to his general manager, and I should be hearing a  response from them soon.

Interpretive:

• I believe mentorship is required for the senior project because it lets you experience the field your topic is in from your own perspective. Since you are also able to work closely with proffesionals in that field, you are also able to get direct responses to any questions you have about your topic. For example, if someone needed questions regarding what to major in in college to be sucessful at their topic, you could have in depth conversations with your mentor, and find out specifics such as where they went, what to do and what not to do while you're there, etc.

Applied:

• Currently, I am really hoping I get the internship at The Hettema Group, because they are my ideal job, but in the meantime I will get hours with Henry Funes throughout the school year, conveniently at Cal Poly.