Kortnee Hill

Hometown: Rumford, Maine
High School: Mountain Valley High School, Rumford, Maine
NU expected year of graduation: 2011
Minors: Art and Psychology

As senior in high school, college way a scary thing to think about. I did not want to make the transition harder on myself by moving across the country. I knew I wanted to do architecture, but there were no accredited programs in Maine. Norwich was the closest to home, had my major of choice, had the same small-town feel that I was used to, and was the best fit for me. As an architecture major, the necessary commute to many activities is a good thing, as it provides less distractions. After taking part in an overnight visit at Norwich, sitting in on one of the studio classes, and comparing to some of the other colleges I had visited, it was obvious that I would get the best education here. There is a strong emphasis on community and learning by doing; two things that have been essential in my learning process.

I respect my faculty, and I feel the same respect in return. Our conversations are critical, informational, and intellectual. The dialog is often similar to one that I would have with a friend. They treat the students as colleagues. I feel we learn from them just as much as they learn from us. The faculty has been more than willing to assist me, personally, and I encourage my learning. I have been taught that a design is never fully complete, and the faculty is always willing to provide input on how an idea can be revised. The thing I appreciate the most is that the faculty understands that their roll is to encourage our ideas rather than to come up with them.

I will be studying abroad next semester, Spring 2010, in Berlin, Germany. Norwich, in correlation with Lexia, the study abroad program, makes the opportunity available to as many architecture students as possible. Together they have made the process equally as affordable as it would be to stay in vermont, and just as easy. I am lucky enough to be going with seven other students that I have developed possitive relationships with, and look forward to making friends while abroad.

Nothing compares to studio. Every semester that is my favorite course. It takes a lot of time, both in class and out, but it's worth it. I enjoy being in the studio.