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Distinguished graduate Talissa Brownell will earn a B.EnvD specializing in architecture with a Lighting Design Certificate. For Talissa, every favorite memory from ENVD includes the best friends she's been inseparable from since freshman year. 

Where are you from? 
Colorado 

Tell us about your involvement and/or student leadership roles in and/or outside of ENVD. 
Involvement to me does not have to mean being in a million clubs, it can mean surrounding yourself with a community where you feel accepted. Although I did not spend my time in official leadership positions, during my free time I was always at a CU sporting event, play or exhibit where I could cheer on my peers. I am grateful to have found an amazing community here at ¾«Æ·SMÔÚÏßӰƬ where I was excited to be involved in my own way. 

What inspired you to come to ENVD when choosing your school? 
When choosing schools, I knew that I was going to pursue architecture. I wanted to go somewhere with a focus on sustainability, but also a program that provided a well-rounded design education. Environmental Design is a one-of-a-kind program, as students have the opportunity to learn design through so many different lenses. With Boulder being beautiful and offering the college experience that I wanted, the ENVD program was a perfect fit for me. 

What is one of the greatest experiences or lessons from your time at ¾«Æ·SMÔÚÏßӰƬ that you'll carry with you into the next chapter of your life? 
One of the greatest lessons that I have learned throughout my time at ¾«Æ·SMÔÚÏßӰƬ is not to take life too seriously. Life is not only about school and work – it is important to have fun and create a balance for yourself. Of course, as ENVD students, we are passionate about our careers, but it is crucial to always put your happiness first. 

Based on what you know now, what is your best piece of advice for other students? 
My best piece of advice for current and future ENVD students is to study abroad if you are able to. As an architecture student, being able to see some of the buildings that we talk about in class and really experience design outside of the US has been extremely beneficial not only to myself as a designer, but also in my personal growth/perspective. (Also, look into the lighting design certificate!) 

Describe one of your favorite memories. 
It is so insanely hard to choose a favorite memory but the important part is that every single one includes my best friends Nicole, Franki, and Colton. Since freshmen year, I have been inseparable from these fellow architecture students; studying abroad together, dancing together, going to Raising Canes together, watching movies together, etc. I am so beyond grateful that the ENVD program brought these wonderful people into my life. 

What does graduating from college represent for you? 
Graduating from college means everything to me. As a first-generation student, I knew that college was not the only option. I knew that I would only go to college if I was passionate enough about something to want to do it for the rest of my life – not just to make money or obtain a title. I love design, I love architecture, and it means everything to me that I was able to find my passion here in the ENVD program. 

What are your plans beyond graduation? 
After graduation, I am starting full time at AKLD Lighting Design in Denver. I am extremely excited to start working on projects where I can develop my skills and showcase my ideas. I am also excited to travel as much as possible, as my main goal in life is to see the world.