A DOSE OF ARCHITECTURE VOL. 2

Let me start off with a little introduction: Hi, I'm Archt. Tisha September Arnaldo. 

Noticed the prefix in my name? Yes, I am now a Licensed Architect. I passed the 2015 Architecture Licensure Examination (ALE). Yey!

I'll tell you a little story..

After I finished my exam and as I walk out of the examination room, I had felt that I did a decent job, but still not sure if it was good enough.  As I waited for the results, exam specifics blended into an overall sense of uncertainty. The worst that could happen would be that I would fail, and then try even harder.  

Someone called my phone and told me that he was opening the website to see the results. As I waited in silence my emotions all surged through my system in rapid succession.  First the fear, then the peace.

"You made it!" 

"OMG! Are you serious?"

"Yes, #66, ARNALDO, TISHA SEPTEMBER F."

I cried in happiness, Thanking God for answering my prayer. That was indeed one of the happiest moment of my life.

About 5 months ago, as I prepared for the Architecture board exam, I caught myself daydreaming about the feeling of euphoria one must experience when they knew they passed the board exam.  Are there tears of joy?  Squeals of excitement?  Does the weight of the ALE albatross hanging around one’s neck suddenly disappear?  Whatever the feeling it must be glorious.  As my moment arrived it was a strange amalgamation of those things, a deep exhale of relief while blinking back a tear.  Upon reaching the light at the end of the tunnel one is enveloped in a warm sun lit glow of a perfect summer’s day.  It’s the most intimate and yet all encompassing feeling.  It’s not big or flashy, it’s simply tranquil.

There really is no fanfare at this point, I’m proud for accomplishing the exam and excited in my Oath Taking to finally get the license in hand. Then we’ll party.  But until that day arrives I’m grateful for the success of passing, amazed at the amount I’ve grown as an architect, and  humbled by all of you who have joined me along the way.  I started writing this blog to keep track of a personal quest and never expected to reach the end of the journey with so many new colleagues and friends.  I’ve been touched by your stories and encouraged by your words.  To me, it’s incredible how an examination that is so highly individualized manages to bring us all together.

It’s been an honor to share my experience here in my blog with you and I thank you for sharing yours with me.

Cheers!