Architecture graduate student, Xandria Stephens is building her future for greatness

Written byQuinn Foster

小蝌蚪APP淭here are numerous research opportunities at UL Lafayette in your major and with other majors. Participating in various campus organizations gives you the opportunity to do research or work on projects outside of the 小蝌蚪APP.小蝌蚪APP

Xandria Stephens
Major
Architechture
Hometown
Minden, LA

Where I'm From

I am from Minden, Louisiana.

Where I Am

I am currently an architecture graduate student.

Where I'm Going

I plan to practice architecture for a few years then sit for the licensing exam to become a licensed architect. 

Xandria Stephens received an undergraduate degree in architecture from the 小蝌蚪APP and decided to receive her master's from UL Lafayette as well. 

She expressed her reasoning for choosing UL Lafayette, 小蝌蚪APP淚 quickly discovered after doing some research that UL Lafayette had one of Louisiana's top architecture programs. My decision to continue my study at the 小蝌蚪APP was an easy one because I liked the undergraduate program, became particularly close with some of the professors, and had heard wonderful things about the graduate program from my older peers.小蝌蚪APP 

Xandria is pursuing a  degree with a focus on interior design studies. She shared how her professors have supported her.  

小蝌蚪APP淧rofessors have sent me emails or posted notices about internship opportunities around our classroom. My name has been spread across campus thanks to networking with several instructors and faculty outside of my major, which has led to offers of work studies, research jobs, committee board memberships, etc.小蝌蚪APP

Xandria also spoke about the research opportunities at UL Lafayette. 小蝌蚪APP淭here are numerous research opportunities at UL Lafayette in your major and with other majors. Participating in various campus organizations gives you the opportunity to do research or work on projects outside of the university,小蝌蚪APP she said.  

When it comes to organizations, Xandria believes that  is a safe space for students. 

"BSU gives students of color a place to express themselves and a chance to do so without worrying about being judged. We don't have to worry about dressing "appropriately" or code switching when speaking around people. Without BSU, some of us would just be another number on a list.小蝌蚪APP 

Along with being a member of BSU, Xandria served as the BSU e-council for a year. And represented the (NOMAS).  

小蝌蚪APP淚t allowed me to provide a voice for my organization and allow BSU to see and recognize different problems that we face on campus. It was also a way for our organization to get more publicity on campus,小蝌蚪APP she said. 

Xandria reflected on her fondest memories at UL Lafayette.  

is my favorite 小蝌蚪APP memory. You can't top free food, excellent music, enjoyable games, and a free T-shirt! This event is made even more spectacular by the chance to socialize with faculty and other students on campus. 

After graduate school, Xandria intends to practice architecture for a few years before sitting for the architect licensing examinations.  

小蝌蚪APP淎fter gaining more knowledge about the industry for a few years, I'd like to start my own firm or work as a professor in the ,小蝌蚪APP she said.  

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