America’s Hidden Gem (TM)

Hi readers! It’s #FutureArchitectFriday. A day to celebrate those pushing themselves to becoming licensed architects.

Name: Anjelyque Easley

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA

Educational Status: Master’s of Landscape Architecture Candidate at the University of Texas at Arlington expected 2021, Bachelors of Landscape Architecture from Pennsylvania State University 2020

How would you describe your experience as a Black Architecture student?

At Penn State, I was one of six black students in the landscape architecture program in the five years I was there. Since the first day of my freshman year, I worked hard, I stayed up late, I was active in the College of Arts and Architecture. In the back of my head, I always felt that I had the weight of having to constantly prove to others and myself that I belonged not only in the program but in the field of landscape architecture. In my spare time, I researched and reached out to professionals when I was unable to get information about people of color in design from my classes I was not afraid to send an email or make a phone call I wanted to make the most of my college experience. As I progressed through the program there were several times that I felt exhausted other times when I wanted to quit and stay in bed all day. The thing that helped me through those times were my mentors, my professors, my family, and friends. I learned that my support system was vast and if I ever needed help or someone to talk to they would always be there.

 Why do you want to get your licensed? Biggest inspiration/influence? How important is representation?

The lack of representation in landscape architecture is why I worked so hard in high school and college. I knew that in the field there were not a lot of people who looked like me, so I aimed to teach, make a name for myself, and continue my education and learning. I am a product of attending several design-based summer camps in middle and high school. I feel that without them, I would not be where I am today, I gained mentors and people who believe and support me in my academic and professional endeavors. This was a crucial time where I found my interest design which later helped me find my passion for landscape architecture. Since that time was so important for me, I decided to spend my time outside of school making sure that students have the same opportunities as I did to find their passions too. I always knew that I wanted to mentor and teach students who show an interest in design. For the past five years, I expanded my experience by working at four different design-based summer camps, it has been wonderful not only to teach but help students produce skills that they can use in everyday life and learn from them. I would love to learn a new set of skills that can help students in their endeavors which is why I am continuing my education and pursuing my licensure. To be a role model and to inspire a young person of color to achieve their dreams of being a designer is what inspires me to keep going even when I am tired from long nights in the studio. I know what my hard work will make it a bit easier for the person after me just as the previous generations have done for me. 

    Favorite quote/poem/song/etc.?

My favorite poem is Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou.