To the Head of Student Affairs:

April 15, 2008

To the Head of Student Affairs:

It has been a whole year since I was suspended from the Architecture program which has given me time to reflect upon myself and my role as an architecture student at Ryerson. I spent a lot of time trying to justify my academic failure, my clouded mind attaching itself to whatever relevant events it could to place the blame on. I was frustrated with myself to the point it kept me up at night with a restless roaming mind. I was lost and confused, and took advices from fellow students and Professor Leshchyshyn at face value. Looking back at that brief moment of the chaotic mess that was myself, I realized how stupid and wrong I was.

Over the course of the ensuing summer and school term, I slowly came to a point of an unfolding self realization. I looked back at my life and did not see much that I could proudly point out as a significant milestone in my life’s journey. It seemed as if I was living life in a trance, doing what I had to do to get by and not much else. It was as if I was a zombie who had wandered down this path without a mind to the meaning of my own actions and consequences.

In the past year, I have doubted myself in choosing this road and have seriously questioned myself if this was the right path for me. I explored other alternatives in my other interests, relevant and irrelevant to architecture. I looked into the career paths of interior design, architectural technologist, industrial design, sociology and graphical design. I attended an open house at the International Academy of Design & Technology for Architectural Technologist where I learned about the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologist and similar career paths. It opened my eyes to an industry that I thought was just about architects who designed and engineers who calculated. I did not want to waste another year in my life, and upon further research, I found some courses on the Ontario Building Code on the Ontario Building Code Officials website and signed up for a few. Taking this step helped me understand the building industry greatly as the instructors were experienced building officials and fellow classmates where all from related fields. At the same I was also learning the in’s and out’s of the Building Code, a vital asset I hope to utilize in my job search this summer to gain experience in the field. I passed my Designer Legal Building Code examination on January 23^rd 2008 along with successfully completing the Building Envelope, Building Health & Safety and Building Structural courses. I intend to take Part 9: HVAC & Fire Protection this summer to complete my advance standing for the House qualification. Although each night course was taken at a classroom environment at George Brown and Seneca, it was in no way a substitute for the engagement and interaction involved with students and professors alike in the full-course load program at Ryerson.

I visited the Ryerson Library and looked into other architects. After browsing the collection on multiple accounts, I became particularly interested in Japanese architecture. Their style caught my attention and I did some research on the internationally famous Japanese architects Tadao Ando and Toyo Ito. Feeling inspired, I picked up my pencil and started drawing sketches of some of their work. When I was finished with the last book of Ito, I had a desire to draw more. The more I drew, the more I liked to draw. I began making random sketches and eventually focused on the human body. I broke down each body part and learned about the human anatomy and am currently working to improve my visual concept of the human head. Not wanting to limit myself to only what I conceived, I began to read up on architectural journals and articles. I cut out articles from the newspaper that interested me and also purchased a few copies of Architectural Digest to keep updated with the latest news.

All the articles about new and modern buildings encouraged me to experience it myself. I visited the R.O.M. on opening night and then a second time to observe the building during daytime. The sheer monumentality and boldness of the building left me intrigued to experience more, which led me to take a visit to the Toronto Botanical Garden and later on the Sharp Centre for Design. All of these buildings left me a positive yet mixed feeling, and before I conclude on any of these buildings, I plan to visit the latest upcoming building designed by international talent Frank Gehry, the Art Gallery of Ontario.

After watching the documentary “Manufactured Landscapes” by Edward Burtynsky, it made me realize there are many facets of architecture that I could still potentially explore. My current ongoing research is on sustainable design and the choice was very much influenced by the documentary, which had me awed at some points at the level of destruction that we humans are capable of. Enclosed in this binder is a compilation of my research materials and analysis in progress. Though nowhere near completion and filled with holes, I hope to use it as my source of inspiration and reflection. I plan to add to it on a continual basis to assist me in learning more about architecture.

I looked at my progress thus far and decided I had to draw a line and place a point somewhere to give me direction in my life. I took time to clear my mind of all external thoughts and stabilized my emotions by relaxing and going out to reconnect with my friends and family. That was when I hit the peak of my self-realization. I thought over everything carefully and clearly with a rational mind. I mapped out my journey of the past year in my head and re-examined each possible alternatives. I know who I am, where I am, and what I want to do. I am determined and confident that I will not make the same mistake. I sincerely wish to continue my studies here and hope that you can give me a chance to prove myself.

Sincerely,

Carlo Ly