13-year-old Sarah Umair discovers architecture, friendship, and inspiration at Queens’ College
Stepping onto the historic grounds of Cambridge University at thirteen, I felt the weight of centuries of history and the thrill of a summer adventure ahead. Queens’ College, with its majestic halls, filled me with awe. My heart raced with excitement at the thought of exploring a future in architecture, yet nerves lingered at the idea of meeting peers from all over the world. My parents and I toured the college, and then they departed, leaving me to begin my journey.
As I watched them leave, panic began to creep in. What lay ahead felt intimidating. But looking around at the many unfamiliar faces of teenagers embarking on the same experience brought me comfort. Suddenly, the adventure didn’t seem so terrifying. I was eager to face the challenges that awaited.
When classes began, they exceeded all my expectations. Our teacher was warm and approachable, and my peers were friendly and collaborative. Immersed in interactive learning and group projects, time flew by. I learned to build models to scale and explored sustainable material alternatives for construction. Hands-on activities, like constructing towers from toothpicks and gummy bears to study stability, made lessons fun and memorable. I also designed my own home shelter, soup kitchen, office, and school — and felt immense pride in my creations.
The most captivating lesson was learning to create elevation and technical drawings. For the first time, I felt a genuine connection to architecture: a perfect blend of art and science that went beyond mere numbers. Designing buildings and producing my own technical drawings made me feel like I was carving my own path. I realized architecture isn’t just about math; it’s about perspective, design, and the stories each structure can tell. This insight ignited a newfound passion within me.
Reflecting on this experience reminded me of my transition to a new school after spending ten years in one place. Leaving behind friends and familiar surroundings was daunting, and the first days felt like navigating a labyrinth of uncertainty. Eventually, I
found a sense of belonging, formed connections, discovered my strengths, and began to thrive. Now, I approach each school day with enthusiasm.
This summer program was more than an academic pursuit — it was a revelation. I acquired essential skills like teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and time management, all while indulging my passion for architecture. Unlike typical summer classes that can feel burdensome, this experience felt like joyful exploration, a hobby rather than a chore.
Every lesson and friendship inspired me to apply what I learned to real-world challenges. I am now excited about the journey ahead — ready to create, innovate, and inspire others along the way.
