Trae Collier Seymore High School, IN SLCC: AS Architecture 2020

Then and Now

I'm one of those people who loves to learn, so I would find myself back in school about every 10 years. When I came to SLCC, I already had 2 degrees and a lifetime of career experience.

I had joined the Air Force when I was 25, knowing I needed the structure and regimen. While serving, I earned my master's in international relations and conflict resolution from the American Military University. I was an enlisted medic for 6 years, then flew as an officer on Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) planes for 16 years.

I fell back into the medical field after retirement and was working just for fun when some colleagues said, "Hey, if you could do anything in the world, is this what you'd be doing?" It made me think, and what I had always wanted to be was an architect—that wasn't an option in the military. So, I found SLCC's program and weeks later I had quit my job and was attending full time. I was 51.

Going back to school was truly a lot of fun. I was always the oldest guy in the class, but it was really nice to connect with these young professionals, see things from their generational perspective, and learn from them. I had a lot of respect for how hard they worked while juggling a lot in life. I think that is one reason why I like going back to school: not just to learn from the books, but from the people around you.

I started working for an architectural firm while attending SLCC to get some experience. Now, I'm living and building homes in St. George and working toward licensure through the Architectural Experience Program (AXP). I love creating for people and helping them find what kind of space and design feels right for them.

"I think that is one reason why I like going back to school: not just to learn from the books, but from the people around you."

Then and Now

Then and Now

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