1 - “No One Is God” - This is the hardest and longest lesson to learn as many people do not figure this out until the end of their schooling career.  Everyone has the same chance to get an A once you figure out how to play the game.  Studio is a game and once you figure out the rules and what you can get away with…the rest is just hard work.  The studio “gods” (A students) just figured out the game early on. 

2 - “How Hard You Can Work” - It was once told to me that the greatest lesson ever learned from studio is that you find your limit and endurance when it comes to your work.  Now, you don’t wanna work this hard everyday of your life, but it’s really helpful to know you can do it.  Knowing this will help you succeed in every thing you do

3 - “Public Speaking” - Self explanatory…everyone should be comfortable, at some level, doing this

4 - “Dealing With Others” - Many times in your life you will have to deal with people you truly hate on an everyday basis.  Studio allows you to experience this earlier than most and helps you figure ways to deal with it.  Everyone has at least one kid in their year that sucks…but you gotta live with it.

5 - “Taking Criticism” -  No one wants to hear all the bad aspects of their own project after all the hard work they have put in…but it’s necessary.  Finding out flaws in anything makes it better, just think of it as good advice no matter how much of a dick the critic is.  Also it is important to be able to pick and choose which criticism is worth taking.  Everyone has opinions, not all are good.

6 - “Titles Don’t Mean Shit…Kind of” - Building off of #1, your professor (or whoever else is above you) is not always right.  Just because they say something or have an opinion on something, does not mean it is the right one.  The students I have most respect for are the ones that defy their professor and come out with a good project.  If you believe your way is better, DO IT…but make sure you’re ready to prove it or ready to get burned.  

7 - “How To Bullshit” - In architecture bullshit is key…In life bullshit is key.  Learn how to sell anything you do because in the end it doesn’t matter who is better, all that matters is who wins (In most cases lol)

8 - “All Nighters Don’t Pay Off” - Three hours minimum is the required amount of sleep to get each night and still be productive.  Anyone will tell you the same, no sleep equals no productivity.

9 - “Friend People Who Can Help You” - It sounds mean but it is so true.  Need something lasercut after hours, or something printed after the lab is closed…would sure be helpful to have a friend who works at either.  Now I’m not saying you should use people but being nice to them won’t hurt.  And if they’re cool, get tight with them and hang out some time.  The old phrase: “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know” applies in all terms of life.

10 - “Hard Work Doesn’t Always Get You Far…” - It is sad but true.  As many of you realized architecture isn’t the greatest of majors when it comes to your career.  You will most likely not be rich of any kind, will have to work really hard…harder than most, and if you do get successful - say goodbye to any kind of personal life.  Compared to most majors we are one of the hardest with one of the littlest payoffs.  Majors such as pharmacy, nursing, law, and engineering are examples of majors that work just as hard as us but get payed a lot better coming out of school.  This is important because it brings people to a reality of life where everything doesn’t always work out.  But don’t be discouraged, many other great things are brought upon you when going through with architecture.  

“Not For School But For Life”