BELÉN VIGIL
Portrait - Courtesy of Belén Vigil
University of Texas at Arlington College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs (CAPPA), B.Arch ’19, currently an M.Arch candidate ‘21 | Graduate Research Assistant working on CAPPA’s School of Architecture Social Media Outreach and other initiatives through Instagram alongside Director of School of Architecture Brad Bell
Belén Vigil is a second-year graduate architecture candidate at the University of Texas at Arlington College of Planning, Architecture and Public Affairs. Belén was born in Fort Worth, Texas to Mexican immigrants and raised in Arlington, Texas where she currently resides. During her undergraduate education, she interned at HKS Dallas for close to a year and a half within the education sector. Belén has also been involved with the AIAS and NOMAS Chapters during from first year to her final year (currently). When she isn’t in school or working, Belén enjoys camping and hiking every chance she gets. Post-graduation, Belén is committed to pursuing licensure.
Becoming Belén
What inspired you to pursue architecture?
Being interested in EVERYTHING inspired me to pursue architecture. I spent the first three years out of high school at my local community college switching career paths not because I didn’t like anything but because I wanted to learn about everything. In my last semester of community college, I took an Introduction to Architecture course and in that course, I found and intersection of art, science, service, community, psychology, everything! I then transferred to UT Arlington and am now in my final year of graduate school.
On May 2019, my parent’s sacrifices became my successes. I am a first generation university graduate in my immediate and extended families. - Courtesy of Belén Vigil
What is the most important thing that you learned in the past year?
One of the most important things I learned this past year is how crucial adaptability is. In a rapid changing world, the only constant is the change itself.
What are some architectural organizations (or specific person/role model) that helped you learn to overcome an obstacle? How did they?
My close friend Lydia Martinez. I sometimes think that woman is made of steel! Too often, when we are so incredibly focused on our personal goals or work, we tend to forget the importance of our relationships. Specially now more than ever, human relationships are something we need to take care of for our sanity! Being an extreme extrovert, online classes and working from home was a big cause of motivation loss. However, being aware that I am one of the fortunate people during the pandemic not having to worry about food or shelter, I knew I couldn’t let that deter me from continuing to give it my best efforts. Having a friend like Lydia to talk and text whatever whenever has been the outlet I didn’t know I needed. We are both in architecture school and work, so we have a common understanding of the lifestyle. We don’t have to get through this alone!
Water + Human Settlements- Courtesy of Belén Vigil
If you were given the opportunity to repeat the year, what is one thing you’d do differently?
I would have listened to my doctor! I sprained my ankle about 3 months ago and am still not healed properly because I didn’t listen to my doctor assuming I was going to be fine. I am now to stay away from working out, jumping rope, walking the dogs, or wearing cute shoes. From this, I learned a few lessons, 1. Listen to your doctor and 2. Things take time, and one must learn to be patient through the process. Though it is a specific event, the lessons learned are applicable to life in general.
East Innovation Zone Plaza- Courtesy of Belén Vigil.
As you reflect on the past year, what did you discover as your biggest strengths?
My new biggest strengths are finding the everyday small joys in life, and time management! Every day I find something that makes me happy, whether it be finishing a task, reading a book, going outside, talking to family or friends, eating a favorite snack, etc. Small actions eventually lead to big long-term rewards.
This semester is the first semester I have not pulled an all-nighter and I am SO proud of that!!! I am still taking a full-time course load, working part time, and involved in a student organization so this does not mean I don’t work hard. I get up a little earlier, sleep and eat better, as a result my focus has been sharper than ever.
In terms of rising concerns and problems (in the architectural profession) over the past year, what is one change that you wished would happen and it did not? This can be in an educational or work atmosphere.
From personal experience, my school and workplace (HKS Dallas) have responded exceptionally well during times of crisis from COVID to JEDI initiatives to women in leadership. I felt like I was in a safe place at both locations. The changes I wish to see, I saw in both.
Generally speaking, I wish student loan debt would be forgiven, especially given the circumstances but that did not happen.
