Stannard, Sandy  

I have taken Sandy for Arch thesis class some time ago and to me it seems that she is far more interested in the show than in getting actual technical knowledge across to her students. I have selected her class wanting to learn more about sustainability but what I found was that there is only some talk in the beginning of the class but later there are not many concrete examples and specific advice for your particular project. During the whole year there wasn\'t a one time when she seemed knowledgeable about a subject and everything seemed like an opinion/speculation. During assignments (like video and energy modeling) she proposed some programs to use but she couldn\'t give any details or feedback and so learning and specifics were left up to the students. School should have saved money on her and just put youtube tutorials up since outcome would be the same. I also thought that there was a lot of time wasted on class meetings (at 9am) that cut into the project time. Many of these meetings were very unproductive and had to deal with things distant from actual projects. Of course, if you would like to hear other people talk about nothing instead of working on your project - go for it. What I liked about the course is making of the book (using lulu.com), which I thought was a useful experience, of course, you do the book in all thesis classes. Also, site video, some (very minimal) exposure to energy programs and relatively relaxed atmosphere were a good addition, altough site video (5 min) was scheduled in a way that it took all of my winter break... Finally, I gave Sandy \"C\"s - average only because I think that there are far too many Cal Poly architecture professors like her. I would only adivise to take this professor if you would like to either \"chill\" for a year, doing unnecessary things, or if you would like to \"self-study\". Otherwise, I would suggest taking real professors that make you sweat (Lucas for example) and although you\'re not going to be as well rested by the end of year you will take away a lot more knowledge and a project with substance (hopefully).

Sandy Stannard is by far one of the most challenging, friendly, and overall rewarding thesis professors you could ever hope to take. She really helps you figure out a thesis that relates to what you want to actually do after school, and is extremely supportive of projects for real clients (we had about 5 or 6 projects that will actually be built out of this past year alone). Our studio's level of work was definitely of higher quantity but also quality at each show when compared to other thesis studios, simply because Sandy pushed us all so hard. She tells you when a show or review will be, and then schedules mock-up shows for in-studio reviews before so that you can get feedback from both her and your peers. She is one of the only professors who I feel like really emphasizes creating a thesis book throughout the year, which is actually great graphic design experience and is easily one of the most impressive portfolio pieces you can have. Sandy is also a very big advocate for having both physical models as well as a good digital project (it's a good balance when compared to certain studios like Doug Jackson's that is purely digital, or Karen's, which has a heavy emphasis on the models). If you want to actually gain something from your thesis year and really put yourself to work for a great project, you should take Sandy. I definitely had friends in other studios ask "How are you even alive? Sandy schedules way too many shows and reviews for you guys, I don't know if I could do it". But our work was consistently better and had a greater depth, much like an actual project. You will have to work hard, and create a lot of different variations of your thesis, but it will absolutely be worth it, and extremely well-developed the longer the year goes on. Sandy does have a lot of shows per quarter, more than maybe Tom or Kruno's does, but it definitely shows in the level and quality of work.

May 18, 2014 - The Fifth Sunday of Easter - Youth Sunday Katherine Seth "Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life." -John 14:1-14 Good morning everyone! If you don't know me, my name is Kat Seth and I've been going to this church for the past 10 years. I'm graduating from high school in 14 days and 10 hours. That is uncomfortably soon. For so long, college and the future and adulthood have been lovely, far off ideas that I've been able to postpone thinking about. But, with the onset of senior year, I was forced to push them to the forefront of my mind, and accept the fact that change is upon me. The resulting months were some of the most stressful and emotionally trying times I have experienced in my short 17 years. Making important decisions - like taking a new job, moving to a new place, or choosing a college - can cause us intense feelings of anxiety because the uncertainty of the future. I couldn't help but feel like it was my responsibility, and mine alone, to ensure the success of my future. My mom can attest to it: the tears, the monthly breakdowns, the intense indecision – all side effects of the pressure I felt planning out my future. Eventually, it came down to my West Coast college trip. This was supposed to decide everything. It was going to put an end to all of the indecision and show me exactly what the right choice was for me. I believed this without a doubt. I expected to have "the feeling" that is so often talked about among college students. It's the moment when you're overwhelmed with clarity and you know that a school is right for you. I was so excited to have this experience and it was only through the suggestion of my mom that we prayed for God to give me a sign. Up till that point, I had never considered putting this decision in God's hands. Did He know about what I needed in my architecture program? Did he know my preference for student body size, or to consider the coolness of the school mascot? I didn't realize that my need to micromanage things was blinding me from the well-preached fact that God knows everything and that, honestly, I needn't have worried. My sign came at the first school we visited. Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. After an amazing student tour in the absolutely gorgeous campus, I had "the feeling." I felt happy and whole and excited to be there. It had so much of what I wanted in a school and it just felt right. God had delivered pretty quickly and it was overwhelming to get exactly what I asked for so quickly. You'd think that would be it, you know, "and then she lived happily ever after, the end, send in the deposit". But as the trip went on, I couldn't help but look at the other amazing colleges and say, "Are you crazy God? Do you see these schools? Why don't you endorse these with your 'magic signs'?" I tried to discredit the feeling, saying, "Oh, I only felt that way because it was my first college visit ever. The other colleges make sooo much more sense." I came home and still did not have a decision. Weeks later, along with more tears, meltdowns, and extensive pro's and con's lists, I had two schools to decide between. Cal Poly and University of Oregon. I was changing my mind daily and splitting hairs till I went crazy. All of that ended on a Sunday very much like this one, just a few weeks ago. After communion, I went to the prayer room and prayed with one of my youth leaders, Kathy Reubosch. I'm sure many of you have had your own experiences of healing and revelation in the prayer room. The sound of running water, the Hawaiian light coming in through the window, and the feeling of safety just create an atmosphere that is optimal for hearing God. Sitting there after the prayer, I felt God. I was talking with Aunty Kathy about which way I was leaning and in that environment, I felt him gently nudging my heart the way he wanted me to go, as is his style. A few days later, I committed to Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. The feeling that I had tried to ignore initially ended up being the driving force behind my decision. God knows who we are and what we need more deeply than we ever could, and He always knows our path, even if we can't see it. Sometimes, it is the choice that doesn't work out on the pro's and con's list, the one that doesn't make sense to us that is the change that we need. God doesn't always make sense, but He always knows what we need. Sometimes, in the words of the popular new Disney movie, Frozen, we just need to Let it Go. We need to learn that we don't always have to do it on our own and that in the end, He will guide us to the place we need to be. In the words of Jeremiah 29, verse 11, "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." Sometimes we just need to let go of our control, and put it into God's hands. Amen.