Fiki Falola is a 2021 graduate from the three-year Master of Architecture program at the Azrieli School of Architecture & Urbanism. Here is an edited version of her speech to fellow graduates at the online thesis dinner and celebration on April 23, 2021.

The last time I saw many of you was March 2020. I remember taking only a few things from my desk, purposefully leaving my posters pinned on the wall, because I assumed that we would return soon. 

And now, somehow, we are in April 2021 — April, which has simultaneously signified beginnings and endings. Many of us have defended our thesis, and a few will be joining us soon.

When I first started my personal architectural journey in 2013, which some of you may know took a few detours, I remember the most important thing a professor said to me in one of my studios was that to be a better designer, you need to become a better person. Read more, do more, draw more, explore more, travel more, and these words have been with me ever since. 

Over the past few days, I’ve contacted all of you individually, asking you to reflect with me on beginnings, moments, struggles, endings, and revelations, and you all got back to me. Thank you — it reminded me of being in studio again, looking over the shoulder of a classmate to ask what they were working on — and feeling left inspired by the creativity I was surrounded with. 

With the help of your words, I have composed a story as a fond memory we can look back on as we dream of possibilities, remembering the beautiful moments shared, the struggles we overcame, and the triumphs we celebrated.

This story — our story — is a celebration of our life at Carleton and all the joy it has brought us. And if you recognize your voice in it, I hope it makes you smile. I hope it makes you realize how perfectly you are positioned to embrace the world in these uncertain times.

I got into the program with very little knowledge about the architectural industry or any architectural skills. I came to learn very quickly that this was something I had to be a part of. 

Every studio I passed was a small victory. 

Getting models ripped apart was both a struggle and a revelation. 

We all came from different backgrounds, but it somehow all just fit.

There was a sense that the school was an extension of our homes and that no matter what day or time you showed up, there would be a friendly face and conversation.

I went from a regular diet of homemade lunches to eating two Jamaican patties from the convenience store. 

Studio culture ended up creating a family out of a diverse group of individuals from all backgrounds that really came together to support each other through all the obstacles we faced along the way. 

The first project I presented, I think I sweat through my shirt – but slowly, I overcame the fear of oral presentations.  

The all-nighters and determination always paid off at the end of the crit. And there was a thrill in frantically running trying to find a printer that worked on crit day, and walking into the studios and seeing everyone’s familiar faces made it all worth it.

Carleton gave me the opportunity to experience other cultures, and from Barcelona to Brazil or walking the steps of Petra, I got to see architecture and design through a new lens. 

I also remember the night we spent in the favela in Santo Andre, where we helped the kids assemble their trampoline. 

Brazil was an unforgettable experience for a studio - it seemed surreal to be commuting to Escola de Cidade in the summer heat while classmates were in Ottawa in the cold. 

The beautiful group dinners we shared, like at Moritz, and going to Toronto to see how concrete is made at the Spring Valley Tour.

The best moments, however, were often just showing up and chatting with people over their work in studio and watching everyone get so good at what they were pursuing.

I am happiest when I think of the amazing friendships to come out of this program- I genuinely don’t think I would be graduating if it wasn’t for them. 

Class, I hope that wherever we are in the world, we might be able to continue this spirit of camaraderie, which is so unique to Carleton.

From the story I have just shared, I think one can reasonably conclude that we are achievers. We are resilient. We are open to new experiences. We are hard workers, team players, compassionate, critical thinkers. Most important of all, we are dreamers with unique visions to offer at an especially important time in history.

As director Jill Stoner said, we are graduating at a unique time as potentially the first architecture class to complete their entire thesis online in a pandemic. Also, during a time where paradigms of thought are being called into question, and ideas that once seemed foundational are being unsettled. 

This means we are at a time of beginnings —a time ripe for new manifestos, new poetry, new ways of seeing, and new ways of embracing the world.

I hope you remember that the realization of dreams is a collaborative effort, as we learned in studio. We’ll need to work together to achieve the equitable and sustainable future that we all look forward to. 

All Images: Courtesy of Students