Not Wasting Any Time

The first time she enrolled in college, Michelle Buchert didn't really know what she wanted to study. She stayed one semester before taking a leave of absence to work and get a better idea of what sort of career would interest her.

After a few months of taking stock of her interests, Michelle was ready to head back to school. She knew what she wanted to study–Interior Design–and knew the kind of program she was looking for–one that wouldn't force her to take a bunch of classes that had nothing to do with her chosen career.

Although living in Philadelphia at the time, Michelle found the school and program she was looking for in Tampa, at the International Academy of Design and Technology. "I wanted a school that had a recognized program in Interior Design and one that would really prepare me for a career in the field. I found that at the Academy."

Michelle also found extras she wasn't necessarily looking for, but which she has really come to appreciate. "I love the block scheduling and the class size. The faculty is amazing and very accessible. I have a personal relationship with all of my instructors; they're not just teachers, but also mentors," she says. "I couldn't ask for anything more. Not only are the instructors here accessible, but the Academy is small enough they actually have the time to give students individual attention and help us with our individual goals. It's not a cookie-cutter experience."

Halfway through her Bachelor's degree, Michelle says she is constantly learning new things. "I'm not wasting any time here. Every quarter I am being exposed to new material and then every quarter builds upon the previous one."

"I'm really using my time at the Academy to gain exposure to new things, whether it is in my interior design classes or different cultures. I'm thankful the Academy offers me so many opportunities."