Architectural Science is one of Ryerson's most unique programs, offering a blend of creative design and applied mathematical courses.
While the wide range of content may be daunting to some, third year midfielder Brooke Pearson has now settled happily into her Bachelor of Architectural Science major.
"I love design and photography and I took art all through high school, so I really liked the graphic side of things. But, I also took math and calculus and physics and was good at those," said Pearson on her choice to enroll in the diverse program.
"Architecture just gave me that creativity that I like to have. It was a best of both worlds situation."
However, like many of her peers, Pearson initially found Architecture challenging, and at times overwhelming. She even briefly considered switching majors early in her academic career.
"First year, I thought about it. At the very beginning of second year as well, I was just like: stress overload."
That said, many other students believed Architecture's course load to be too overwhelming. "A lot of people dropped (after) first year from my incoming class. It's a small program to begin with. My graduating class is down to I think 90 people."
Nevertheless, Pearson happily opened up about her program's structure and her progression entering the latter half of her third year.
"It covers both sides of architecture. The design and aesthetic aspect, as well as the math and construction stuff of how buildings come together. Being (in) third year, I'm learning how to draw proper floor plans and documents that actually get used to build buildings."
Despite her challenging program and position on the soccer pitch, Pearson is impressively involved in a number of extracurricular activities as well.
Last summer she worked as a virtual camp counselor with Ryerson, teaching Digital Creativity and 3D printing to youth.
"We were teaching elementary school kids. We also taught some high school kids about different software, and 3D modeling and Photoshop. Teaching it to someone else is a whole different thing than just doing it yourself. So that was a good experience, for sure."
Pearson's leadership abilities have led to other esteemed positions around Ryerson.
On the pitch, she is one of four on the women's soccer leadership team, which operates in lieu of a single captain. The other three leaders include Samantha Naus, BreAnah Webster, and Jade Vyfhuis.
"The leadership team, we're all hard workers. We try and set (an) example and high standard for (the rest of) the team."
All the while, Pearson serves as the Vice President Finance of the Architecture Course Union.
"We're in charge of running events for students based on mental health, tutoring, panel events, professionals and alumni, things like that. I'm in charge of (the) budget and finding, making, and saving money on the events."
Pearson's admirable dexterity is only beat by her creativity.
"I've always kind of had a thing for photography. Also sketching and hand drawing (with) graphite."
The midfielder was quick to speak about her love for exploration, especially when equipped with a camera.
"I like just going out and randomly walking somewhere and being able to say: 'Hey, this shot would be cool.' I think photography helps me in architecture too, like visualizing things in the real world. 'Exploring' is definitely one word that would encapsulate my creative process."
Pearson posts her favourite work on a separate Instagram account, which acts like a portfolio.
Two of Pearson's drawings, including architecture concept work on the right.
"Photography gives you a different outlook on what you see everyday," commented Pearson who enjoys both nature and urban photography.
As such a multifaceted student-athlete, Pearson also touched on stigmas surrounding her athletic peers.
"Something that goes for a lot of student-athletes is the idea that we don't care about school, which is totally not true. I know tons of people who are great students and that's such a big part of their (Ryerson) experience. Athletes, especially university athletes, are far from (lazy), because you've got to be able to juggle it all."
In the future, Pearson's dream architectural project revolves around building a sports complex.
"It's literally everything I love: sports, architecture and design."
Environmental design is also a passion of Pearson's, including landscaping and community-oriented buildings.
All of Pearson's promise and hard work led to a scholarship at the end of her first year. Her Ted Libfeld GTHBA Scholarship, awarded for excellence in Management and Construction or Theory, was "definitely unexpected," added Pearson humbly.
While evidently keeping busy, Pearson hopes to pull on the blue and gold Rams kit as soon as it's safe for a season.
"I'd take 'soccer busyness' over any other type of busyness," she added with a laugh.
For more academic profiles on our student-athletes, stay tuned to ryersonrams.ca
