After going on a road trip with her parents to explore all the colleges she applied to on the East Coast, Ebony Jones ’15 chose Syracuse University because she liked the supportive atmosphere. “Syracuse was the only place I felt really welcome from the staff, my tour guide and the people in the admissions office,” says Jones, a School of Architecture student from Levittown, Pa. “It’s like a second family.”
What do you like about architecture?
Ebony Jones
I find it challenging, but it’s been a lifelong interest. Since I was little, I’ve been fond of buildings—my first visit to Disney World with my family got me especially excited. I will never create something like Disney World, but that really sparked my interest.
Where did you study abroad?
In spring 2013, I studied in London after I received a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, awarded by the U.S. Department of State to students traditionally underrepresented in study abroad programs.
What did you enjoy about you time in London?
I liked its relaxed pace. They make time for themselves and their friends. In America, we work so much, we rarely have time for our family. We are always rushing and always on the go. The culture is quite different.
How did studying abroad help you as a budding architect?
Our professors took us around and showed us a lot of things that we probably wouldn’t have seen from an architectural standpoint. These trips were fantastic. London is diverse architecturally and absolutely amazing. I really enjoyed it. In my spare time, I traveled to the Netherlands, Scotland and France to experience various cultures and see more European architecture.
How have you passed your enthusiasm for Syracuse University on to others?
I am one of the University 100 ambassadors, a group of students who give prospective students and their families campus tours and participate in different events through the Office of Admissions. Syracuse felt like a second home when I came here, so I hope to give visitors the same feeling. I also share my own experiences on campus and abroad. I always tell people on my tour I’m really glad to be here. I honestly couldn’t see myself anywhere else.
What does the future hold for you?
I have not figured out what type of architecture I will do and which city I will live in. Maybe I will do architecture in London!
Story by Shi Shi, an intern at Syracuse Magazine
