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*sheeesh, probably the most upfront writing ever that I have posted for the masses. also, know that this was mostly written stream of consciousness with little to no editing lmao

For an upcoming summer program at the GSD, I was required to read a paper by Thomas J. Campanella titled “Jane Jacobs and the Death and Life of American Planning”. It was a wonderful introduction to the field of planning through its brief but informative history of the profession, its devaluation following the large scale critique by journalist Jane Jacobs, and the current state of planning as a result. 

Long story short, my heart was racing by the time I finished the last few words. It has been a while since I have truly felt validated in my existence and the choices I have made academically and extracurricularly. Campanella calls for both an expansion of necessary thought in the planning profession while also a return to traditional physical planning skillsets which gives tangible tools and thus credibility to the student. 

As someone who is a graduate of a major that prided itself on being a novel interdisciplinary field, I felt empathetic to the author’s dismay at the current state of planning specifically its modern interpretation as being “mere absorbers of public opinion”. By the time I finished undergrad, I felt I had only given myself time to understand how to approach a design process but was left unprepared for applying these methodologies into practical application. In hindsight, what was required were the same prerequisites held by traditional architecture students. 

In contrast, I was relieved to know that the time given helped in other ways. My multitude of academic interests - having pursued a minor in Economics and practically a second pseudo-minor in postcolonial thought - was not indicative of a fleeting, indecisive curiosity. Through its presentation of its points, the paper not only sought to accept my choice of exploring my interests in an academic setting but also claimed it was essential to the field of urban planning and design. Only through the intersection of these professions lied the true insights to solving the problems of urbanism today.

I am glad to say that I walk with a renewed sense of confidence in the journey I have trailblazer for myself - knowing that a walk through a bookstore through the anthropology, economics, and architecture sections only strengthens my specific field and the perspective with which I approach it. With this placed at the foreground for the future, I am armed with an appropriate mindset for my field and being. The Marathon Continues!