What I'm doing now...

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Halfway through the semester, I find myself thankful. It's a step closer to finishing my studies in Architectural History next spring. 

The summer of research and internships will fuel my excitement for the Master's in the subsequent fall. I value each class I'm in now.

My courses each add something to my education: "Evidence and Archives," "Historic Preservation Theory," "Race and the American City," and especially "Materials and Culture." The last one, about American woodworking tools, has set a path for my thesis. I'm focused on a question: "How have changes from 1840 to 2000 affected the culture, methods, and spaces of home woodworking?"

I'm keen to study the architectural and cultural changes in domestic woodshops across the 20th century. This isn't just academic; it's about building my workbench and collecting old woodworking tools. By seeing these spaces as 'texts,' I hope to link my woodworking to a more extensive historical story, a counter to our digital world.

My research will matter to scholars and others. I plan to show how our surroundings mirror broader societal shifts by exploring the history of home woodworking spaces. This might interest DIY fans or those rethinking their homes.

Also, my work on woodworking and historic interiors is a tangible response to our digital age. In times when online life overshadows the real, my research stresses the value of hands-on skills and natural spaces. This could encourage people to reconnect with their physical world, restart old hobbies, or try new crafts or home improvements.

Finally, my interest in historic interiors from the post-industrial period could offer new views on today's living trends. I want to understand why specific designs last and how our past shapes future choices. This could attract not just academics but also homebuyers and those interested in interior design.