Sarah Grace Holmes

As a child, I struggled with Dyslexia. I still do as an adult, but I have learned to use coping strategies to help me succeed. When I returned to school in 2016 to study Architectural Design and Drafting at Portland Community College, I was amazed at how inclusive and accessible my learning experience felt. This was a stark contrast from my previous college experiences in the early 2000s.

               My previous educational experiences left me feeling slightly left out. I wanted to excel in my classes, but I struggled when teachers piled on reading assignments or had us handwrite essay questions in composition books. On the other hand, PCC anticipated that their students had different learning styles. They were upfront about their Accessible Ed & Disability Resources and presented them in an inclusive and welcoming tone. The PCC Access Tech staff introduced me to text-to-speech software that allowed me to listen to high-quality voices read my textbooks, PDFs, and daily emails aloud. This was a game-changer.

               Another new learning element since working toward my first college degree was the use of e-learning software. Having course content delivered via interactive slides was insurmountable. This ensured I comprehended the information before moving to the next slide. Even better, most slides were paired with a visual element, i.e., a photograph, illustration, or animation, that helped me visualize a concept better.

               Several factors probably contributed to this stark contrast in educational experiences. One was that I was older. Being in my late 30s vs. early 20s allowed me to be more patient with myself and less afraid to speak up when I needed assistance. The second was the advancements digital tools and software made regarding accessibility and e-learning during the 15-year gap. The third factor is linked to equity and inclusion and how far we have come.

               The Oxford dictionary defines Equity as “the quality of being fair and just, especially in the way that takes account of and seeks to address existing inequities.” In the early 2000s and late 1990s, it felt like this concept was discussed but not embraced as wholeheartedly as it had been in the classrooms I attended in 2016. A noticeable stigma had been lifted regarding students who were neurodivergent and/or had learning disabilities. We were welcomed by the faculty and staff and encouraged to seek the assistance and support we needed. At least, this was my experience at Portland Community College.

I have spent the last eight years working as an Architectural Drafter in various fields and positions. My career has allowed me to work on interesting projects with talented people, and I have learned so much about the world of building. My degree at PCC made this possible. Now, I would like to refocus my efforts on higher education and work on giving others the chance to achieve their goals.

Education

Graduate Certificate Program - Instructional Design - Oregon State University, Fall 2025 - Present

Drawing + Painting Classes - Pacific Northwest College of Art, Portland OR, 2005-2010, & 2022

AAS- Architectural Design & Drafting, Portland Community College, Portland OR 2015-2018. 2016 Design and Build Scholarship Recipient.

BFA - Multimedia Design, The University of Oregon, Eugene OR, 1999-2001.

Work Experience

Interior Designer - PKA Architects, March 2023 - Current

BIM Modeler - EC Electric, February 2021 - February 2023

Architectural Product Expert - SOURCE, August 2019-May 2020

CAD/Revit Designer - DCI Engineers, August 2018 - August 2019

Technical Drafter, Framework Engineering, June 2017 - August 2018

Bookseller and Gift Buyer, Powell’s Bookstore, June 2005 - December 2015