Catherine Etches

Hi everyone, my name is Catie Etches. I’m from Roatán, Honduras, and I’m currently pursuing a degree in Architecture, set to graduate in 2028. For me, CAPLA has been an incredible environment where I feel truly supported, and it’s become my home here in Tucson. The encouragement, friendship, and recognition I receive here make a huge difference, and I couldn’t imagine spending so much time in a place where I didn’t feel this supported. 
 

Outside of CAPLA, I stay busy with a couple of other campus involvements. I also enjoy reading, napping, (you'll learn to appreciate these so much more!) going for walks, and hanging out with friends. I’m always up for being involved, so I volunteer in my free time too! My favorite part of CAPLA is our strong sense of community. We’re always cheering each other on, and some of my best memories are the late-night sessions in the studio with my classmates—tired, stressed, but united before a deadline! My biggest challenge has always been managing the distance from home. I miss my family (and maybe my dogs even more), and not being able to go home as often as some of my peers makes it tough. 

 

My advice? Believe in yourself—it may sound cheesy, but it’s essential to not only your journey within CAPLA but everyday. You’re stepping into a challenging phase, but you’re going to do amazing things. CAPLA has an incredible team ready to support you, and I hope you’ll find as much strength here as I have!