Growing up in Norman, my friends and I would ride our bikes around campus with no regard to the significance or beauty it harbored. As it came time to choose a college, my parents tried to pressure me away from OU. My brothers had both moved far away, and my parents wanted me to have new experiences outside of my hometown. I begrudgingly agreed, and tucked away my acceptance to OU. Several months later, I broke out in tears at the sight of an OU billboard along I-35, and had to explain to my parents that I really wanted to go to OU. OU always symbolized something much more than a degree for me, its tradition filled legacy called to me and attracted me like no other schools had.

The Bizzell Library perfectly encompasses this beautiful paradox of tradition and hard work. As a historical marvel, it was completed in 1928 and has maintained its original beauty throughout the years. Architecturally, it is said to be Cherokee Gothic style building, which holds its own significance to Oklahomans. As a student, you dread the library, but as a Sooner, you revel in it. The “Biz” has been a place of dread, studying, and research for me as a student at OU. However, its legacy has imprinted something different on my memory; it has become a symbol of tradition, and of hope. It symbolizes history, yet also symbolizes the endless possibilities that the future holds for us students. The OU library undoubtedly influences me in a positive way; it inspires me to do my best and strive for success. To strive to be a Sooner. The Bizzell Memorial Library’s legacy and aesthetic will stay with me long after my time at OU is over.

Churchill downs is composed of several buildings, but to me, the grandstands attached to the clubhouse and main building that hold a special place. When you think of Churchill Downs, you probably envision the twin spires that have made it so architecturally famous. It is simply beautiful. Historically, Churchill Downs was built in 1895 and has maintained its classic, distinct, and beautiful architecture throughout history. Encountering this building left me completely humbled and fascinated. In addition, Churchill Downs influences me and inspires me positively every day.

My older brother declared when he was 5 years old that he wanted to be the “winningest horse trainer of all-time”. When he graduated high school, he moved to Louisville Kentucky for college and began working for the present day winningest horse trainer, and started on his dream. That was almost 10 years ago, and he is still in Kentucky chasing his dreams. In fact, two of the horses in the Kentucky Derby this last year were trained by his farm. I am so grateful to Churchill Downs not only for its history, but also for the hope, inspiration, and potential it harbors for people like my brother chasing their dreams to be a part of its history.

I’m sure the thought of sororities makes you roll your eyes, but give me a chance to explain. This building signifies so much more than friendship for me, and it certainly does not symbolize anything fake or un-genuine. It signifies fitting in, lifelong memories, and unbreakable bonds. I had never been the type of girl to go out of my way to fit in with anyone, so rushing was a questionable process for me. I went into it not knowing what I was getting myself into, and immediately regretted it when I was thrown into such a catty and fake world. But the second I arrived in the Alpha Phi house, it was different. The girls were cool, not fake, and actually nice. It was a relief to say the least.

This building has had the most incredible positive impact on me I could imagine. It is home, in so many more ways than in the literal sense. Our house here at OU is the 3rd largest sorority house in the nation and sleeps 86 girls. This is a source of pride and achievement for our chapter. The meaning of this place is, above all else, family. I have met my best friends, mentored young leaders, and learned an immeasurable amount about myself. My encounters have always been positive, it is a safe haven for me, and always makes me feel grateful to have found a place to actually fit in.

The Empire State building is arguably one of the most famous buildings in the United States. Known for its impressive height and even more impressive views, it is a special building in our history. Additionally to its impressiveness, it symbolizes innovation. When it was completed in 1931, the Empire State building was not only one of the earliest mega skyscrapers, but it was THE mega skyscraper. Standing as the world’s tallest building is quite a feat, especially for almost to 40 years. Imagining the engineering that went into building that gives me complete and utter anxiety. It is impressive, to say the least.

When I encountered this monstrous building, my initial reaction was to be overwhelmed, by the size, by the height, and its meaning. That feeling quickly faded and amazement took its place. Something that historically significant, enormous, and impressive makes you take a (figurative) step back and realize just how small you are. That sounds like a negative thing, but it was not at all, it was totally humbling. Going there and seeing New York City from the “top of the world” is something I will never forget. My family and I will cherish those memories forever.

As a child, I grew up participating in musicals and plays at the Sooner Theatre. Because of this, I have very fond memories of my time spent there. But the Sooner Theatre is so much more than that- it is a part of Norman’s history. Opening in 1929, it was one of the original theaters in the area to show talking movies. Beyond the history, the building is simply magnificent. Preserved in its original Spanish Gothic Style in Norman’s (semi) historic downtown, it stands out like a beautiful piece of art. Impressive does it no justice. Oklahoma, especially Norman, don’t have too many of these gems left, but I’m glad to be a part of the Sooner Theatre’s history.

As a hub of local entertainment and a beautiful historical site, the theatre brings joy and influences its patrons in a positive way. It symbolizes something truly special- tradition. The people of Norman know it and love it. My initial encounter with this building brought negative feelings.. fear, embarrassment. My first audition was terrifying even as a 10 year old. However, I got the part, and got to know the building for what it really was. Now every time I come across this building, it brings a smile to my face. I am thankful to have such an incredible place in my home community.

The Denver Airport compound has always fascinated me, as somewhat of a mystery, that is surrounded by an overwhelming amount of conspiracy theories. The architecture and design have specifically been called into question regarding these theories. Personally, this building creeped me outing gave me a negative feeling, even before I discovered the conspiracies around it. There is a certain dark aesthetic about it.

The “peaks” are supposed to be symbolic of snow covered mountains but are also rumored to be reflective of Native American Teepee’s, a dark and bloody history of the Great Plains. It doesn’t stop there. The shape of the building and its runways also apparently have an omniscient underlying meaning; They are said to be in the shape of a swastika. As you can see, the meaning of the building is somewhat unclear on the figurative front, but on the literal front, I believe it is a symbol for bringing people together in a modern way to achieve something incredibly amazing- travel. Personally, I feel lost there. Lost, and invisible. It is a hub of commotion, and efficiency. Originally designed as a functional piece of art, it has succumbed to being just another building.