What are your strengths and what areas of yourself would you like to improve? I believe I am a great listener. I'm very perceptive. I'm not the most social. I can be and have improved a lot, but I have room to grow. I'm great once the ice is broken, just not the best ice breaker . What are you looking forward to in your senior year at WHSAD? I look forward to creating great memories and really grasping all I can from the world of architecture before I am sent into the world. What are your plans for after high school? I plan to go to a college that aids me in growing in a career that surrounds my interests in art and writing. What activities have you been involved in during your time at WHSAD and how have these activities … [Read more...]
Joshua Luna, Class of 2022
What are your strengths and what areas of yourself would you like to improve? When it comes to my strengths I’m not sure what they are, especially since I feel like I can improve in everything. However, I’d say photography and math are my strong points along with art. Even though I say these are my strengths, I really need to improve more of all of them because although I believe I’m good at them I still make mistakes and get confused when doing certain things. My strengths may be things that I’m good at, but I know I can do much better and I want to improve them. What are you looking forward to in your senior year at WHSAD? I'm looking forward to being able to spend my last year here trying to learn new skills and … [Read more...]
Pedro Astudillo, Class of 2022
What are your strengths and what areas of yourself would you like to improve? I think that my strengths are my public speaking skills. I can write pretty well, but I wouldn't exactly consider that one of my strengths. I would like to improve on my reading and writing in general. I feel like I also really need to work on my attention span. I tend to get disinterested or distracted from doing things often. What are you looking forward to in your senior year at WHSAD? I think I'm looking forward to all of the things that seniors get a privilege of enjoying. Our senior hoodies, shirts, and hats, plus the yearbooks. I am really looking forward to prom! I'm so excited for it! I think that everyone is going to have an amazing time, and I … [Read more...]
Student Profile, Bruce Zamudio
How has it been adapting to high school so far? How is it different from middle school? It has been fairly easy to adapt to high school so far. I have not found anything wrong or had problems with finding my classrooms or with my teachers. It's very nice. It is different because here the classes are more complex, deserve more attention, and we have to study more for each class. How do you feel about this environment? How has the experience with students and teachers been? I feel like the environment is nice, the kids are alright, and the teachers are extremely nice and comprehensive. They are very understanding with me. The experience with kids and teachers has been a good one. I would say most of the kids are very concentrated in … [Read more...]
Martina Rojo Reflects on her Bushwick Gem Presentation
In this article, WHSAD 2021 graduate, Martina Rojo, writes about her experience in the Bushwick Generator design competition. To see the highlight video, click here: What is your project? My project is Bushwick Generator w/ Heritage Equity & HWKN. Our mission is to create a concept and design for the activation of the building’s base and underground floors. The Bushwick Gem will be a center that will encourage interaction between neighbors and building tenants. Who is/are your stakeholder mentor(s), what is his/her/their professional title(s)? My stakeholder mentor is Jessica Knobloch. She is an architect working with HWKN What are some suggestions the stakeholder mentor(s) has provided (be specific!)? Jessica has … [Read more...]
Sophomore, Richard Hernandez, Reflects on his Richmond Terrace Esplanade and Katherine Walker Statue Design Project Presentation
What is your Project? My project is the Richmond Terrace Esplanade Beautification/ Katherine Walker Statue Memorial Project, both of which are on Staten island. Our objectives for this project are to beautify and add more activities to the esplanade so that people can have a better experience, and so that we can attract more people to the esplanade. As for our objectives for the Katherine Walker statue, we aim to make sure that the people know who she was and what she did by dedicating a statue to her on the esplanade. Who is/are your stakeholder mentor(s), what are his/her/their Professional titles? My stakeholder is Manager of Communications and external affairs at Staten Island borough hall, Colleen Siuzdak. What are … [Read more...]
WHSAD Senior, Jeffry Niola, in Co-op Tech and Construction Skills
Before I knew anything about Co-op Tech, most of my family had a construction business and still do. My dad has been a big role model to me, and he has shown me all the skills and basics of construction, such as electrical, carpentry, plumbing, roofing, tile installation, plastering, installing dry/green boards, otherwise known as sheet rock, painting, floor sanding, and sheet metal. I thank him a lot for showing me these skills because it’ll help me in the future, not only for a job, but that I’m well experienced and familiar with the job I’m going to do. Now this is where Co-op Tech comes in. During my junior year, I got selected for the Construction Trades program at Co-op Tech. It was the greatest opportunity for me because I have a … [Read more...]
Gensler/WHSAD Design Discovery Session IV-Digital Design
WHSAD students' pandemic struggles have been lightened at times due to our incredible partnerships. One such partner, Gensler architecture firm, has provided our students with opportunities to learn more about the fields of architecture and design through regular Google Meets arranged by Freshman Architecture teacher, Abraham Rodriguez. During these sessions, students have gained greater insights as to what a professional workplace looks like, innovative projects on which Gensler team members are currently working, and exciting directions in which the professions are headed. Students also appreciate the question and answer portion of these presentations as it allows students to get feedback regarding topics and interests of special … [Read more...]
WHSAD Work, Learn, Grow Participants Reflect on Their Experiences
Dimitri Brown When reflecting on my experiences working with WLG, I'm proud of how much I've grown with the help of this program. Last year, when Work Learn & Grow first started I was in a CUNY College Course. During this course, we often had class discussions which I had trouble with. Given the fact that I struggle with social anxiety, it took me a while to get comfortable. Another challenge that I had to overcome was presenting work. I was required to give a speech in front of the entire class about stereotypes. A few weeks before the project, Ms. Connors, who was my instructor at the time, allowed each person to randomly pick a paper slip from the basket. Every slip had a number. Those numbers determined the order as to who was … [Read more...]
Sonia Gonzalez, Senior in WHSAD’s Work, Learn, Grow Makerspace Program
1. What have you learned so far in your work in the Makerspace? In the Makerspace so far I’ve learned how to speak up more. I’ve been able to work on my presentation & communication skills. For example, with our Vacant Lot presentation slides I’ve been having to contribute my part and showing what I’ve done to our supervisors. This requires speaking up and explaining what exactly I did. That alone has helped me so much with my communication skills. 2. Based on what you have done so far, what do you think is your greatest strength and why? At this point where I am in Makerspace my greatest strength I would say is my determination to work. When I’m assigned something, I take my time to make sure it’s good enough to be … [Read more...]