WHSAD’s Freshman of the Month for February is Kimberlyn De Santiago. Kimberlyn has made the most of her first year at WHSAD, taking on challenges both in and out of the classroom. Her desire to grow and become a more adept thinker and problem-solver causes Kimberlyn to be a consistent leader in the activities of which she is a part. Kimberlyn demonstrates the autonomy on which WHSAD prides itself, and her role as facilitator in helping her peers become more independent makes Kimberlyn an asset for WHSAD now and into the future. Kimberlyn’s Design teacher, Mr. Abraham Rodriguez, says “Kimberlyn has demonstrated her passion towards design and architecture by consistently finding ways to improve her skills as a young designer and a team leader. She is currently involved in a work-based learning design competition, where students have the opportunity to engage in collaboration and re-imagine one of New York’s first landmark ruin, named “The Smallpox Memorial Hospital”. Kimberlyn’s willingness take charge of her learning and assist others will allow her to excel in the world of design.”
Below, Kimberlyn shares her thoughts with student correspondent Antonio Perez about her experiences at WHSAD, what she has gained from her time here, and why she believes she was nominated.
My goals in WHSAD are to maintain an average above a 95%. Maintaining a high average has always been a goal for me in life as it allows me to improve myself everyday in all aspects of my life. The architecture programs and clubs really help to differentiate WHSAD from other schools and personally I believe that’s what makes WHSAD such a special place for teachers and students alike. Being able to work on prestigious programs such as AutoCAD, Revit, Rhino, etc. really helps to prepare students for the workforce and a potential future in the architecture/engineering/design world. I believe I was chosen because of my courageous attributes which I display in and outside of class. My favorite classes would have to be Architecture and math because I always have found math not only easy but enjoyable to a point where I want to learn more and more everyday. Architecture is also another favorite because you are allowed the opportunity to draw and express yourself through your art. Being able to freely express yourself in a safe environment is something that I truly cherish about the WHSAD community. My main aspirations for after college are to attend Princeton College and become an architect. Thanks to WHSAD and its amazing programs, my aspirations can become a reality and just envisioning that is truly breathtaking and remarkable. WHSAD offers so much that can help students just like me work towards their future goals, clubs like Architecture Club allow me to enrich my experience in the professional side of Architecture and work on advanced programs like Rhinoceros 5. My work on The Smallpox Project really was essential in helping me jump start my introduction into all the greatness which WHSAD has to offer. Teachers like Mr. Rodriguez really are there to help me and bring me forward everyday, because of these teachers I become a better version of myself everyday and also become closer to reaching my aspirations. Design has always been something which has interested me, so being able to work on projects like The Smallpox Hospital is really special to me. WHSAD is special to me, because of its size I believe that every teacher has the time to focus on each student individually and help them grow. The community of WHSAD is very special as it offers an environment which allows for students to grow together and get to learn each other. I’m only a freshman and WHSAD has already given me so much, I’m beyond grateful, and extremely happy to see what WHSAD will offer me in the future.