What is life like now during quarantine, what was it before, and most importantly, what will it be after? Before quarantine I had structure and a routine, it was like a pattern, a rhythm, it came so naturally to me. I understood, and I lived by it. The importance of schedules and structure during quarantine is a concept that Psychologist Claudia W. Allen strongly believes in. Allen the Director of Behavioral Science in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Virginia’s School of Medicine believes that “while telecommuting initially sounds like an unplanned vacation, in reality, isolation, lack of schedule and not enough to do are a foolproof recipe for depression” (Allen 1). Years’ worth of buildup and creation of a routine … [Read more...]
About Antonio Perez
One Day at a Time: Excerpts from the Journal of Antonio Perez-Journal 1
In this work, Antonio Perez, WHSAD Senior and Editor-in-Chief and founder of WHSAD's school newspaper, The Column, provides his personal feelings regarding the school shut-down. His thoughts reveal the heartbreak many of WHSAD's seniors, and seniors across the city, state, and country, are experiencing due to the consequences of the pandemic. I still remember the days leading up to the school closures. I still vividly remember not only the day I found out, but the morning after. The emptiness and silence of the train car as I returned to New York, my empty soul staring out the window. When I found out schools were closed until possibly April 20th I was in bliss, I instantly called Jonah and Ariana, and words couldn't describe the … [Read more...]
WHSAD Students Share Thoughts about Social Distancing
From this difficult time, Annaya Fountaine has been finding inspiration for her artwork. In times like this it is easy to get carried away and lost amongst all that is happening in the world. We at The Column have always prided ourselves with being able to give students a platform to speak about topics and issues that are relevant and important to them. With our Stay at Home Edition of The Column, we wanted to make that goal ever more apparent. Students not only have a platform to express their interests but also to voice their experiences with what is currently happening in the world. We are stronger then ever and will not give up or lose hope. Through our expression of art and writing we will make it through this together. Below WHSAD … [Read more...]
Members of Turner Construction Provide WHSAD Students with Insights Regarding the Columbia Business School Project
Turner Engineer, Christina Arbor, introduces an activity that had students designing a school campus that meets both LEED certification and stays on budget. On Thursday, July 25th WHSAD students visited the construction site of the Columbia University expansion. Perhaps the most interesting part of the experience was what the employees of Turner had to say. Most of what was said was not only surprising to all the students but also extremely important given the status of the Earth and its ongoing struggle with climate change. Turner recognizes this struggle and works directly to combat this issue. Since 2008, Turner has been ranked as number one among the country’s green contractors by Engineering News-Record. Turner has completed more … [Read more...]
A Visit to Perkins Eastman
WHSAD Students interviewing a panel of several accomplished Perkins Eastman architects. On Thursday, July 18th students from WHSAD were granted the opportunity to visit Perkins Eastman. The students who visited ranged from several backgrounds, most had never been on a visit to an architectural-based design firm before, whereas others had done so numerous times, myself included. Despite the fact that I've seen several firms before, the visit to Perkins Eastman was unlike any other previous one. It stood out in almost every aspect. As soon as we entered [Perkins Eastman] everyone was extremely hospitable. The reason for this became apparent later on in the day when we were told that the core principal of the firm is being Human by Design. … [Read more...]
WHSAD Summer Bridge Program takes a trip to The Park Avenue Armory
Students watching Drill at The Park Avenue Armory On Wednesday, July 17th WHSAD students in the Summer Bridge Program spent a day at the Park Avenue Armory. Initially, it was not known what to expect, but at the end of the day, it became clear that whatever expectations anyone had were not only fulfilled but surpassed tenfold. The experience at the Armory was nothing short of surreal from the second we walked through the door. The experience hits you like a shock-wave as the ambiance in the foyer was grander than life, and, subsequently, the entrance tells the history of the building and its previous occupants. Before any official tour and or meeting took place, peers muttered among themselves, awed by the sheer scale and beauty of the … [Read more...]
WHSAD Summer Bridge and CareerClue Programs Tour Architectural Marvels of Downtown Manhattan.
WHSAD Summer Bridge Program & CareerClue students photographed on the stairs at the Oculus. On Thursday, June 11th participants in WHSAD's Summer Bridge and CareerClue programs took a tour of lower Manhattan. The tour let students investigate a history of architecture in New York City. Students were able to visualize the development of building structures from smaller structures, mostly consisting of stone and brick exteriors, to taller skyscrapers consisting of steel and glass. This is essential for not only the incoming freshmen of WHSAD to understand but also current students. Understanding the basics of architecture and its development over time can be extremely helpful when creating projects in class. You can observe your task … [Read more...]
Reginald Huggins Receives $20,000 2019 Walter A. Hunt, Jr. Scholarship
Below is an interview with WHSAD Senior Reginald Huggins who was honored with a prestigious scholarship: the Walter A Hunt Jr. Scholarship. The Walter A Hunt, Jr. Scholarship is exclusively for a high school senior attending a New York City public or charter school who plans to pursue an undergraduate degree in architecture at a NAAB-accredited school within the United States. Reginald will receive $10,000 per year for the first 2 years of study to support his college tuition and other related costs. To learn more about the scholarship, read the official press release from the Center for Architecture here. Reginald recounts not only how it was that he achieved the scholarship, but also his days at WHSAD, and his future. Q: How do you … [Read more...]
Graduation Day 2019
Class of 2019 seniors taking a photo on their Graduation Day. (From Left to Right: Chamonte Greenfield, Melina Jorge, Arthur Cambridge, and Richard Sanchez) Class of 2019 Seniors photographed with their guidance counselor Ms. Erneste. WHSAD Senior Reginald Huggins the 2019 recipient of the Rohan Levy Foundation Scholarship, joined by WHSAD alumni who have also received the scholarship. (From Left to Right: Jalen Vazquez, Reginald Huggins, and Kenneth Nelson) Graduation is one of these experiences in a person's life that doesn’t come around frequently, so when it does, it is very special. Graduation is a time to celebrate and remember all of your accomplishments throughout the past four years. When looking back, many can get … [Read more...]
A Look Back with Antonio Perez
Attendees of the Little Free Library in October 2018 event gathered to discuss the project and what it means for the future of our community. This event was extremely important as I was introduced to several notable people who have been involved in my work life ever since. (Pictured from Left to Right: Heather Butts, Gill Cornell, Antonio Perez, and Karen Watts) If I could choose one word to explain this year, I would choose, unexpected. Because that’s honestly what my experience has been. Every day was something new in the best way. And for this, I couldn’t be more grateful. Grateful for all the opportunities I have been given, and all the amazing people I have met because of these opportunities. Looking back at this year, I don’t have … [Read more...]