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...]
Senior, Dimitri Brown, Participates in Co-Op Tech Electrical Program
My experience in Coop Tech`s electrical program has been challenging. With the shift to online learning, it has been difficult for me to complete assignments on time since I have to balance work and school. Also, because I am more of a visual learner, it takes longer to grasp information. Despite this, I have learned a lot from my teacher, Mr. Guerrero. One thing that I have learned so far in his class is the difference between a series and a parallel circuit. A series circuit is a single wiring path that allows for electrical current to flow. The number of each component in the circuit equals the total voltage. In other words, the voltage is being shared between the components. Examples of components in the circuit include doorbells … [Read more...]
2020 Alumna, Chandler Mclaurin, Talks with the WHSAD Makerspace Students
When our former students visit, WHSAD staff and students enjoy both a sentimental and an inspirational experience. Especially for those students who graduated in 2020, their visits to our Friday Makerspace Meets provides a sense of closure that usually accompanies the pomp of senior events such as prom, senior trip, and graduation. Hearing from Chandler, all of us felt a bit more hopeful about what the future has to offer and how said future is within our own control. Recounting her experiences at WHSAD, discussing the rigorous curricula Temple University has to offer, and simply being her confident and articulate self, Chandler brought her positive energy to this week's alumni session. Below is the video of Chandler's presentation and … [Read more...]
Hailey Paulino, Junior in WHSAD’s Work, Learn, Grow Makerspace Program
1. What have you learned so far in your work in the Makerspace? During my time in the Makerspace program I have learned how to develop my teamwork skills. Usually I would prefer to work on my own but the maker space program has taught me to trust my coworkers. When I have worked with my coworkers Megan and Yamilet, they have added to my ideas and it ended up being something great. 2. Based on what you have done so far, what do you think is your greatest strength and why? I think my greatest strength has to be patience. It has not been easy to work with so many people. Sometimes people aren’t always there physically; therefore, they don’t know what’s going on. For example, one time I was trying to get in touch with one … [Read more...]
Justin Hunter, Senior in WHSAD’s Work, Learn, Grow Makerspace Program
1. What have you learned so far in your work in the Makerspace? That it is not as easy as you would think when it comes to working alone. The tasks given can pile and quickly become overwhelming for you if you happen to ever so slightly loosen your grip on the handle. An example of this would be working on a presentation solo but still having individual tasks to complete. It is important to remember that teammates are essential to your project and provide the security needed to move forward with your project with little to no setbacks. After learning the importance of having teammates, I am extremely grateful for having hard working teammates today who always step up to the plate for me and deliver quality work. 2. Based on what you … [Read more...]
Anastasia Simon of Shadow Ventures Speaks in the WHSAD Makerspace
When someone speaks to peoples' passions, that person will have a captivated audience. We in the WHSAD Makerspace have been fortunate to have presenters who have recognized that what makes for good presentations is what our students want to know and have to say. This week, Anastasia Simon spoke with an authenticity about working in the venture capital field, how her career flexibility has been an asset to her, and what she hopes to see as a more sustainable future. Below is her full conversation with the students and some student takeaways from the meeting. Today’s presentation was one of the most inspirational ones so far for me during this program. Anastasia was really inspiring because she was a black woman working in the tech … [Read more...]
2020 Alumni, Ariana Lowery and Antonio Perez, Talk with the WHSAD Makerspace Students
One of the most gratifying parts of this profession is having alumni return for visits and share updates about their lives after high school. The WHSAD Makerspace has been fortunate to have alumni discuss their post-WHSAD experiences, sharing both insights regarding professional trajectory and the comparison between college and high school in a more personal regard. This week we welcomed Ariana Lowery, now a freshman at the University of Buffalo, and Antonio Perez, now a freshman at NYIT. Ariana and Antonio shared some of their fall semester architecture work and anecdotes regarding the rigor involved in achieving their end products. Below you may watch the video of their presentation and read what some current WHSAD students gained … [Read more...]
Winston Von Engel, Director of Brooklyn Office of the NYC Department of City Planning, Presents “The Roots of Planning” to WHSAD Makerspace
As part of the WHSAD Makerspace presentation series, Mr. Winston Von Engel spoke to students about the intricacies of getting jobs done in New York City. Through an investigation of New York City history in both its social and architectural aspects, Mr. Von Engel provided a clear connection between societal needs and the building that goes on in a city such as New York. Below is the full video of Mr. Von Engel's presentation along with some student takeaways. Today in the WHSAD Makerspace Studio, we had Winston Von Engel as our guest speaker. He is director of the Brooklyn Borough Office of the NYC Department of City Planning and works for Mayor Bill de Blasio. Before entering where he is now, he took a five-year architecture … [Read more...]