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...]
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...]