In this series, our graduating seniors provide some insights as to where they have been and where they are going.
What are your post-WHSAD plans and why do you want to take such a path?
My post-WHSAD plan is to start off by going to college. I plan to go to SCAD-Savannah College of Art & Design, which is located in Savannah, Georgia. I plan to major in Interior Design as I find interior design to be fascinating and interesting. However, I am excited to see the entirety of the campus and am up for any possible change over time as I am not fully sure about what my dream career is. I do, however, know that I want to follow the career path of either art or design in some way as I love the freedom it gives me. I love to be able to experiment and experience different designs, and I love to work with the different people I meet during projects.
What have been the awards (scholarships) you’ve won and how did you win those award(s)?
I have been fortunate enough to be awarded two different scholarships, one for academic excellence and another for achievement excellence. I was able to achieve these scholarships due to my focus towards my grades and the many different opportunities WHSAD has provided me. The opportunities the school has provided me with have allowed me to build a strong portfolio which helped me stand out more when I submitted my application to SCAD.
Please describe how you have grown over your four years at WHSAD.
WHSAD has caused me to become extremely more confident in myself and much more outspoken. I remember the first time I walked into summer bridge and the first assignment was to create a presentation about yourself in ten minutes. I distinctly remember walking into the classroom, hearing that and wanting to desperately walk right back out and go home. I used to despise presentations and speaking in front of a crowd, but four years later I can present as easily as breathing. WHSAD pushed all students out of their comfort zones all the while teachers tried to help kids become more comfortable with interacting with others and large crowds. It’s quite funny how dependable WHSAD has become for students, even to the point where students will hang around the school on the weekends and during breaks. WHSAD has been able to create their own world and culture where students and teachers are able to experiment with design and just generally have a fun time.
What advice would you give to students as they make their ways through high school?
If I were to give any advice to students who are going through high school it would be to avoid overworking themselves. Yes, projects can be fun, but it is important to know that taking on too many can quickly become overwhelming and stressful. It is ok to say no to a project if you feel like you will be overwhelmed or if you feel it is not a good fit for you. It’s better to focus on one project that you are really passionate about rather than five projects that you are only doing for the sake of writing it down on your resume or because someone told you to do it.