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 think you were able to receive the Walter A Hunt Jr. Scholarship?
A: The way I prepared myself over the years and what the school has given me. It made sure that I had opportunities which helped me stay well versed in the architecture community. Going to different firms and different places to make sure that I could experience architecture a little better and going to summer programs to refine my skills in architecture helped me increase my depth of knowledge. Also, being community oriented allowed me to stay connected with various people who helped me stay well-rounded. Additionally, support from teachers who pushed me to guide myself was essential. Understanding that higher education is key and keeping grades up were both motivations for me. Just knowing that I have to light that fire in myself and know that that scholarship money can help as long as you have good grades.
Q: How will knowledge (academic, social, emotional, etc.) help you after high school?
A: It’s definitely going to help me push myself forward in college, knowing how much the support and how much knowledge I’ve gained throughout high school. That just shows me just how much I have to replicate that into college and that will help push me forward to make sure that I continue to get all the grades that I need to get.
Q: What do you plan on doing this summer?
A: This summer I’m searching for other internship opportunities within the architecture field, just to make sure that I keep my architecture skills refined. Knowing that I can do something helps prepare me for college. Including architecture internships, I’ll probably be doing pre-college courses and just doing something that helps me get my mind prepared for college.
Q: Where are you going to school in the fall and why did you pick this school?
A: I’m attending Howard University for architecture. I chose that school because I realized the importance of having a close-knit community and how beneficial that is for me. I know a lot more people would see the benefit more from a bigger school, but having a tight knit community, and having people who know my name and who understand me will allow me to have the one-on-one connections that I need. Personally, that helps me become a better student, and helps make sure I stay on task , so then I can become the best architect and gain the most information possible.
Q: If you could envision what you’ll be doing in ten years, what would that be?
A: In 10 years I’ll be 28 and probably be living in my own house, most likely an apartment, with my own car, not living with my mom, and I’ll have my own dog. Most importantly, I’ll probably be working in my own firm or thinking about owning my own firm. I’ll be getting myself ready to take the next steps by finding business partners and mentors to help guide me into how to get started.
Q: What has been your favorite aspect of WHSAD?
A: My favorite aspect of WHSAD has been the family connections that I have made. Knowing that these teachers are there for me whenever I need them. Whether it’s for school or family support, I feel that this school has definitely helped me.
