Huilin

Huilin describes reading about an architectural drafting course in a high school brochure. It was about building structures. She was fascinated by the hallways and how they led to different rooms. Since her interest was in architecture, it was a perfect fit for her. Last year she learned AUTOCAD, and this year, is creating an actual house. “I am still interested in hallways, and always look at them when I enter a building. Where they lead is intriguing to me.”

“I am excited about getting to meet a new group of people in college. I have lived in Queens for ten years among diverse communities, but now I will get to meet people with the same interests as me. I will learn new things and share my views with them.” What makes her nervous? Also meeting new people.

“What if we don’t get along? I am shy.”

She says she’s a positive person. When she talks about her problems with her friends it’s always with a positive spin and solutions. But I depend upon and look to my family for advice and to share my deepest feelings.”

Her grandparents are her greatest support system. In China, they were her caregivers. “They built a strong foundation of resilience inside me — how to get through things. They always said to do something you’re passionate about.”

It’s no wonder that Huilin’s interests are buildings. Foundations. Structure. Hallways leading to the unknown. Leading to her future.

The teacher that has made the greatest difference in my life is Shapell Mullings, my Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher specializing in Architecture and Design. Her dedication to student success and her constant encouragement pushed me to pursue challenging goals with confidence.