With a Dream of Architecture, WCAAD Student Accepted by Three Top Colleges with Scholarship Totaling $197,000

Congratulations to Charles Cui on his acceptance to the University of San Francisco- Architecture. He received 72,000 scholarship total for 4 years.

​Additional colleges accepted:
Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) scholarship $125,000；
UC Riverside.

​During the time that I've had him for class, I've noticed an amazingly rapid amount of growth in a short span of time. 

​His open-mindedness, inquisitively, and receptiveness to instruction have been some of the main contributing factors of his rapid growth. It speaks to his character and determination as to how he was able to develop strong foundation in only half a year. 

​His youth was blessed, as his grandfather would take him to construction sites as he himself had experience in the architectural fields. Filled with a motivated spirit for architect, he pushes for his goals and works hard to make his dream come true.

​This piece is the model of a community facility Charles built. “This project shows my vision of providing a refuge for high school teenagers burdened by academic stress. I chose this piece because it was a great attempt to fuse the Prairie style with nature by adding plants within open spaces to create an ambiance.” Charles said, “During my design process, I learned to create spaces for students to find tranquility, communicate, and relieve stress.”

​Additional education includes Art Center's Teen Architecture learning fundamental and drafting. The UCLA Teen Arch Summer Institute learning Rhino and Adobe exploring 3D modeling.

​Charles' outside activities include the Chinese Culture and History Club as an Art Coordinator/Activity Manager as well as handling graphics and marketing. He is the founder of the Outreach Club and Treasurer organizing fundraising. The Outreach - Helping Hands (Volunteering for the Homeless. He is a member of the Art Society Club exploring art movements and exhibits. As a member of Best Buddies Club, he worked with special needs students assisting with enrichment, emotional support, and adapted lesson plans for inclusive education. He joined Tennis competitions and participated in a National Congressional Art Competition hosted by Representative Young Kim -"Current Social Issues." sponsored by the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. His work was published as top 35% winners were selected. He plays guitar and performances most notable the Brea Curt- Theater (Guitar Performance) and instructs at the Youth Development Resource Center as a youth Art Instructor. As a budding entrepreneur he assisted Ciun for Jewelry (Business Internship), Webull (Stocking Investing) and 2nd Time Around Thrift Shop -Collaborated develop a conservation project. 

​He won the 2023 President’s Volunteer Service Silver Award.

​I can only begin to say how much he embodies the spirit of excellence, dedication, and a hardworking innovative individual. I have utter faith that he will be a shining credit. 

​(By Omar Gallegos, WCAAD Vice Principal and Director of Education)