Hi, my name is Rohan Manragh. I’m a 2nd-year Architecture major from Long Island, New York, studying at Howard University.

Currently, I’m facing a restriction to continue my education due to a $14,000 hold on my account. Without the payment of this balance, I unfortunately will have to leave Howard.

Howard has considerably impacted my life for the better. Even though there may be hardships with the “Howard run around,” the friends, community, and voice you find there make it all worth it.

Howard’s financial aid crisis has affected so many and their chances of a good education, which we all deserve. I’ve constantly reached out to Howard looking for a solution, but it seems that they cannot give me one. As a first-generation college student, I don’t have anyone else to help me figure out how to get out of this situation, so I ask sincerely to help me not only accomplish my dreams, but the dreams of those who have come before me and will come after me.

My reason for becoming an Architect:

I chose Architecture because I’m really interested in making an impact with biophilic design. This design approach aims to increase an occupant's connectivity with their natural environment.

I think people are happier and healthier when they’re surrounded by natural light, plants, and fresh air, so why not design spaces that actually bring that into everyday life?

Instead of just cutting down forests to make room for buildings, I want to find ways to incorporate architecture into the environment, like designing around trees instead of removing them, using natural materials, and making spaces that blend with nature instead of working against it.

I feel like this will be the future of architecture, and as an architect, that’s what I’ll strive for.

Thank you for hearing my story.

-Rohan