The Howard Graduate.
I started at Howard in fall 2020 as a civil engineering major, living at home in Georgia—depressed and disconnected. By the next year, I switched to architecture, and everything changed.
Howard had been my dream since my time at Lindblom in Chicago. My mom first brought me to campus in 2015, and I felt something unexplainable. That feeling returned during my 8th grade trip to D.C. — Howard was calling me.
When college apps came around at Metea Valley, Howard was my top choice. I applied early decision, got in, and never looked back.
My first semester was virtual, but in January 2021, I moved into my first apartment at VIE Towers. It was scary—but freeing. I started to grow, create, and explore who I was.
Since then, I’ve met so many inspiring Black peers, mentors, and collaborators. Every project — BURN, music videos, photo shoots — reflects the influence of this community and the richness of Black culture in the DMV. I’m proud to have grown into adulthood here.
Whether you knew me from BURN, Shotgun, Vessel Project, VYNNI, Grad shoots, Liv + Friends, Biking Club, or even somewhere crazy and random like class - thank you.
To my friends, thank you for the guidance.
To my mom, thank you for introducing me to this dream and supporting it with everything you can emotionally, physically, and financially. I can never repay you — but I hope a few purses help.
Special thanks to Zamoi, Chrisserge, Temi, Yaya, Letitia — and everyone who helped with the grad shoot.
As this chapter ends, I’m excited to begin my Master’s in Urban Planning at NYU Wagner this fall. This summer, I’ll join Yale’s SURES program in environmental research.
If you ever came to a BURN event, collaborated, shared a moment with me, or simply showed love — I carry it all with me.
thank you
Quaran Ahmad
Bachelors of Science in Architecture
photographer:
@zamoitheboy
creative direction:
@blkalt4u @tem.olu
fashion:
@alana.yaya.manuel
set assistants:
@tem.olu @chriss.pierre
#graduation #howarduniversity #blackgradsmatter #collegegrad
