A Different Kind of Seeing the World
Graduating from Benilde Senior High School with Highest Honors, Best in English, and Outstanding Academic Performance in General Academic Strand, Gabriel Angelo Aung Hein acknowledged that he first heard of Benilde through his sister. “She also graduated from Diplomacy,” he shares, “she had fun. I found that Benilde had the perfect program to ready myself through Model United Nations and ample knowledge provided by retired ambassadors who have served the Philippines.”
With all the accolades bestowed upon him, Gabriel remains humble in his accounts of his days in Benilde, “I live in Bulacan, and I always have to wake up at 3 a.m. to prepare my things. I take the bus and the LRT and arrive at campus at 6:30 a.m. Even if classes start later, I use the time from 6:30 to 9 a.m. to review for the subjects ahead. Classes end by 2 p.m., but I stay until 5 p.m. in the library to review, do homework, and study for potential quizzes.”
Hard work pays off, as he has been accepted to Benilde’s School of Diplomacy and Governance’s BA in Diplomacy and International Affairs. “Since we were already in the SHS batch, the application process was fairly easy because the school let us skip some steps.”
Application Fee was waived for Benilde SHS students applying for admission into First-Year College. This special seamless application offer was included in the Express Lane for Benilde SHS Students Transitioning to College. Aside from the waived fee, slots are prioritized, a unique schedule is created, and fewer documents are needed for submission.
Living in various places, including Switzerland, Hawaii, and the Philippines, has inspired Gabriel to be a diplomat. “In Hawaii, high school is where you generally learn all the subjects without any specific courses or subjects you want to learn for your future,” Gabriel explains, “but for Benilde SHS, the General Academic Strand serves as a stepping stone for students who want to feel what it’s like to be a diplomat or politician. We also learned that inclusivity is important in the 21st century, wherein all individuals should be included and feel safe in a community and that their voices will be heard.”
The General Academic Strand leans toward the Humanities and Social Sciences. It prepares Senior High School students to have a widened perspective on how society is structured, the importance of exploring different ideas, formulating one’s opinion, and critical thinking. This strand is for students interested in finding solutions to our political, economic, and social problems on the local, international, and global levels.
Gabriel has his own share of stories now. “My most memorable experience was participating in the Model United Nations, where I was able to represent the country of Malaysia and especially the friendships I’ve made along the way and how impactful they have been in my life and journey in SHS.”
For more information on Benilde’s Senior High School (SHS) academic strands, contact us at (63) 2 8230 5100 local 1801 or admissions@benilde.edu.ph. You may also visit our website at www.benilde.edu.ph.
