An Experience Like No Other Through Growth, Purpose, and Global Citizenship
An Experience Like No Other Through Growth, Purpose, and Global Citizenship
21 March 2024
As De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s Baccalaureate Mass and graduation rehearsals draw to a close, the air is filled with a sense of accomplishment, and rightfully so. Sabrina Iris A. Don, graduating summa cum laude and the top of her batch with a degree in AB Diplomacy and International Affairs, reflects on years past. “I do not recognize the person I was four years ago,” she acknowledges. “Benilde brought out that potential. It shaped me through the difficult times I also got through.” The supportive environment and diverse community encouraged her to embrace challenges, confront her fears, and emerge stronger and more resilient.
Sabrina’s path into diplomacy and international affairs was not part of her plan. “In all honesty, as I was applying to different colleges, I did not know what I wanted at that point,” she admits. Stepping into the School of Diplomacy and Governance (SDG) and immersing herself, she slowly found her calling, “once I entered Benilde and got through the courses offered, plus the opportunities presented to the students, I fell in love with it.” The program sparked a newfound passion within her, shaping her worldview and igniting her sense of purpose.
The Bachelor of Arts in Diplomacy and International Affairs program makes aspiring diplomats competent in servicing foreign affairs offices and related institutions in the public sector or civil society. In this program, students learn and understand the concepts, theories, and laws involved in international relations and how these are applied in diplomacy, with national development as the frame of reference. Inherent in the courses is appreciating a culture of research for informed decision-making, problem-solving, and policy-making.
With promising careers in her field, such as policy officer/analyst, migration officer, political economist, political scientist, protocol officer, public affairs officer, diplomat, civil servant, conference organizer, consular officer, development worker, foreign affairs officer, human rights advocate, social scientist, and trade specialist/analyst, Sabrina is not in a hurry to take the Foreign Service Officer Examinations (FSOE) – Qualifying Test, conducted by the Civil Service Commission (CSC). “I want to explore different organizations, including non-profits,” she shares. “With enough experience, I also plan to fund my postgraduate studies, whether here or abroad.”
Graduates of this program are expected to apply evidence-based advocacy in the formulation of various programs in international relations, analyze the different foreign policies, international norms, and agreements and their implications to the country, develop conflict management and resolution skills, and apply high ethical values for foreign service guided by the Lasallian Core Values.
“As Benildeans, it’s also our duty to be socially responsible,” Sabrina asserts. “Once we’ve been awakened to issues and challenges. As the younger generation, I believe we have a different type of drive.” This is the heart of the inspirational message she has the privilege of delivering on graduation day. She wishes her batch nothing but the best: ” With our intentions, we can really do something in the long run.”
Armed with a sense of purpose and determination, she envisions a future where Benildeans play a pivotal role in shaping a better world. “I am ready,” she declares. “It’s the first time in my life to be this sure about something.”
For more information on Benilde’s undergraduate programs, 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.
