THE NEXT GENERATION

Meet this year's batch of high school graduates who are stepping up and stepping out to pursue impressive degrees at some of the world's best universities

- Ryanne Stephanie

CARL AUDRIC GUIA 

HARVARD UNIVERSITY

What course will you be taking up in university?

Astrophysics.

Why did you choose the school you enrolled in? What are you most excited to experience there? The Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics could not be ignored. I’m excited to get involved in the cutting-edge research happening there.

What expectations do you have for university?

At Harvard, I will have many peers I can admire and learn from. I expect to come out of college changed and inspired by the people around me.

What was the best advice your parents/friends gave you on going to university?

Representing my culture abroad is a heavy responsibility, but my friend told me once that I don’t have to feel pressured to be an all-knowing diplomat. What I can bring instead is the Philippines I experienced from my unique perspective, which is representation enough.

What are your thoughts about the future?

The future is as exciting as it is scary. I look forward to new memories I will treasure with new people—and the challenges that come with everything excellent.

What’s your dream or wish for the country and the world?

I wish more Filipino students could be exposed to space’s wonders through our schools and universities. I wish more of us could have the opportunity to pursue our passions through a well-supported education system.

ALLISON LAUDE CLAREMONT

MCKENNA COLLEGE