Stepping Into Tomorrow: SHS Students Tour Universities
Following last year’s trips to the University of the Philippines Diliman and Ateneo de Manila University, Senior High School students of MGC New Life Christian Academy (MGCNLCA) embarked on campus tours in Manila this September, visiting the University of Santo Tomas (UST) on the 4th and De La Salle University (DLSU) and College of Saint Benilde (CSB) on the 15th to explore their potential future colleges.
“Through this campus tour, we want our students to see that there is a different world beyond the four corners of [MGCNLCA]. Exploring other campuses will challenge them to be more aware of their environment and to learn how to adapt depending on where they may eventually pursue their studies,” remarked Guidance and Testing Center Head Daphne Trina Uang.
At UST, students were given a guided bus tour of key national cultural treasures, including the Arch of the Centuries, the Central Seminary, the UST Main Building, and the UST Baybayin Documents. Students were also able to explore the UST Museum, which showcases the university’s rich cultural and historical heritage through its diverse collection of paintings, taxidermied animals, and historical artifacts.
The week after, the New Lifers headed to Taft Avenue to check out the DLSU and CSB campuses’ highly equipped facilities. They also witnessed the creativity and innovation of current undergraduate students in various projects displayed across CSB’s School of Arts and Design campus and Atrium campus.
“Seeing the campuses firsthand gave me a sense of their unique environment and helped me better gauge which college fits me in terms of social life and courses offered. Additionally, learning about their teaching methods also influenced my decision on which college I might want to focus on in the future,” Zion student Kelly Ann Chua shared.
Olive student Soleil Dionisio added, “The campus tours gave me a clearer idea of each college’s respective learning environment and facilities. They helped me explore my options and see how the atmosphere and resources could fit my goals. I learned that different campuses have unique strengths, so it’s important to choose one that matches my preferences and goals.”
Uang added, “It is important not to focus solely on how aesthetically pleasing a place may be, but rather to reflect on how being on that campus could help them grow and become better versions of themselves.”
In addition to the campus tours, the Grade 11 students went to the National Museum of Natural History, where they explored exhibits featuring the country’s diverse wildlife and geological displays that highlighted the richness of the Philippines’ natural landscape. Meanwhile, the Grade 12 students visited the National Museum of Fine Arts to uncover the country’s rich artistic heritage through its renowned collections and masterpieces.
