MANILA, Philippines – A Filipino student has graduated magna cum laude with highest honors from Harvard University in the United States with a double degree.
Eion Nikolai Chua, 22, earned degrees in Chemistry and Economics, along with a Master’s in Chemistry and Chemical Biology. He completed all of these in four years.
Chua was among more than 9,000 graduates who attended Harvard’s 374th Commencement Exercises on May 29. The university awarded over 2,000 undergraduate degrees during the ceremony.
Due to his strong academic performance, Chua graduated magna cum laude with highest honors. He was also inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, the oldest academic honor society in the U.S.
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| This inspiring Pinoy student graduated as magna cum laude with highest honors at the prestigious Harvard University in the US - and earned a double degree. Photo credit: Facebook/Benjamin Chua |
Before studying at Harvard, Chua attended the International School Manila and MGC New Life Christian Academy in Taguig City, Philippines.
Chua told Manila Bulletin that he was happy to hear the news of his graduation honors. He added that the university considers the difficulty of courses taken by students in deciding who graduates with honors.
“Very happy. But I guess I sort of medyo expected na po because I was very involved in like taking a lot of graduate courses doing research. I feel like I did well and when I heard about it, definitely I was very happy,” he said.
Chua plans to return to the Philippines to rest and learn more about the local chemistry industry. Then, he plans on returning to the US. But in the future, he hopes to return to the country and start a business in the field of chemistry. This is also a plan that he hopes can let him help other people.
He also shared an idea for a chemistry-related business that would help farmers turn agricultural waste into useful products.
Chua said his success was made possible by the support of many people, including his parents, teachers, and counselors.
“They say, ‘It takes a village to raise a child.’... Not only like my parents who raised me up and taught me this and supported my education. Pero also the people in high school, for example, the counselors,” he said.
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| Chua didn’t just focus on academics but was also active in extra-curricular activities. Photo credit: Benjamin Chua / Facebook |
Amazingly, this inspiring young man didn’t just focus on academics. He was also into music and other extra curricular activities. So, for Filipinos who hope to study at top universities abroad, he advised showing commitment and passion in academics and extracurricular activities.
“A lot of people siyempre alam nila you need to be well-rounded in academics and extracurricular activities. That’s true po. Pero you need to show also that you could be committed and perform well in something you are passionate about,” he said.
While studying at Harvard, Chua also joined the Harvard Pops Orchestra and played the piano. He said it was a dream of his to perform with an orchestra. He also served as president of the Harvard Chemistry Club.
What an amazing young man. Congratulations to you, Eion Nikolai Chua!
— Joy Adalia, The Summit Express