“To be honest, I didn’t really prepare for college because I already went through IB and to me that was all the necessary preparations that I needed,” expressed Darrel Then, Southville International Baccalaureate Alumnus who recently graduated Magna Cum Laude at the University at Buffalo with the degree of Bachelor of Science major in Business Administration.

Darrel who started studying at Southville when he was in Junior Prep feels very blessed and thankful that he received honors. “The fact that I have graduated actually still feels pretty surreal. Knowing that another chapter of my life is about to begin, excites me,” said Darrel.

A member of the YES Club back in high school Darrel shared that more than just the curriculum, Southville provided him the environment to thrive and explore things. “Southville also connected me to the right teachers. All my teachers have inspired me in some ways, but it was Ms. Virna Magbitang who went the extra mile for me,” added Darrel. Ms. Virna has become his friend and a life coach.

College life to Darrel was hard and complicated yet fulfilling experience. “Meeting new people and learning about different cultures is just amazing.”
Darrel has always wanted to be an entrepreneur since high school. It was Southville’s Entrep Day that got him hooked into business. He is planning on pursuing his master’s degree in business and help out in their family business.

“To my juniors, I would like to just remind you all the 5c’s: Have the Competence to choose the right friends. Have the Character to admit when you are wrong. Have the Creativity to find answers instead of finding fault. Have the Collaboration to work with your enemies and have the Commitment to Achieve to always finish what you started,” advised Darrel.