Hwan (Class of 2025): 10 Years of Growing At ISHCMC
After a decade of growth, discovery, and leadership at ISHCMC, Hwan (Class of 2025) is preparing to close one meaningful chapter and step into the next – carrying with him a deep sense of gratitude for the people and experiences that have shaped his journey.
Hwan joined ISHCMC in Grade 3 and quickly became an active and engaged member of the school community. From representing the school at international swim meets and embarking on adventurous camp trips to leading academic projects, every opportunity was embraced with curiosity and dedication.
For Hwan, learning has always been a holistic experience – one that blends academics with extracurricular pursuits. Now an IB graduate, he holds a conditional offer to study Law at King’s College London. Beyond the classroom, he demonstrated his leadership skills as the Chapter President of Vietnam DECA for 2024-2025.
When asked to sum up his ISHCMC journey in three words, Hwan chose secure, independent, and communal.
“Knowing I have the support of my peers and teachers, some I’ve known since Grade 3, made ISHCMC feel like home,” he reflects.
That strong sense of belonging nurtured his confidence and independence, whether through the self-directed learning of Studio 5 in Primary, the challenge of his Extended Essay, or the pride he felt presenting at the opening night of the Middle Years Programme Personal Project fair.
Of all the milestones along his ISHCMC journey, one moment stands out: his first experience of academic independence during the PYP Exhibition. Hwan recalls it as a pivotal moment that gave him a blueprint for taking initiative – a skill that has remained with him through to the final days of the IB Diploma Programme.
Looking ahead, Hwan is ready to step outside his “very thick bubble” and explore life beyond Vietnam. “I’m excited for everyday things like taking public transport!” he jokes. But beneath the humor lies a strong foundation built over a decade of meaningful friendships and transformative learning.
As he tells his future self: “Don’t sulk, you completed the IB.” And with the legacy he leaves behind, it’s clear that Hwan has done much more than that. He has built a future fueled by purpose, independence and lasting connection.
