Thomson
Next steps as Heritage Academy Graduand: AP exams alongside the American High School Diploma
Every student eventually faces the same quiet question: which path forward is the right one? For most, an American High School diploma alone answers it (this already paves the way to many Universities abroad and some polytechnics locally. But for a determined few, taking the initiative to go further — before the road has even been paved for them — makes all the difference. To see what that determination looks like up close, let’s follow the journey of one of Heritage Academy’s graduating ACE Diploma students, Mary Joyce.
Self-Discipline and Focus led Learning
Being a driven individual, Mary Joyce has completed the American High School Diploma (ACE) at Heritage Academy as well as Advance Placement Exams, one that will open many more paths to local Universities and those abroad. Mary Joyce’s university applications required at least three AP exams, thus she sought out Princeton Review Center and began preparing independently, alongside her regular ACE coursework and extracurriculars. “I strongly believe that this was an opportunity to push myself further academically,” she shares. It came down to about an hour a week for each subject, three subjects in total — a small, steady commitment stacked on top of an already full plate. What’s more, she even had piano lessons on the side.
The Hours Nobody Sees
The work was self-directed by necessity — reviewing material, working through practice questions, and revisiting mistakes largely on her own. “There was also a lot of self-discipline involved because I had to motivate myself to study,” she says. “Learning how to manage my time was one of the things I learned in Heritage, and it helped a lot.” When the material got difficult — AP is college-level — she broke it into smaller parts and worked through it repeatedly, rather than expecting to understand it all at once.
“Learning how to manage my time was one of the things I learned in Heritage, and it helped a lot.”
A Mother’s Reason, A Daughter’s Foundation
Mary Joyce’s education began at a Catholic primary school in the Philippines, followed by a government-run science high school where religion wasn’t part of the curriculum. That gap shaped her mother’s decision to enrol her at Heritage. “My mom is also a Christian, and I wanted her to grow in Christ,” Mary Joyce shares — Heritage’s combination of academic rigour and character building, in an environment where faith is part of the education, was “the number one thing” in the decision, more so than academics alone.
She isn’t walking this road alone, either. Fellow Heritage graduates have carried the same ACE Diploma into their own next chapters — John Matthew Ocampo Espina into PSB Academy’s digital marketing programme, and Espina John Miguel Ocampo into the University of San Carlos in Cebu for Financial Management. Mary Joyce now plans to continue her own studies in Singapore, a shift from her original plan to return to the Philippines, made possible by the pathway options Heritage opened up for her. Her advice to students considering a similar route: “Go for it, but also be realistic about it. It’s about being willing to put in the work even when it gets difficult. Ask for help when you need it, and give yourself some time to rest.”
Through Mary Joyce’s story, we begin to see that choosing the right path is rarely about waiting for someone else to build the road. It is in the quiet discipline of an hour a week, in a mother’s decision made for reasons deeper than academics, and in a student learning to trust that the effort will be worth it before she can see where it leads. At Heritage Academy, this is what a self-directed, faith-rooted, and future-ready graduate looks like — one deliberate step at a time.
She chose to celebrate her 18th birthday in a meaningful way by giving back to the community. Together with her family, she organised a community service initiative in a barangay in the Philippines, distributing essential supplies and spending time with members of the local community. It was a heartfelt way to mark an important milestone while sharing joy and support with others.
Baking
Beyond her studies, she enjoys spending time in the kitchen and exploring her creativity through baking. She finds joy in trying new recipes and creating something that can be shared and enjoyed with family and friends.
Playing the keyboard
Music is another interest she enjoys in her free time. Playing the keyboard gives her an opportunity to relax, express herself, and continue developing her skills outside the classroom.
Bag making
She also enjoys handmade crafts, particularly creating beaded bags. What started as a creative hobby has allowed her to practise patience, focus, and attention to detail while experimenting with different colours and designs.
Written by: Communications Team, Heritage Academy
Lives Transformed, Excellence-Driven.