A positive attitude and a focused curriculum were keys to the success of Ria Angelica Zamudio, the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) graduate who ranked eighth in the June 2017 Architect Licensure Examination.
Architecture Program Professor Larry Carandang, under whom Zamudio took Building Science and Foundation Design courses, said, “She started modest in the freshman years, but because she was willing to learn, she quickly started to outshine others who started better than her.”
In an interview, Zamudio a BS Architecture-Architectural Design degree holder from the college, explained her viewpoint on her field, “I believe that architecture is more than just an extension of one’s personal ideals, philosophies, and style. Architecture is a tool that, when used thoughtfully, has the power to engage individuals and shape communities for the better. In line with this, I am a person who believes in purposeful design — one that creates meaningful connections between people and the built environment.”
To prepare its students for the board, the college offered formal review classes, gave alumni free access to its library for reviews and group study sessions, and provided a team of mentors who are available for consultations, either in face-to-face or online exchanges.
While Benilde’s Architecture program is a new offering, Environment Studies Cluster Associate Dean Architect Maria Cynthia Funk stated that its graduates performed well in five past licensure examinations.
In addition to Zamudio, another alumnus, Nielsen Uy, took 10th place in a past Architecture board exam.