THE CHALLENGE STUDIO STUDENT:

• wants to be academically challenged
• is extremely motivated to learn
• has a curiosity to delve deeper into topics
• has the ability to question information
• responds well to a rapid pace of instruction
• is able to work collaboratively with others
• is well-rounded with many interests and passions
• wishes to shape the direction of their own studies

Meet some Challenge Studio alumni:
If you're a grad, and you'd like to share your story, please email [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you!

SARA MAYA BUDHIRAJA | 
​CHST '25

McGill University '29

"Challenge Studio was a pivotal experience that led me to my dream university: McGill! Through the enrichment the program offered, I was able to explore exciting opportunities within and outside of the program. The support I received from my teachers shaped the way I think and learn, and I utilize the benefits of that every day. 
The mentorship and hard work of CHST students is what keeps our school's award-winning publications going. Being a part of the yearbook and newspaper with such talented, driven individuals was an incredibly formative experience, which took me to places I would have never imagined. Now, I am a Political Science student minoring in International Development, and I can't wait to see where my education takes me!" (Written March 2026)

HINSON CHAN | CHST '24

Stanford ‘28

“Along with CHST's amazing math and science programs that accelerated us to take AP Physics C, Hamber's unique program emphasized well-roundedness and project-based learning for the social sciences as well. Our history teacher, Mr. Wightman, encouraged me to work on a documentary about US history, which was eventually recognized by the Bureau of Land Management and helped me get into my dream university. Today, I'm a freshman CS student at Stanford, balancing computational sociology research, running a corporate technology company, and building a rover to cross Antarctica, leveraging the skills I learned through the CHST program.​” (Written June 2025)

ADELAIDE GUAN | CHST '25

Syracuse University '29

 "Being surrounded by exceptionally curious, driven, and bright minds throughout my five years of high school was transformative. At Hamber, I held the position of Editor-in-Chief for both our incredible, nationally-recognized publications: The Griffins’ Nest newspaper and the yearbook. I witnessed firsthand how CHST students take it upon themselves to contribute talent and energy to such projects, going beyond their already rigorous coursework. Now, I’m pursuing my dream dual degree on a full-tuition scholarship at Syracuse University, which wouldn’t have been possible without support from my CHST teachers. Being part of this community has shaped me into who I am today, and I could never recommend it more highly. P.S. I made this website for my CHST Capstone project!" (Written February 2026)

ERIKA CHUNG | CHST '22

Harvard ‘26

“In Eric Hamber’s Mini School Program, I was surrounded by driven peers and dedicated teachers. They always challenged me to aim higher, and I credit that support with much of my success—in high school and now in college. At Hamber, I was Student Council Co-President, Yearbook Editor-in-Chief, Newspaper Executive Editor, and Co-Founder of Hand in Hand, while also playing basketball and ultimate. I also won 1st in Skills Canada National Competition in Graphic Design Technology. I’m now a rising senior at Harvard studying Economics, where I’ve continued to explore my passion for understanding people and the spaces they inhabit. I’ve pursued intercontinental travel through urban studies study abroad programs and completed summer internships in real estate private equity.” (Written June 2025)

JOHN XU | CHST '25

Massachusetts Institute of Technology ‘29

"I could talk endlessly about the trips, opportunities, and resources of Challenge Studio, but what's impacted me the most is the people. Being surrounded by other talented and driven classmates pushed me to do things I wouldn’t have otherwise done: harder classes like AP Physics and AP Lit, Physics Olympics Club, where we placed first in BC, and CanSat, where we represented Canada at the European Space Agency. Additionally, classes like Inquiry & Innovation gave me the freedom to pursue my passions, such as building crazy engineering projects for my YouTube channel “I Build Stuff”, which now has over 100k subscribers. Next year, I’ll be studying mechanical engineering at MIT!" (Written June 2025)

STUDENT NAME | YEAR

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