By Gian Isaac T. Jaroda, Adrienne L. Libang, Nadine G. Redulla, Hector P. Tuburan III |
Photo by Carmel Deligos, Oliver Lumanas, Julianne Galera
On a chilly morning, veiled by a blanket of clouds, the gentle cadence of raindrops created a soft symphony as an assembly of students congregated within the gymnasium. These were not mere individuals pursuing education but a collective embodiment of ambition and curiosity. The occasion was no ordinary event; instead, it was a celebration dedicated to the essence of their academic journey and their pivotal choice for Senior High School: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, collectively known as STEM.
Last January 18, 2024, the STEM community at Ateneo de Davao University Senior High School (ADDU-SHS) came together to commemorate STEM Day. This special occasion was a celebration and a collective acknowledgment of the significance and contributions of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It aimed to cultivate a profound understanding of these vital fields, paving the way for a future that continuously evolves and relies on the advancements in these disciplines.
The Liga ng mga Atenistang Mananayaw, or LIAM, kicked off the program with a mesmerizing performance, leaving the audience in awe of their impeccable dancing skills. The thunderous beats of the music woke up the crowd, setting the tone for an electrifying event.
With the swarm energized, Ms. Aujefel Amor Y. Lee, the Assistant Director for Academics, began the program with her opening remarks highlighting the interconnectedness of the varying strands present on the campus and how they intertwined with societies' growth in the real world, expressing the theme "Untying Discord Uniting Humanities, Business, and Science to Navigate the VUCA World."
After a warm welcome from Ms. Lee, the attendees were treated to an engaging and informative talk by Dr. Rachel B. Remedios, a distinguished graduate of Bachelor of Secondary Education and Physics Magna Cum Laude, who shared her extensive knowledge of STEM with the audience. Dr. Remedios' talk was inspiring, leaving attendees with a deeper understanding of the world of STEM and highlighting the hard work and impact of the strand and its courses. During her talk, Dr. Remedios covered key points that included the importance of STEM education, the challenges students and educators face, and the exciting opportunities STEM presents.
Enthusiastic, Dr. Rachel left a final message to the crowd, "Do not ever be tricked by this world into thinking that the good life can only happen once; when you achieve your degrees, or get these and that, or going there or not. The good life is a choice, enabling us to explore the truths. The good life is here because happiness and enjoyment are everywhere."
A battle of wits commenced afterward, with clusters competing in games that gripped the participants and the uproarious crowd. Manresa and Pamplona tied for first place in the challenging backward spelling, garnering 10 points. In Memory Mastery, Manresa scored highest with 8 points, having to memorize the sequence of jumbled letters and numbers. The third and final game, Number Cruncher, had participants solve arithmetic problems in seconds. Salamanca did it best, with 6 points.
STEM Day was a crucial stepping stone, offering a firsthand encounter for STEM students navigating the labyrinth of future career choices in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Elevating the experience from theoretical musings to tangible reality, the event showcased the practical applications of STEM in the real world. Through engaging interactions with professionals across various STEM sectors, students gained valuable insights into potential career paths and grasped how their academic pursuits could translate into meaningful contributions to society.
The resounding success of this year's STEM Day echoed through the gymnasium, leaving an indelible mark on students' minds and hearts. Igniting a hunger for learning and exploration, the event inspired a generation to envision a future where their contributions would be integral to the ever-evolving landscape of STEM. In providing hands-on experiences and fostering a passion for discovery, STEM Day has undoubtedly sown the seeds for a future workforce poised to make significant strides in these essential fields.
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