Unconventional Lead
Six Years: An ode to the Pisay life
A tribute to the next generation
Six years. I never imagined making it this far.
Six years of joy, six years of heartbreak, six years of sleepless nights laid out around the weird corners of the week. As I reach the end of my Pisay story, it is beyond imperative that I devote my last SciNet column to a reflection on the past six years. I would love to share with you what I have learned because it is sentimental, because it is a tribute to history, because we all share the same story. The Pisay story is beyond research and stacks of coffee hidden for hell weeks — it is the adventure of a lifetime.
Let it be known from here on out that this will not be an opinion piece based on statistics nor grounded on a big societal issue. Rather, as the first batch to swim through the crests and troughs of the K-12 curriculum, this article will be the unspoken piece of advice the rest of my batchmates may keep in their thoughts. As your ates and kuyas, it is our obligation to guide you through this rollercoaster of truth, excellence, and service, but how does this piece differ from possibly several other ones from past SciNet seniors? Because the dynamics have changed — we ride the rollercoaster longer this time, and here’s the last pieces of advice we’ll give you on how to ride it.
First, find yourself. In this ever-changing world, it is easier for you to open up to the world and be comfortable in your own skin.
Here in Pisay there is no room for prejudice, but rather it enjoins you to open yourself to the world.
With respect to talent, the school always finds ways to unlock your full potential, whether you are a scientist to the core or you have a knack for writing, singing, filmmaking, photography, organizing, etc. — the list goes on! In whatever skill you’re adept at, the environment here will make you pursue the things you love to do. With respect to identity, the liberal culture keeps no individual closeted. Whether gay or straight, conservative or liberal, pizza with or without pineapples, never be afraid to be yourself (be cautious about the last example though).
Second, get involved. It is cliché to say that “no man is an island”, but it is true nonetheless.
Here in Pisay, and in democratic societies in general, apathy is not a ladder to success, so get out of your couch and get involved in what’s happening.
From simply speaking out on societal issues on Twitter to joining outreach programs aimed at building communities, you are never too young to get out and help society out. The Eraserheads might have encouraged you to “huwag makisali sa hindi niyo gulo (don’t get involved in the problems of others)” but in this world, the gulo of the people in power is every person’s gulo. Remember, you’re never too young to get involved.
Third, never waste a moment. Don’t forget to be human — play games, talk to friends, fall in love, and all other things that keep us alive.
The Pisay life is not all about reqs; spare time for the most trivial things in life.
Your Math problem set may always be there, your English paper may tail you ’til the deadline, your study in STR may be taunting you in the back of your head, maaaring hinihintay ka ng dula-dulaan mo sa Filipino, but never forget that life goes on. Beat your friends in LOL, try out balut if you have not yet (reminder to self), and tell your crush what you really feel towards him/her — the point is, waray maraot ha pagbaya hit reqs padanay-danay (there’s nothing wrong with leaving reqs to sit from time to time). It is possible to live and keep your grades high.
As the best and worst moments of my Pisay life flash before my eyes whilst writing this piece (I know, medyo OA), a sort of nostalgia creeps in knowing that we in 2018 will all miss this place. The day will come wherein we will all be college students with eye bags stretching God knows how long. We will be more mature and wiser, and when we will see students clad in either the minimalist white polo and slacks or the iconic cream blouse and tablecloth skirt, we will be proud to say that “we’ve been there”.
As an outro I know I am breaking basic DepEd newspaper rules, but let me end this piece in Winaray.
Ha ngatanan nga kalipayan, ha ngatanan nga kakurihan, ayaw kalimti nga may mas dako nga butang nga naka-angkas ha aton pag-eskwela. An ngatanan nga aton ginbubuhat, para ini ha nasud. Tadhana man an imo pagsulod ha Pisay, diri parayaw an pag-eskwela dinhi. Labaw ha pag-inop nga lanaton niyo it kalugaringon nga pag-asenso, iglaum an Pilipinas nga mas maupay kontra han Pilipinas nga aton gindakuan, kay kita it magtitindog hito nga Pilipinas. “An nasud labaw ha ngatanan.”
(In all joy, in all hardships, never forget that there is something greater that rests on our education. In all things we do, we do them for the nation. May it be destiny that you entered Pisay, education here is not a joke. Beyond dreaming of a better life for yourselves, hope for a Philippines that is better than the one we grew up in, because we will be the builders of that Philippines. “The nation beyond everything else.”)
To you youngsters, hold the Pursuit of a Glorious Thee to your hearts and never let it go. Thanks for the six years, Pisay.
(P.S., “Troughs” is pronounced as “truffs”, as in “the crests and /truffs/ of the sea of life that flows!” Thanks to Sir Eman for that important tidbit of truth. Yeah, we’ve all been singing it wrong. Y’all educate yo’self.)
