Story By Freia Garbanzos, Grade 12
Photos from Stephanie Ann Remada
Each senior high school student, including me, has a “research dragon.”
Research was a subject that made me anxious. There was this fear of the challenges of learning its theories and implementing the relevant concepts. Needless to say, defeating this research dragon was a true struggle but the 5th Josenian SHS Research Summit made me view research from a totally new perspective.
The three-day event was an astounding and insightful experience that became a core memory for me and for all other young researchers who joined the summit.
University of San Jose-Recoletos, the host school, prepared an awe-inspiring opening program that set the tone for the three days filled with discoveries, talks and sharing. Brilliant and young researchers from USJ-R and from the participating SHS nationwide had the chance to present their respective paper.
Personally, the paper presentation was the highlight of my Research Summit experience. The level of nervousness that rose in me when I saw the observers and the panelists was on a different plane; it was like no other. There was a total of 10 presenters and each one had to present the summary of their paper in front of the audience. I was one of the 10. That experience made me value the effort that my group, my mentors and I put into our paper. It also made me realize how far we have come. The subject that made me anxious was the same subject that brought us to the beautiful moment of learning and achievement.
On the other hand, the Summit Trail: Explorer’s Expo held at the USJ-R Coliseum was an eye-opener. The Grade 12 researchers of USJR from the different strands showcased their distinct studies which featured their creative and profound ideas. Their research results and output were proof of how visions can become reality.
Who knew that one could actually make hydro solar generators and even Bluetooth soil nutrient sensors?
“Glocal” became not just an idea but a practiced system that produced results. “Glocal,” the result of global and local, means that we should think globally while using equipment that can be found locally.
The third day was the last day of the remarkable 5th Josenian SHS Research Summit and it was when the awarding ceremony was held. What our Thomasian team won was not an award but valuable lessons that I believe will make each of us better researchers and innovators.
As a dragon, research might be a difficult undertaking, but it instills among us, the young values like the study and responsibility.
As I bid farewell to the Summit, I brought core memories home and I gave myself a light pat on the back for I have already slayed my research dragon.
