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by Philipina A. Marcelo
Three great things today: (1) Finally! After a looooong time, I am back in this little corner of my blog. It's a great time to be back, too, 'cause (2) today, I received an "award" - one of the best things that one could possibly receive in this profession of mine. Oy! And, (3) the "trophy" is in "food form", too. Nevermind that it was given by the most biased of all "award-giving bodies", it's the thought that counts. Hehe.... So, yeah, it's a "hat-trick" of reasons for calling it an awesome day! Yaay! :)
But more than the "award" I am soooo glad to have had a great time with my fantastic family (mostly in the kitchen cooking, as most of the time - and what fun everytime!), a nice bonding and chillout time with some of my very good friends at work, and a totally fun time eating and videoke-ing with my former thesis advisees (huh? "former" already???) who have been such wonderful blessings to me, like all of my former thesis advisees in the more distant past.
Life is indeed good! And I thank God for it every single day!
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Speaking of food...
...while I know I am unworthy, here's a little food for thought:
I really hope that my present University would give bigger emphasis on research and research-related activities, such as innovation, in its major policies. While it is absolutely beautiful to witness the transformation of students in the classroom from "kids having fun" to almost-professionals-ready-for-the-"real-world", it is through research that students and faculty members (and industry partners) can, as a team, put meaning to that beautiful transformation through the advancement of science, and putting such advancement to good use. It is through these team-ups that
Research is where the Academe, the Industry and
the Government can converge for sustained
productivity in the country.Universities become rich sources of "sustenance" for a country's overall "health", and not just a mere source of "diplomaed workers" ready for shipping to heaven only knows where. Of course, my University has been investing in various ways on research. In fact, my research students and I benefit from those investments, and we are absolutely thankful. And yet, to me, because the "playing field" these days has been moved to a different venue, much is to be desired from what has been invested so far and from the emphasis given on research in major policies. And being the oldest and one of the very best in the country that produced, and still producing, among the brightest professionals in various fields - local and international - my University should take the lead in this direction, methinks, to remain competitive and a pillar of topnotch education in the country in the years to come. Otherwise, we would only be celebrating numbers associated to longevity rather than real achievements that make the numbers truly remarkable, meaningful and, therefore, worth celebrating for.
On a more personal note, "team-ups" in the lab and other research venues provide the most stunning of inspiration - potent and irresistible - for faculty members. The awesome challenge that a research question poses brings indefatigable and exhilarating energy to
Research is "fun", especially when it results to
exciting innovations... and deep friendship. the mind and to the spirit... and when the team understands that the question has to be answered, the transformation in the classroom becomes a truly inspired transformation - more disciplined, more pointed to a more defined direction. I think some call it "motivation", too. And, when students are motivated - by the right reasons - learning will not only involve discipline, it becomes an inspired and passionate quest for the answer to a "question". They gain the feel of "ownership" for the "scientific expedition", and it motivates them further to commit to the task. And, as little clues emerge on the surface, from persistent digging for the answer, students gain confidence... they learn more and become more aware of their many strengths, and their capacity to use these strengths to unearth Mother Nature's precious "secret" to catch that illusive answer. Eureka! And because they knew that such remarkable feat takes humongous hardwork, aside from brilliance, they get transformed to better professionals - committed to the pursuit of answers to hard questions... and visionary innovators even.
And after the answer was found, the bond that holds the team becomes a bond that extends beyond a professional relationship - it becomes friendship... and the team-ups multiply and grow into a "mafia" of excellent professionals that could breathe life and excitement in all that it touches. This will sustain the University in ways beyond lip service, and help the country move faster on that wonderful road of sustained progress.
Ah, such idealism! If you mingled with bright young people in most of your waking hours, you'd catch the virus, too... and, chances are, you'd never recover from it, and you would just be too happy that you wouldn't either! =D
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