By Gilli Aquino

The color seems to follow you everywhere, whether it be the polo you wear every morning or the triangular desks that greet you each school day — the color blue is almost inescapable for students of the Ateneo Senior High School (ASHS). Yet this is all the more true for those who belong to the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) strand. 

Encompassing ten classes per grade level, students in the STEM strand comprise a large portion of each batch at ASHS. However, with much given, much is greatly expected of these students — most of whom aspire to become future doctors, engineers, or mathematicians. Nonetheless, beyond the usual stereotypes of brainiacs and math wizards lie a community of like-minded individuals who aim to make the world a better place through a wide range of skills and talents. 

Formula for Friendships

As the biggest strand of the ASHS, the ten STEM classes are divided into STEM A and STEM B — making it a bit more challenging to truly feel the unified identity of the entire STEM community. At times, this disconnect highlights the need for projects that foster a sense of camaraderie and communication among the strand — giving way to connections that extend beyond class walls. This sentiment was the exact idea that gave way to the creation of “STEM Connect: Beyond the Shallows,” a week-long event that culminates in a potluck between fellow batchmates. 

“The vision behind STEM-Connect was to really help the students connect as one class and one strand,” describes Axell James, the STEM chair. “It is inevitable that, sometimes, we feel shy or even doubtful about interacting with newer people. These are the main reasons we wanted to pursue this project: to help both juniors and seniors foster a sense of community where everyone feels heard, appreciated, and valued,” he details, sharing the goals behind this event. For the STEM council, they aimed to give students a space to kick back and relax after an exhausting week, and while doing so, perhaps make a few friends along the way.

Aside from nurturing a sense of community, each activity in STEM Connect is intended to instill essential skills and values among STEM students — building key principles that will last for the rest of the school year. Some of these include “Pi-Class-O,” wherein each class was tasked to create a mascot that signified class dynamics and personality, “STEMilarities,” which utilized several prompts that aimed to find similarities between strandmates — fostering new connections, and lastly “Fast and Curious,” where students were tasked to solve challenging puzzles in the field of math and science. 

Each of these events provided both juniors and seniors with the opportunity to grow, build new bonds, and think outside the box with like-minded individuals. As the first project of the STEM core, they can only hope that this event will set the stage for a stronger and closer strand. 

Chemistry Beyond Classrooms

The air of excitement and determination was felt throughout the room as each student immersed themselves in the various activities that the event had to offer. STEM Connect took place on September 17 on the 2nd floor of the Formation Learning Center (FLC). The senior program happened from 2:00 to 3:15 p.m., while the junior event happened from 4:00 to 5:15 p.m. 

For many students new to the strand, getting the chance to meet and interact with new people was the most rewarding aspect of the event. This sentiment held for Adrien Stafa, a junior from 11-Mayer. For him, the highlight of the event was getting to meet students from different grade 11 sections. “From meeting each class through their cheers and penguin designs, working together to solve problems, and sharing food with one another, all of the activities made the event really enjoyable for everyone,” he remarked as he recalled his experience from the event. These simple yet enticing games managed to encourage camaraderie and teamwork among the new juniors — pushing each student out of their comfort zone.

The entire event served as a warm welcome for STEM juniors — providing them with a sneak peek for everything that the strand has to offer. For Stafa, the entire program felt centered on the idea that each and every junior was new to the ASHS and the strand, putting everyone on an even playing field. In his own words:  “Additionally, an insight I gained from this event is that it’s not scary to socialize at all! I believe that there are people for you everywhere, not just in your class and I definitely felt that through this event.”

As juniors navigate the daunting world of trigonometry and calculus, our seniors slowly prepare to say goodbye to the strand that they call home. These two years spent here have allowed our seniors to find those groups of people that truly make the ASHS the place where you belong. For Jamila Fernandez of 12-Miki, STEM Connect reminded her that she was undoubtedly among people who shared the same interests as her. “It felt so nerdy in the best way possible,” she shared reflecting on her sentiments from the activities. “I was smiling the whole way through because I’m glad to be part of the like-minded community that enjoys challenges and logic.” The competitive spirit was felt throughout the room as each senior participated in a myriad of games that reminded them of why they chose STEM in the first place.

Whether these activities push a sense of competitiveness, creativity, or love for the world of innovation and science  — each and every student felt the buzzing atmosphere of a united community during the program.

Positive Reactions!

STEM Connect was truly an event that went beyond the shallows of the strand — sparking deep bonds, connections, and memories among the strand community. As the STEM council continues to work with and for the student body, this sense of camaraderie is a spirit that will grow even further as the school year progresses. According to the strand’s chair and secretary, this open collaboration and communication is intended to lead to a more unified and inclusive strand — one that is supportive and engaging for all students.

However, for those juniors and seniors who missed out on the event, the council reassures students that there is so much more in store for the strand. In the words of the STEM chair: “Besides our upcoming ACO projects, the STEM students should look forward to our strand events that not only aim to strengthen their class pride but also to aid them in their future (e.g., courses, careers).” Aside from the warm and friendly atmosphere of the strand, these upcoming projects demonstrate STEM as a pillar of guidance through the rigorous demands that come with its academic challenges.

Despite how vast these crowds of blue may be, this electrifying buzz is felt within the atmosphere of the strand — a buzz that tells you that this is where you clearly belong. While the stressful nights over trigonometry tests may dim your flame — it is in events such as these that remind you that there will always be those people who are willing to ignite a path alongside you.