By Anjelika Gentugaya

By Laia De Roma

Activists, writers, and debaters. 

With every word spoken and written, it is known that the Humanities and Social Sciences (HumSS) strand is an endless bound of students willing to speak their mind for the betterment of society. As the strand has such inherent justice and creativity, there is a passion within to keep the fire going.

Yet, this fire can only be sustained with the passing of a torch. A voice doesn’t end but it is only amplified as more people join in. With the upcoming elections, voices of leadership and guidance are held with hope as a new Strand Chairperson is soon to be elected. 

Vessel for Change 

From the start, it’s been recognized that Humanistas are people for change. As observed by the current HumSS Chairperson namely Caelyn Santos, “I would describe my strand as being very socially involved and caring about the things happening around them.” Knowledge has always been and will continue to be power, but when under certain circumstances, it can’t always be utilized properly.

This highlights the need for genuine guidance and support within the strand for Humanistas to use knowledge for the better. As the aspiring future leaders of HumSS, candidates Marie Pilar and Wolf Yulde each acknowledge the fighting spirit within every student in their goals and aspirations. 

For Pilar, she shared that “My strandmates wish to improve society using their learning and resources. As Strand Chair, I wish to be the one to offer them these resources in order for them to take initiative in reaching out to others who need it the most.” To lend out a helping hand to others, there must be a bridge in between the two ends for real unity. 

On the other hand, Yulde plans to carry out his vision as a student-leader by “Actively communicating and setting proper working environments with the Humanistas I’ll be working with,” emphasizing the call for sincere connection by ensuring that the phone will work both ways for the strand and its future leader.  

Every Voice

Despite a great reputation for both courage and creativity in the communication of HumSS, not all voices are constantly empowered. As Santos started out in her journey as Strand Chairperson, her original vision for the strand was “To provide opportunities for students to use their talents and skills to bring the strand closer to one another,” following her proposed creation of strand committees and creative contests. These opened doors for students willing to try, providing a path to show their true self to the world.

Continuing the vision of opportunities, Yulde’s vision emphasizes equality: “My vision for HumSS is one of participation—where everyone, not just the members of ACO or HumSS Council, will have not only have the right but also the ability to feel like a Humanista.” An equality in being heard, as well as the equality to voice out as a Humanista. 

Additionally, Pilar explained that her vision is “For the strand to become closer with one another in the upcoming school year and that more avenues will be created for students to be able to express themselves creatively and share their advocacies with one another.” Beyond academics, it is important that each and every student in HumSS is able to both explore and express themselves as every voice matters. 

With the People 

Before the torch is passed, Santos shares her wish and advice for the future leaders of the ASHS: “I aspire to see dedicated leaders who see the value of community and who are willing to work with others to achieve their goals. Even with challenges that may come your way, I hope you continue to work with the people around you and to always keep your “Why” close to your heart to sustain you throughout the year.” 

No man is an island, and even this applies to leaders. While student leaders serve fellow students, it is impossible to truly serve and support others without understanding them first. As leaders, the absolute core of every labored proposal and project made throughout the school year, is always the people. 

As Pilar reflects on both goals and people, she remarked that “For the HumSS strand, I aim for us to be united in service and understanding of others.” Apart from the students in the strand themself, there is a service in going outside the campus grounds to help people from all over. As Humanistas that study society and the forces of work within, understanding leads to action. 

Furthermore, Yulde also explains and reflects on his why for running as Strand Chairperson: “HumSS did not give up on me, and the reason I ran is because I want to be the person that HumSS can rely on in the same way that I relied on the many Humanistas that made me realize why this strand was worth loving in the first place.” In the same way that benefitted people are shown as the effects of true service, they are also the center cause behind it all. Before ASHS students become great leaders of the whole student body, they are a fellow student first, able to witness and experience the similar greatness of the people around them firsthand.

In HumSS, the students may be known as activists, writers, and debaters.  

But, they are much more than that. The inherently creative voices of the people only go hand-in-hand with leadership. With boldness mistaken for brashness, courage combined with artistry is a way to ensure that everyone’s voices are heard. 

From one Humanista to another, every voice is a path to rooting passion in every person. And with roots of passion growing in all sorts of directions, change is sure to blossom.