Being a PSYSC volunteer (NECAT)

The celebration of the National Science Clubbing Month (NSCM 2012) will begin in a few days! So, I decided to create a blog post to pay tribute to all youth volunteers of the PSYSC.


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Responsible, humble, nice, inspirational, and uhh, good-looking.

These, I think, are how young science clubbers perceive their Ate's and Kuya's in PSYSC. (N)ECAT as they are collectively called, these young volunteers come from really diverse backgrounds. Most of them speak Filipino, English, and Sebuwano/Bisaya (they learn from their co-ECATs who comprise a big portion of the family).

PSYSC is a melting pot of young brilliant minds. All of them are vibrant individuals, hailing from various provinces of the Philippines, who simultaneously balance their academic, social, spiritual and civic (volunteerism) duties as students of prestigious universities in Metro Manila.

When you participate in their events such as CSIW, CAMP, and NSCM's MathSciAKa, PSO, ITSS and Summit, you see them as the happy-go-lucky, easy-going facilitators, coordinators and heads. Deep inside, there's the sense of accomplishment and relief whenever every science clubber leaves the event venue with immense insights, unhidden smiles, and showy gratification.

Every effort an ECAT gives is worth the sacrifice. 

Wanna know why?

What completely binds them and gives them focus is the unforgettable experience that they wish to become part of and the lessons that they tend to impart to you, the younger generation. 'cause they believe you can be great catalysts for change, too cliche as it may seem, but you are expected to become better people, great movers of the nation - as they are now.

But before this is attained, they have to work hard and try to keep things smooth, simple and orderly. It's never easy to prepare and conduct an event. 

They wouldn't mind having a short-term panic attack whenever the weather's not cooperating.

They wouldn't mind feeling half-ecstatic, half-trembling due to possible participant overload which, even though contingency plans are well-prepared, is often reached during the Summit activities held in different locations nationwide. 

They wouldn't mind falling out of love for some time, arguing with one another because it's either they're gaunt and tired and didn't intend to lash out on anyone or simply because they're systematically decided to reach consensus in a proposal defense just to make sure everyone's given the best of both worlds - quality and quantity.

PSYSC takes pride in providing long-planned fun ST&E learning activities for students and teachers who involve themselves in the science clubbing movement. This is definitely true, and in my honest opinion, it's what makes us unique.

They wouldn't mind sleeping for only two-three hours everyday during the CSIW/CAMP proper just to make sure you enjoy the line-up of activities the day after.

They wouldn't mind lessening the break time they personally allotted themselves for rest, procrastination or morale-boost just to do a call brigade, encode chunks of information, market and publicize the events, fold invitations, pack and repack supplies, and of course, receive complaints from agitated teachers (we love you! kayo po ang haligi ng aming pagkatuto't pag-unlad bilang mag-aaral at susunod na mga lider ng bansa. maraming salamat po!). Every time they get scolded for no reason, it's like bearing the weight of the world by themselves and then surfaces the intensity of emotions for I have an exam tomorrow and I'm doing this right now, and this is what I get? A few minutes after, they'll shrug it off 'cause they know it wouldn't do them good if they won't get moving. Still, the trauma's there. Brave, aren't they? Some of them have really turned to become Plants VS Zombies's "Tall-nuts".

Selfless, passionate, and determined, it's who they are. That's why I'm proud to be one. 

Here's just one thing I would like to ask from you, science clubbers. Understanding.

Understand that these people who always aspire to give you the learning experience better than the previous year's performance (yes, they're competitive) are young and sometimes fragile.

Understand that these volunteers number LESS THAN A HUNDRED AND FIFTY just to support a HUNDRED-THOUSAND STRONG umbrella organization of science clubbers.

Understand that these college students have assignments, movie/book reviews, recitals, quizzes, long exams, midterms, laboratory experiment papers, and social (org) tasks to accomplish. Add to that, family and other personal problems that may serve as life's biggest hurdles.

Understand that these youngsters also want to get a glimpse of the new Kimmy Dora or the hippest Bourne being shown in theaters nationwide, or want to party like it's the end of the world (yes, apparently some do! hehe). They're cool people too!

Understand that they're humans too. They can commit mistakes and they are capable of translating, absorbing and evoking all types of emotions. They have needs that, apart from being fulfilled in every activity's success, require a refill, attention and priority.

So, to all ECATs out there, if you read this, thank you so much for keeping the fire burning! I salute you all for placing genuine love and service of the nation's future movers and for maintaining our thrust, PUSTE (public understanding of science, technology, and the environment) above all interests.

Next time, TAYO na ang TAYO (Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations) Awardee of the Year!


-NECAT PSYSC