Heartful encounter between Ilocos Norte students and DOST-NRCP researchers
“When I was listening, I was amazed by the storytellers’ achievements, which were very inspiring. Then I realized that if they could do it, I probably can too, because they shared that they had humble beginnings, just like ours.” This was the statement expressed by Ms. Louise Racacho, a STEM student at Mariano Marcos State University Laboratory High School (MMSU-LHS) when asked about her thoughts during the first episode of iShare: Stories of Inspiration and Creative Research Season 4.
DOST-NRCP’s iShare: Stories of Inspiration and Creative Research is a platform that shares the success stories of NRCP Achievement Awardees to students and youth and inspire them to navigate their own career paths in the field of science and technology. The first episode featured the inspiring life stories of Dr. Reynaldo Garcia and Dr. Mario Tan, both prominent experts in the fields of medical and chemical sciences.
iShare aims to address the discouragement and educational challenges faced by many Filipino students, as highlighted by the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), in which the Philippines ranked near the bottom in key areas such as math, reading, science, and creative thinking. Filipino students scored 14 out of a global average of 33 on the creative thinking assessment, placing the country second to last among 64 countries. This score reveals significant gaps in essential skills like innovative problem-solving and self-expression, potentially discouraging students from pursuing fields that require such competencies.
In a segment called, Mga Munting Kwento, students had the opportunity to share their experiences in studying and career aspirations. The aim of iShare was clear: to ignite the passion for science in the hearts of students and provide the guidance they need to navigate their own paths toward successful careers.
The towering accomplishments of eminent scientists and researchers frequently give students the impression that these experts are a special breed, endowed with extraordinary intelligence that sets them apart from the rest of us. However, through iShare, the humble beginnings of Dr. Garcia and Dr. Tan proved that even remarkable people once started small.
Ms. Racacho’s reflection encapsulates the essence of the program — inspiring students to recognize their own potential by leanring about the humble beginnings and achievements of accomplished researchers. This kind of exposure is essential for encouraging the next generation of researchers and scientists.
iShare highlights an important message: great minds are often shaped through perseverance and are not inherently different from those of us who begin with passion and a willingness to learn. This approach not only motivates students to dream bigger but also provides practical guidance on how to navigate their own paths.
The full episode 1 of iShare may be viewed at NRCP official Facebook page: DOST-National Research Council of the Philippines. The next episode will happen on October 22, 2024 at the Catanduanes State University, Virac, Catanduanes. (Venus Abigail D. Gutierrez, S&T Media Service)
