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One of the things that SSIans pride themselves in as regards to student services is the concept of Interest Clubs, where students can hone their skills and interests outside academics. As such, SSI has offered various clubs that range from sports to arts and crafts. However, most of these seem impossible now that we’re apart, our screens being the only way we can connect—but this didn’t stop them from innovating new clubs to cater the needs of the students.
Have a Taste of the New Interest Clubs in the New Normal
“I am very excited that the Interest Clubs are back. When I was told that I will be the animator of the Science Club TUKLAS, I accepted the challenge without any hesitation. It is a chance for me to know other students who are not in my class. It is an opportunity for the members to learn something that is not in the curriculum,” Sir JRAD Danguilan, TUKLAS animator, shared.
Now that we are experiencing Online Distance Learning, there are a lot of limitations as to what we can do compared to the freedom we had back when we had face-to-face classes. But these limitations should not be seen as only negatives. Now, we can make use of different forms of media such as social networking sites and apps to cater to the different activities that these clubs have to offer.
Caeljan Cristobal of 9B, a member of ARITHMOS, shared the same sentiment. “Since we are in ODL it is impossible to execute those [physical] activities. Thus, they were replaced with clubs that are focused on using technologies; like coding, graphic designs, electronics, and etc.”
The Menu of Activities
Danguilan stated that there are multiple activities for the students to enjoy. Last October, the theme was “The Science of Food”, where students made their favorite ice cream while learning chemistry.”
“Personally, I belong to the club called SocZen, some of the things I enjoy about this club is that we are given the opportunity to speak up about socially relevant issues as well as being able to educate ourselves about the said topics,” Diana Malantic of 10E shared when asked to list some things she likes about her interest club, SocZen.
Math club, ARITHMOS, has its array of ways to have fun as well according to Cristobal. “Even though it is a Math Club, it is pretty much a chill club since it doesn't really pressure you that much. My animator always prepares games which make the club more fun. And lastly, for every game, my animator always has prize money (50 pesos) for those who would win.”
The Secret Ingredient
A member of TUKLAS also gave his insights about the new clubs. He stated that these new clubs are different from the old ones. “But I know that these new clubs still have the same goals just like what we had in F2F which is to better yourself at this interest or skill,” Georgio Cabarloc of 10A stated.
“The interest clubs available right now are more connected. I felt thrilled since the interest clubs were one of the activities I greatly enjoyed face-to-face. I was excited to be able to create more memories involving it [interest clubs].” Diana Malantic shared about how distance shouldn’t hinder us from creating these memories.
Interest Clubs might not be how they were before, but as Cabarloc and Malantic mentioned, the essence of these clubs still remains. The fond memories that the animators and their respective members can share will still be the center of all these—an experience that will allow SSIans to experience an array of new and exciting flavors when it comes to interest clubs.
