USC SOs Innovate Through the 6th Carolinian Summit
The University of San Carlos – Student Supreme Council (USC – SSC) facilitated the sixth Carolinian Summit last June 8 to 9, 2017 at the SAFAD Theatre and Rigney Hall, with the theme “Millennials Championing Innovation”. Representatives from both co-curricular and extra-curricular organizations in the university participated in the two-day event. Teachers from Thailand, who were invited by the Vice President for External Affairs also sat in during the day.
Since 2012, the Carolinian Summit has been a university-wide event among different student organizations. This year’s objective was to incorporate the status of the participants as millennials into an innovative force that can further support the present and future generation.
USC – SSC councilors Joelia Marie Lee Yu and Sharland Malazarte were the main proponents of the said event and spearheaded the organization of the activity. According to Lee Yu, they “aimed to inspire millennials [to] be innovative in their own way… and unite the Carolinian community, and build connections with their fellow Carolinians where they can collaborate and innovate together for a better community”.
Various speakers were also invited to tackle on the theme “Millennials Championing Innovation”. They all had different perceptions on the said theme and delved into how they integrated these into their different advocacies as well.
Ms. Nicole Anne Ponce, former SSC president taking up her 2nd year in Law school, ventured on her past experiences in both the council and post-graduation. She also emphasized that as millennials, leadership should be redefined saying, “dare to break stereotypes”.
Mr. Mikkel Wilkinson Yang, who is a Mechanical Engineering graduate of the university and a former SSC councilor, introduced his take with the tag line, “innovate within”. His two points consisted of creating both knowledge and value.
Atty. Karen Mae Calam, who topped the 2016 Bar Licensure Exam at 1st place, graced the venue as well. She inspired the audience with her life story and how her Bar experience was. Ms. Calam also highlighted that as millennials, the possibilities of their dreams are infinite.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Mezzo Hotel, Shannen Keisha Tan, gave her take on time management. Other than her already prestigious position, she is also a registered Certified Public Accountant as well. Tan is also a product of the university.
Lastly, Ms. Hezekiah Diaz, the first transgender graduate from Cebu Doctor’s University enlightened the participants with her advocacy: gender equality even for non-binary parties. She shared her long struggle in attaining the confidence and drive she holds today and wished to inspire the audience in front to be as fearless as she is.
The participants then had an opportunity to ask their queries for the speakers during the open forum.
In the afternoon, the event’s team building began — Amazing Race. Along with the council, 2xplore, an innovative outdoor classroom, assisted during the afternoon’s Amazing Race. The race was around the Talamban Campus. Volunteers from 2xplore facilitated this activity, headed by Mr. Segundo Abrea Jr.
During the second day of the event, the different extra-curricular organizations had the opportunity to present on stage their organization’s activities and definition.
Though it was supposed to be an open forum with the entire university administration heads, only Mr. Teodis Bumaat, a member of the disciplinary juncture of the Student Services was present. With the different USC – SSC officers, he deliberately and openly answered question from the crowd regarding issues in line with the university’s policies.
When asked if their objective was achieved, Lee Yu affirmed this since it was apparent through how the participants participated during the 2-day event.
