To Infinity And Beyond...
(June-July 2000)
We had a choice. Yet we deigned to be different and opted to pave the way
for another option.
About a year and a half ago, the tranquility in the whole Chemical
Engineering population was disturbed by a news of the impending birth of a
new organization in the department. Many welcomed it with ridicule, stoned
it with mockery, greeted it with criticisms; but despite it all, not only a
few saw in it a glimpse of hope - at last, a league that would cater and
appease simple whims and desires. And in the midst of pressure, turmoil,
and expectations, the organization was born.
Christened Academic League of Chemical Engineering Students, the UP ALCHEMES
underwent a rigorous task of proving itself worthy of its existence and
recognition. Not only once, or twice, or thrice had it experienced
disparagement but too many times and all those moments, the league stood
valiantly, challenged by its detractors and determined to wave the banner of
its ideals - the goals that brought about its birth. As it valiantly stood,
many watched it contemptuous derision waiting for its fall and blatantly
accusing its members of cowardice.
Such irony. We were accused of lacking the courage. In their point of
view, maybe they think that we weren't brave enough to undergo the hardships
to be a part of the sole existing organization in the department.
But wasn't it courageous of us to break free from
traditional scenery that faced us on our birth in this university? It
took us more than our valor to end the wearisome sameness in Chemical
Engineering in UP; we risked our integrity. And if it was worth it, we'll
come to know as we wait for the growth of the seeds that we were.
About a year and a half had passed and here we are - a plant grown from the
nourishment of the academe. Though young we may be and tender are our
stems, in the veins of this organization palpitates the determination to
fulfill our established goals and ideals. We had been battered yet we never
dared give up for we believe and we know that the future holds more promises
for us. We believe that our roots would eventually grow deep into the
grounds where we were set and from the small plant that we were, we would be
a sturdy tree - firm and strong to endure the tests of time. Our branches
would spread and our domains would be augmented and the hopes and objectives
instilled in us would linger as our legacy lives on. Now, the passing of
traditions will begin as we welcome a new batch of enthusiastic applicants
who would bear our league's banner when our time is through. The start
would be tedious for an apprentice but with determination and faith, time
will bring us where we hoped we would be. Taking one step at a time, this
league will live on, our feet will bring us there - to infinity and beyond.
This is the EDITORIAL for
PURGED!, Vol. 2, Issue 1, June-July 2000.
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