Make Visions Possible CASS Days at first sight

As college students, we are not only opportune with golden opportunities to advance growth but also to be able to cut the mustard with all overarching expectations to be more self-aware, more introspective, and, in a nutshell, better, if not our best selves, at sorting things within and outside the confines of our learning spaces— along with these exact narratives had me thinking about what others might consider being minor nuances. To what extent do we really understand the very essence of diversity and the values it offers, given that college students are often preoccupied with their own lives? Efforts that foster pertinent ideals like inclusion, sensitivity, and camaraderie in the face of differing viewpoints must be celebrated, but it should not stop there.

The Short film-making and showing event was just one of several culture and arts events spearheaded by the College of Arts and Social Sciences Executive Council (CASS - EC) to celebrate the college’s founding. The event stresses how the students must see the academe as more than a battleground for excellence. Instead, it is also a steppingstone where students may cultivate being themselves, being more accepting of others, and learning to express themselves more openly, all while striving to grow in their awareness of and engagement with the world around them, as well as, aid in the progress of morality.

From the planning until the actualization, it speaks volumes about how valuable it is to be more than just self-aware but also socially aware and never be blinded by surface gratification. The seven short-film entries from the seven societies have distinct styles and deal with powerful themes that speak to current social issues. It includes a wide range of emotional expressions, mental processes, and production stances presented in highly creative depictions of reality. Among the lived realities of most today have inflation, prejudice against those with mental health issues, vices stemming from poverty (such as substance abuse and prostitution), relationship taboos, and the threats related to retaliation for exercising one's right to free speech.

Some early viewers, including Kyle, Sofia, and Courtney, have expressed their enthusiasm and appreciation for how enlightening all the film entries were. One of them described it as "an overall feel-good experience," as even though the seven societies are Majoring from varying academic disciplines, the students were able to deliver through their refined acting skills, the seamless transitions, and other specifications in the creative processes that they were capable of internalizing the social issues they were addressing.

Others also echoed the production teams' praise for their films' ability to convey multiple perspectives on pressing social issues from creative directors, editors, and down to the actors in such a short amount of time, “aside from it allows them to showcase their creative side, the short film event is a great idea as it can really make viewers, specifically students think deeply, and do some self-reflection.” They have given an unofficial general film rating experience of 9 out of 10, with the remaining 1 point being regarded as "there's always room for improvement."

Indeed, it’s seemingly high time for us, as today’s youth and tomorrow’s future, to be able to maximize our promising potential and fresh perspectives that we can offer to the table and spread our wings like herons and constantly equip ourselves to become better citizens reaching for greater heights. Making it a habit to ask questions and continuously inform ourselves through gaining more experiences can make a difference. For instance, taking part in cultural activities can pave the way to understanding various sets of worldviews, values, practices, and the like— participation is one thing, but this is only the beginning; social and cultural engagement should be viewed as an ongoing process that should keep up to the changes of time.

With the hopes of creating a domino of awareness and motivation to be more present, it calls for more than relaying in individual internal powers. We must realize that empowering others is not just for the sake of being able to influence others; it must also start from within. Empowering ourselves opens many doors to be more proactive in fighting for actions rather than settling for words. And by then, progress will be more than just a pipe dream but a reality.

About the Author

Justine Mae Fernandez

Justine Mae G. Fernandez is a third-year BA in Psychology student at MSU-IIT. Writing has been one of her outlets for expressing a piece of her mind on specific topics given, embodying the values of always writing to express and never solely to impress. She has prior campus journalism experiences, specifically in editorial writing (both in collaborative and individual write-ups), from grade school to her senior high school years. In her going three years journey in the CASSayuran, despite the given challenges of adjusting herself to college life (in general) as she had to juggle her studies and write articles from time to time, it has been her breather away from academic all the way motto at the same time reconnect with pressing concerns in the real world. At present, she serves as an Editorial Head of CASSayuran.