CompSAt’s Dark Knight: A Mentor, Mother, and Hero

by Jonathan Audric M. Matias

When most students enter CompSAt during the freshman year, all they see are like-minded students who share a love for IT, video games, and everything else. This was my case long before yours truly became the Editor-in-Chief of Wildcard. But after a while, I couldn’t help but realize that there was someone standing behind the scenes—a guiding hand, an ever-vigilant protector, the gravity that holds all of CompSAt’s orbiting zaniness in control.

The strongest force in the CompSAt universe is hard to notice at first. But when the realization hits you, you will never forget it. What keeps CompSAt in an orderly state? Ma’am Jessica O. Sugay, of course! I once knew Ma’am Jess as my CS21A professor and Programming Varsity advisor. And when she was introduced as the moderator of CompSAt, I lacked the experience to understand just how significant the word “Moderator” is. But now, in my third year, I have come to appreciate all of her hard work and dedication to our home organization.

To show CompSAt’s continued appreciation of Ma’am Jess, the Dark Knight of CompSAt, we would like to celebrate her birthday by introducing—and reintroducing—past and present CompSAt presidents from previous years. After all, who knows Batman more than Jim Gordon? Who knows Ma’am Jess more than the Presidents who took counsel from her, who learned from her?

We at Wildcard asked them a single question and recorded their answers.

“What does Ma’am Jess mean to you?”

Melody “Meki” Carolino (2009 to 2010): A True Super Hero
“From 2009 to 2010, Ma’am Jess was not just a moderator. She was a friend, a parent, a mentor, a policewoman, and a blessing to CompSAt–especially to the EB+AC. Members probably didn’t know but the org faced a major challenge even before the school year started. I can say that Ma’am Jess was of big help in making us an A-org that year. She gave advice whenever we were clueless, and gave us a very wise perspective on things since the EB+AC were a bunch of folks who wanted to make things happen but didn’t know how to. She was a superhero–and though there were times when we didn’t seem to understand why we had to follow, we did. And it paid off.
“While most folks would probably remember her for being their prof in this class or that class, EB+AC 2009-2010 would remember her for her brownies, for our Red Mango trips, for Slice N Dice dinners, red velvet cupcakes, and her being OC .
“We’ll remember the small things because it’s the small things that matter. (Oh, and add that to the list of the things that we learned from her too.)”

Daniel Go (2010 to 2011): The Hero CompSAt Needs, and the Hero It Grew to Want
“She was always the “Devil’s Advocate”, the “Contrabida.” Early on in my term, we’d always have problems – corrections, edits, redos, etc. Of course, it was frustrating for me. I never thought that being President was so hard.
“As the days progressed, I grew more frustrated – trying to adhere to her principles and standards. I never noticed it immediately, but I was becoming more critical, questioning, standardizing. Soon I realized, I was a better president, even a better person, than before. She was NOT a difficult person to work with BUT not easy either. She was a challenge maker – keeping us always on our feet, ready to take on more challenges as we went along. She helped me become better.
“I thank you for being the “Devil’s Advocate”, the “Contrabida”, the “Inquisitor”, the MOTHERator <c/o Stef>. Happy Birthday Jess!”

Stef Valencia (2011 to 2012): The Mother of CompSAt, Kind and Full of Wisdom
“For me, Ma’am Jess was one of the few people I could run to when critical issues would happen during my year. I know that she would always lend a helping hand no matter what and that I could always count on her for pieces of advice in terms of running the organization. She helped me, as well as the EB+AC, remain focused on the vision which is to become the premier IT organization in the Ateneo.
“She is like the mother of CompSAt. She saw how it grew into the organization that it is today. Without her, I don’t think CompSAt would be the same.”

Bianca Polloso (2012 to present): The Friend and the Mentor You Will Never Forget
“The most obvious relationship is that she’s our moderator. But not only.
“Like most other presidents, the first few months of leadership found me frightened and uncertain. Ma’am Jess was one of the few people I talked to regarding my worries. She’s one of the few people I know would give me honest and substantial pieces of advice. More so, she’s one of the reasons why I was so determined to prove to everyone that they were right in trusting me. In Ma’am Jess, I found a mentor, moderator and consultant. But more importantly, I found a friend. I found I can talk to her about almost anything, from complaints to crushes! Kudos to the woman who inspires and motivates officers as well as members in their hell (oh yes!) of a journey!”

A Thank You From Wildcard, and the Rest of CompSAt

Though we may submit articles with errors, or cause confusion, we thank you for your sincere and caring devotion to CompSAt. A chain is only as strong as the weakest link, but when the weakest link is being held in place by none other than Ma’am Jess that point becomes moot, doesn’t it? To echo previous sentiments, we are what we are because of your guidance and leadership. And we wouldn’t have it any other way!

We love you Ma’am Jess, and we hope you have a fantastic birthday this July 27!