by Jonathan Matias

CompSAt is a living, breathing organization that grows along with its members—sharing the highs and the lows of being an Atenean.  This month, Wildcard decided to chat with a CompSAt alumnus to see how she matured and flourished along with CompSAt and, now that she’s graduated, to recall some of her best memories.

1)      Hi! Please introduce yourself (name, major you graduated with) and which department you were in under CompSAt!

“Hi I’m Joyce Ann Rada, graduate of BS Computer Science Specialization in Enterprise Systems last March 2012. I have been married to the Internal Affairs Department for the last four years. (member then AVP for Events for 2 years and VP for IA on my last year) ;)”

2)      Which CompSAt projects do you remember  fondly and why?

“Every CompSAt project has its own mark. 🙂

“For me, CompSAt week will always be memorable since it is an umbrella project that showcases the organization’s core competencies. It is also in this project where you’ll see a lot of people stepping up by spearheading the different projects under it, or by volunteering in manning the booths.

“The second is CompSAt and MISA’s tag team. It was just last year that we had this collaboration and it’s really nice that it’s still present. Planning the said project was really fun and challenging. Buti na lang game MIS at CS majors sa party!

“Last but not the least, the IA projects in general (General Assemblies, Sportsfest, Tambay weeks, Package System etc.), hehe no bias here :-“, because this is where members mingle and bond. It’s nice seeing people who barely know each other become friends after playing some sports, cards, PsP’s or board games. Package tasks brings out the competitiveness in people, last year’s Great Gear Hunt was really fun. Whenever you see people checking the walls, corkboards and even the trees around the campus you’re sure that he/she was a CompSAt member looking for those stickers with the gear logo.  :))))”

3)      What did you like best about being in CompSAt?

“Everything! I’m not joking… :)) People in the organization are friendly and approachable. Some may seem quiet but once you talk to them, you’ll be surprised that they have the same wavelength of craziness that you have. CompSAt, even if it’s the home of Computer Science majors has its fair share of non-CS people. Last year, it’s almost a 1 is to 1 ratio. And some were even old members. This is a proof that the diversity in the org is not a hindrance in developing lasting friendships among its members.  Good examples of these non-CS members are Aica Ting and Thei Orillosa. 🙂

“Projects on the other hand are really fun and informative. IT seminars/forums update you with the latest technologies/ trends in the IT world.  Attending a CompSAt project is not definitely a waste of time. When it comes to the culture, hmmm, we have this ‘malandi’ culture which is more on the positive side naman. It’s more of a running joke in the organization na malalandi mga CompSAt members… Pero I know that this is our way of showing our care to others and making them feel at home. :> Also, nakakatuwa yung mga banat at asaran sa org (kahit lagi ako ung madalas asarin dati). =)) You’ll miss the organization especially the people when you start working. You’ll find yourself wishing that you’re still a student. ;_;”

4)      Is there anything you would like to say to the current CompSAt members?  Any piece of advice?

“To the current CompSAt members, I would like to say thank you for choosing this organization. CompSAt won’t be able to stand without you, that’s why your membership is an essential foundation. I’m not asking all you to be active, I know that each one of us have our priority, what I’m requesting you is to somehow try jumping into the CompSAt experience. Dropping by the org room, attending your IC or even volunteering is a start. If you know that you are capable of heading or being a member of a project team, then go for it. There’s no harm in trying, the organization has a lot of opportunities for you to improve your skills and to learn new things about yourself.  I remember my experience of becoming AVP for Events as an ‘accident,’ my application was not received by the Executive Board during the filing for AVP applications. They considered someone else for the position but due to unforeseen circumstances, they had to look for a replacement. They asked me if I wanted the position, I happily accepted it. And it was just the start of my journey with the org and up to now I do not have any regrets in making that decision.  Last but not the least, always take care of one another, like what I always say, CompSAt is more than an organization, it is a family. I hope that you guys grow with CompSAt just like those who went before you, so that those who are next in line will be able to enjoy and make the organization better as well. I know that CompSAt is in good hands. ;)”

5)      Finally, please complete the sentence: “CompSAt is ____?”

“CompSAt is your daily dose of euphoria… Even though you’re having a bad day (maybe it’s from a failed test or a broken heart) the laughter and jolly atmosphere in the org room is contagious. Seeing and talking with your fellow orgmates will somehow lighten up whatever burden you’re carrying. They may not give you the solution to your problems but you know that they will always have your back no matter what. And that really helps. Being there for a friend is already a big thing.

“To sum it up, CompSAt is NOT your typical I.T. organization. Because…

– This is where you find your life-long friends.

– This is where you learn how to love and to give importance to others.

– This is where your second family resides. :D”