December 2011
Dear members, alumni and friends of ZS,
2012! 60 years of academic excellence and service, and the start of our journey towards the Diamond Year in 2027. Yes, 60 years of continued collegiate and social contributions by our beloved (sleepy owl) ZS Spirit.
I do believe that we have grown to be more transparent, hardened by our loyalty to our organization, continuously generating warmth in our hearts to embolden our resolve for our members’ benefit and that of our organization. We remain sturdy and do not easily wilt from the challenges we continuously face year after year in our professions. In fact we cling to the memories as we recall the happy years with our respective batches. We may be physically separated but we remain loyal to the ideals and the spirit of the UPZS, the ZS Spirit.
This is what we are today, moving on further as our founders dreamed when they started the UP Zoological Society in 1952. Let’s reflect on the years and relive the memorable and challenging times we had in our “home away from home”. The tears and the fears have all molded us to be the best we can be, with the lessons of life learned at the Owl’s Nest.
The question is: “Are we the “diamond” as we think we are? Is it enough that we shine only for ourselves and just let time pass through the years without sharing this glitter?
To celebrate our diamond year is one thing, but to be able to actually claim that we have imbibed the characteristics of a diamond itself is another. What does it take to be a true diamond?
Let us now look at the superior qualities of the Diamond – the ultimate gem, with so much strength outweighing its few weaknesses. Has the UPZS, after 60 years, possess the excellent qualities of the Diamond? Like a diamond, do we have many strengths and with only few weaknesses?
The diamond is the hardest substance found in nature. Diamond is in fact four times harder than the next hardest natural mineral, corundum (sapphire and ruby). Diamond comes from the ancient Greek adámas, which means "unbreakable".
Again, let us ponder and reflect: After 60 years, are we four times better, four times more efficient, four times more competent in our respective professions, family relations and social responsibilities? Are we unbreakable and truly united in pursuing our personal missions and visions? Is the ZS Spirit gone in each of our hearts? I believe not. On the contrary, I am convinced that we measure up to the characteristics and attributes of a diamond.
Let us go over some of these attributes one by one.
Hardness. Diamond measures four times harder than sapphire. As I said, it is the hardest substance. Has the 60 years really hardened the resolve of each and very member of the ZS family to pursue its goals beyond our Alma Mater with vigor? Have we all been hardened and molded by the principles and moral values that inspired the creation of this organization?
Transparency. Diamond is transparent over a larger range of wavelengths, from the ultraviolet into the far infrared? Do you know that a diamond's transparency is the best compared to any other solid or liquid substance? After 60 years, are we transparent in our dealings with our friends, co-workers, and students? After 60 years, are we transparent to the Filipino people whom our forebearers fought for freedom?
Thermal Conductivity. Diamond conducts heat better than any element: five times better than the second best element, silver! Are we, after 60 years, five times more efficient, five times more hardworking, or at least five times better than when this organization started in 1952?
Melting Point. Diamond has the highest melting point at 3,820 degrees Kelvin. Do we easily melt under pressure and the challenges in our personal lives? Have we allowed our idealism we had in our years in the Owl’s Nest to melt with the passage of time?
Density. The atoms of Diamond are packed closer together than are the atoms of any other substance that is a unique quality. But have we actually developed this? After 60 years, and specifically for most of us, after years in the UPZS, have we grown closer together in the service of our countrymen and of one another? Are we, like the atoms of a diamond, so closely packed together to withstand the challenges of our existence?
Onward to a Happy Diamond Anniversary! Let us really understand what it means to be a diamond. In our 60th year in August 2012, as the start of our ZS journey culminating in the Diamond Year in 2027, let us reflect upon our unique qualities and strive to achieve them, as individuals and as members of ZS. Let us endeavor to become diamonds, rekindling the luster in us and reaching out to our fellowmen, NOW!
In behalf of the UPZS, UPZSAA and the UPZSAANA, let us support the fundraising activity for the naming rights of the seats for the Institute of Biology Auditorium and other worthwhile projects. This will be our Legacy for all of us and our friends who have gone ahead.
“Diamonds are forever and so shall we be forever Zooids in the true character of the UPZS.
Maraming salamat po!
Gerry Reyes
UPZS - Batch 75