The future scientists

I recently met a group of five high school students who belong to a local science high school. I have been apprised of how difficult it is to become a science scholar, whether local or national, and this is why I have great respect for these youth. In fact, we offer free tours at the farm for scholars as our investment in the future through today’s youth.

These young scientists came by bus and jeep, no frills, with their drone, laptops and cameras. I personally entertained them as I am always amazed at how young minds can be curious in ways that puzzle me. One example is that instead of having a list of questions from their adviser or teacher, the leader was composing intelligent questions on the fly. He said: “I am changing my questions as I interview you, Ma’am” – proof that he is not being robotic about his assignment. Other students who ask to interview us about coffee or environment usually have prepared questions from their teacher. Not these guys.

I asked them how they got into science high school and they shared that one has to have an average of 85 or higher in Math, Science and English. That is the requirement to qualify to take an entrance exam. Then, only those who score 90 and above are qualified to enroll. Out of 600 who took the exams, 200 are selected and finally only 160 made it in their batch. Others probably had a change of heart or find it difficult to commute, or had a change of residence and so gave up the opportunity to avail of free tuition. Still, being one of only 160 who passed out of 600 exam takers is a feat.

I always am amazed at meeting young scientists and often wonder how they came to be. What makes them interested in science when everyone else in their age group is into gadgets and fashion? Is it parental influence, a mentor in school or simply discovering they have the talent for more complex problem-solving and pursue careers in science?

This is why I feel for these students and always give them time for interviews, projects and competitions. It is not every day that we get inquiries about coffee and sustainability from students. We also get requests from those doing research about social enterprises and farming – but most students would just cut and paste their professors’ questions and email them to you. Some even just message you on Facebook Messenger and expect complete answers to their research. I often ask these seemingly smart but lazier group: Have you even read our website? Have you done initial research about us before this interview? They sheepishly say they have not and just want to get quick answers to finish their paper.

Not these science kids. Because they were so enthused about coffee, I asked our tour guide to commute with them to the coffee farm, so they can explore and really exhaust all ways to make this competition entry worth the challenge. And maybe win the contest.

At the coffee farm they played with their drones and cameras and had a field day, literally. They stayed until a little rain doused their experiments and had to call it a day.

I know these youth will succeed in their careers. The attitude and perseverance to finish a project, without frills or comfort, is a sign that they will endure many challenges in life. Oh, and these kids were still on vacation as classes do not start until the end of the month. But here they are, doing a project to win something – an award for excellence and creativity.

They say children who experience life-changing moments have better chances to succeed. And these are also the people to hire to join your company because they persevere. Life-changing moments can be experiencing a death in the family at a young age, separation of parents, moving home and even accidents – they have a way of changing someone’s desire to thrive in this world. Find that person who has endured hard times, and they try harder.

That is what I see in these young scientists. While they are having fun, you can feel their desire to go farther in their future careers. Does one only see these in science students as I have experienced? I have so much respect for these bright kids and wish I also had a crack at going to science high.

Another group I respect are those who went to UP Rural High School. I met a couple of graduates just in the recent past and they both displayed a quality I do not see in other students from exclusive schools. Maybe it is the curriculum or the environment where the school is located, i.e. rural. They turn out to be achievers who want to save the world.

And to top off my stories, I had a meeting with a botanist who is a nerd or simply an oddball, in his own words. He took up Botanical Sciences majoring in Plant Morphology and Physiology and geeks about what plants grow with coffee, for example. We talked about how he chose a Midwest town in the US to take his high school scholarship so he could be among farmers and see more of Nature like forests and other wild habitats. Armed with his degree and experience he now does community work to help upland farmers use their cognitive skills in forest farming. He has advice similar to all these scientists: “Get your hands and feet dirty and feel Nature,”

All these scientists believe that development can happen only if lawmakers rolled up their sleeves and walked the forests and swam the seas. It is only through working on the ground that you will know what is possible and what is just a dream.

Great advice to all our lawmakers and local executives.