Mutualism is More Than Just an I.S. Lesson

Mutualism is defined as any interaction between two species that benefits both. This concept was taught to us in first year. In my four years in Pisay, I’ve learned that this concept in ecology comes in very handy in so many ways. To be able to survive the rigors of a school like ours, you need lots of help. And other than for survival purposes, this type of relationship between peers adds fun and FRIENDSHIP to the experience.

In first year, I had a lab gown which I lost after that school year. Since then, I’ve had no lab gown of my own; however, every time I need one, I always come across someone who just happens to have one, or at least someone just happens to have someone else’s. I’ve survived three years without my own lab gown; and I’m pretty sure I’m not alone. If I were to guess, I’d say only half of my batchmates own a lab gown. Most of us survived by “sharing”, not just lab gowns, but also softball gloves, physics materials, pingpong paddles, books, notes, and so much more.

In Pisay, we also practice what we call “cooperative learning”, a system where in we share and compare our answers in homeworks, seatworks, etc. to maximize efficiency and accuracy as well. This does not also help improve grades, but enable bonding as well. The mutualism and cooperative learning are not only done in person, but online too. Yahoo! Messenger usually serves as a medium of mutualism. The average Pisay student would usually ask another student through YM questions like “Ano homework?” or “Anong coverage ng LT?” or “Ano sagot mo sa number 5?” or “Anong oras kailangan pumasok bukas?” or “Ano e-mail address ni ganito?” Moreover, through the years, class blogs that act as “reminders notebooks” and Yahoo! Groups that enable fire sharing have grown more and more popular.

One cannot deny the importance of independence. However, the importance of depending on others and letting others depend on you cannot be ignored. Pisay has been my home for four years; and in those four years, I have learned that mutualism is a life saver. This interdependence has helped me and my batchmates endure all the stress, trauma and requirements that came our way. It has also helped us thrive and grow as people. To me, mutualism is definitely more than just an Integrated Science Lesson. :D

- Nico Reyes and Joanna Perez