Whenever people asked me why I opted for Journalism as my course, I often gave them a smile and said, “Well, it just happened.” In fact, back in high school, I was totally clueless of what course should I take. All my best friends were certain to try Nursing since it’s the easiest passage abroad. Yes, that would earn me lots of money. However, I knew that I wouldn’t be able to realize my full potential if I jumped into that bandwagon. So, where would I be now? I asked.
Still clueless of what would I do with my life, I decided to take Business Administration instead. During my stint as a BA student, I got a chance to examine what I wanted and which skills of mine I enjoyed using the most. Since I don’t memorize, and I can’t do math, I realized that BA was not the right course for me. The learning process circled around the four corners of our room. I didn’t like it. I got bored at it. Everything was just a routine.
I have lots of ideas that I wanted to put into writing. I desired to be heard. Though, it took me a while before I realized all these, still I didn’t have regrets.
I willingly shifted to Journalism in second semester of 2005. Much to my dismay, some of my manipulative relatives didn’t approve my decision. Some of them even commented that Journalism was a low-key profession and that it would get me nowhere. “What made you so sure that you’re going to work in the media when you graduate? A lot of communication students usually end up in call centers and you know that. Competition would be tough for you my dear. You’re not a Lasalista unlike your cousin Wilma.” These words, they hit me where it hurts. Yes, maybe they’re right. COMPETITION WOULD BE HARD, and I wouldn’t be rich through writing. But I just don’t care. It’s time for me to do what I wanted so shut up and back off. (Wooh, I wish I said that).
Just a thought, is finding a career, doing what your heart’s desire and earning money have to be mutually exclusive? Does it really have to be that way? I mean, a person can have the most wonderful job in the world, a good reputation, and heaps of salary to possess a luxurious life, but still lives unhappily. On the contrary, he can be perfectly happy doing what he wants, but his salary is still not enough to support a family.
I don’t know what will happen to me when I graduate. I might start as a freelance writer, a production assistant in a television network, an English tutor, a “tambay” for months because of a job mismatch, or perhaps end up in a call center in order to get sufficient income. No matter what happens, wherever life takes me, I’ll make sure that I will never stop learning, and I will never forget the ideals that have been instilled in me as a would-be Journalist. Besides, I still believe that I can have it all. I just can’t have it all at once. Oprah is that you? Haha.
Yes Girlie, you can be a journalist someday. (just pursue it) Use your “Byline” as your inspiration to achieve. Go for the goal G.! You’re article was concise and nice. Nice shot!
Grade: 90
Comment by lien03 — February 18, 2009 @ 11:09 am |
Short but nice. Yeah, it’s sad to know that companies prefer graduates of UP or La Salle but we can prove them wrong (it’s their loss, not ours)! In time, we’ll reach our dreams and you’re correct, we can’t have it all at once! Patience is a virtue we have to learn Girl!
Grade: 95
Comment by joeviepangalanko — February 20, 2009 @ 11:50 am |
Being heard using words is the best line from here, as for my humble opinion. Whenever I cover events, people always asked me about the school where I graduated from. Actually, they have this question: “Ah you’re from UP right, or Ateneo?” And they would continue: “Wait, you look so familiar, were you a graduate of La Salle?” If I would say UE Manila, they would reply: “Wow, UP Manila, what a great a school!” If I corrected them then the conversation would lead to UAAP.
If everyone has the same ideals like you, then a decade or so from now, we won’t be surprise if UE journalism students and graduates would penetrate the media industry, whether print or broadcast.
96 goes to you!
Comment by nickie wang — February 20, 2009 @ 6:30 pm |
argh. you should have slap that relative of yours who told you that you were not a lasalista. i, for one, am sick and tired of people ranting about how people become successful because of their schools and not because of their talent.
anyway, i like the article. it was full of emotions. nice and entertaining to read.
grade: 95
Comment by miguelvelasco41 — February 21, 2009 @ 3:43 pm |
Yeah right, everything will fall into its place in the right time if it’s really meant to be that way, one at a time. Anyway, like you I was also asked some laughable questions like, “Why Journalism?” As if I was to break a law or start a trend which was taboo. And I even received some remarks like, “Walang pera dyan!”, as though I was after money like them. Tsk. Tsk. People! Nevertheless, in the end it’s your own happiness that matters, and your loved ones will eventually realize that you’ve made your dreams come true. You’re a good writer, and I have no doubt you can make it. Go, Girl!
(94)
Comment by Kit — February 22, 2009 @ 2:55 am |
oh yes. i agree with you Girl .. People around us just didn’t believe that we can make it to Media industry. and besides, it’s not seen whether what school you’ve graduated.. it’s in the ideas and style of writing. i believe that you can make it (to become a journalist) hehe also, competition is everywhere when we enter the world of an ‘employee’ .. so we must fight and give our best because that is what a true blooded warrior, right? xD hehe 92
Comment by mizfits — February 25, 2009 @ 12:24 pm |
hehe.. I like this one, simple yet concise. Just an opinion, why are people always asking for what school do you came from? Is it their only base for their schools popularity? Why can’t they become happy and proud for other schools, having such a good and genious students.
I can relate to your ideas mentioned in this article. If i where to asked where will i belong after graduation? i still dont know yet also. hehe.. Whatever degree we took in college really it is not the base, still it’s in the people’s own way( sabi nga lakas ng loob lang yan) and possitive thinking on how he/ she will get a job in a land which is full of competitions.
We are born to be a warrior, (go fight) so we should not lose hope whatever happen.Nicely wriiten from you girlie. *thumbs-Up* 92 for you
Comment by aihcee1030 — February 27, 2009 @ 3:12 am |
Hi Girl, this reads like a personal article and not an informative and analytical write up of problems that may arise after graduation. I do agree with your observation that the choice of what course to take starts the “problem” already. And the hard part is how one can prove that his or her choice is the right one – by being successful afterwards.
Happiness is relative and is a combination of a lot of factors. Job achievement and satisfaction (with just a hint of potential financial rewards) is a primary reason for happiness. Money and wealth seems to be the goal of many but look at the rich – are they really happy?
The thinking also that certain courses mold persons into stereotypes is just not true anymore. So why did a medical doctor, our national hero, become a nationalist novelist and writer? And started the wheels of the revolution. Or why did a shipping clerk from Tondo become the intellectual leader of the revolution. Many of our countrymen who made a name for themselves did it through writing and they were not even journalism graduates.
Good development except double check structure and viewpoint not followed. [92]
Comment by lynx2002 — February 27, 2009 @ 9:59 am |
I make it as a habit to read the article and then make my comment and then go through the comments made by the class. Well aside from checking the substance of the comments, I look at what the comment is all about.
I tend to agree with many that in the Philippines, there is a neurotic and hierarchical way of assessing students based on the schools attended. It is overly exaggerated here but mind you it also happens in the US. While working abroad, I met a PhD graduate of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (northern USA) and he criticized someone who graduated from the University of Kentucky, Lexington (down south). His question to me was “Where is that?” But those were my friends and they were kind people.
My other good observation was that in mainland Europe, schools are treated almost equally. If one is a graduate of the University of Paris IV (Sorbonne) one does not look down on a graduate of the University of Montpellier (southern France). It will take centuries probably to achieve near equalization in this behavioural aberration in the Philippines. In the meantime, we just have to live with that and continue to prove ourselves.
Comment by lynx2002 — February 27, 2009 @ 10:19 am |
I am sure that the air of discrimination for Journalism as a productive degree has already been floating in your household even before you made your fateful choice. Surely your heart must have known what it wanted all along. But picking Journalism required the summoning of greater courage since you knew of the gloomy reception if would receive from your family. Of course I am double guessing, but I do base this opinion on my personal experiences.
I believe the errors in the article are merely typographical. Things easily corrected by double-checking after posting. So do try and edit your work whenever possible.
Also the article is more of a narrative of personal obstacles encountered even before taking up Journalism as a College course. Although issues of discrimination and low-pay does resound in actual practice these were not discussed in detail and left a slight dearth in the write-up. I concede though that this deserves a favorable rating, since once again it is pleasant to read and interesting even if it’s too concise. Rating – (94).
Comment by crimsonpen — February 27, 2009 @ 10:44 am |
this one is short but fun to read. good choice of words.
i know you can do it.. to be professional journalist.. keep it up..
Grade:91
Comment by cioz — February 27, 2009 @ 11:14 am |
Hehehe. If you have just told me the things that you heard from your relatives, then i’d advice you to answer them with this: “If you don’t like it, then, im so sorry to tell you that I would rather choose to be a writer and persuade people than working only for money. And don’t you know that Journalism is a calling and a passion?” (PASOK ba GIRL?)haha. but then, they’re partly right, almost all of the masscom students apply in the call center after gradution. (LIKE ME and LIKE YOU!)
Anyway, even if you think that this is just a mere BLOG, you write so well Girl!
You always have my applause in your write-ups!
GRADE: 96
Comment by heidz8288 — February 27, 2009 @ 11:34 am |
If i were to asked, I’ll never sacrifice what i really want to do with something that could earn me money. I might grow kidneys later on if i keep doing what i do not want to. hahaha.. I think it will be just frustrating and depressing that you were not able to do what you really want in your life.
Nicely written. 93%
Comment by lydialuisa — February 28, 2009 @ 1:18 am |
i love this write up girl!
well, i agree that there are companies that assess their applicants based on what school you have graduated from. so that leaves us with soething to prove and everything to gain. i know you can make it in the industry. i adore your articles 
[96]
Comment by camscamscams — March 1, 2009 @ 9:09 pm |
I like your spirit girl.c: Indeed, a true-blooded warrior!c:
I hate it when people always compared us to others (La Salle, Ateneo, UP). What difference does it make? We’re both students, the only thing that differs is we’re not in the same school.
It’s like some people are underestimating your capability. True, competition in the job market is tough. But I don’t believe that only those (DLSU, ADMU, UP)will be the ones chosen. Because for all I know we’ll be the one next in line to show them what is a real journalism warrior is made of.
Your article was well-written. You write so well.c: (Clap! Clap! c: ) I give you a 93% c:
Comment by iamemjhey — March 2, 2009 @ 2:42 am |
Having unshakable hopes of becoming a professional journalist: Inspiring.
Being compared to different people can be disregarded so easily for as long aas you know you can take pride in yourself. The article was written quite nicely. And for that, I give a. . . .
Grade: 90
Comment by Revita Henry — March 2, 2009 @ 5:32 am |
i like how you pursue your past “clueless dreams”. based on your performance and style of writing, there’s no doubt that journalism is the right course for you:)
Grade: 94
Comment by ulap9999 — March 2, 2009 @ 7:59 am |