After graduating Senior High School, I personally thought that I was ready to take on college. I thought that I was already equipped with the right armaments to face whatever DEVCOM has in store for me. I THOUGHT and that was my mistake. It was after I stepped in the doors of my college that I realized that my fountain of knowledge was in fact a mere tinkle.
As a development communicator in training, I find it necessary to gauge the attributes that you already possess as to becoming a media writer. So, here is my quantified rate of my qualities and skills as a media writer with 5 being the lowest and 1 as the highest.
Qualities of a Media Writer
- Curious or inquisitive – 3
- Intelligent – 3
- Industrious – 3
- Resourceful – 3
- Persevering – 3
- Imaginative – 2
- Puts a premium on accuracy and truth – 2
- Loves to read – 2
- Interested in and loves people – 2
- Service-oriented – 2
Qualities build you in your respective field and among the qualities listed, being curious or inquisitive is something I think I need to work on the most. The problem with me is not the idea of being curious because I do wonder and ask a lot of questions. Instead, I do believe it is “how” I am curious. Being a very shy and reserved person, I tend to find the answers to my questions by myself and that to me is my bane at the moment. To be an effective media writer, I need to be more open and to be more assertive on the things I want and to which direction I am going as I gather data. It is never wrong to ask but do know when to stop.
Skills of a Media Writer
- Gathering data – 3
- Validating and clarifying information – 2
- Organizing information – 3
- Writing clearly and effectively – 3
- Proficiency in the operation of communication tools/devices – 4
On the other hand, skills help you course through the journey. They become the pillars that support your foundation (qualities). For me, the skill I have developed high competency was validating and clarifying information. I always triangulate and look at information through various sources and am very careful before re-posting or sharing it in different media. I think what helped me develop this skill was my exposure to Campus Journalism especially during the years where Freedom of Information (FOI) and the rise of “Fake news” was really a huge concern. However, among the skills listed, I am very aware of my weakness in operating communication tools/devices like mobile phones, DSLRS, using software, etc. I was not used to these given that our family do not have the resources to acquire these things early on. This is the main weakness I need to overcome. The world is changing and so must I. As a DEVCOM student, I need to be knowledgeable in this sort of things because in the future, these devices/tools will become a part of me. In my work, in my goals and in my life.
The CDC steps are my milestones and under its protective roof, I will play my cards.
Zawadi
Given my ratings, what keeps me from getting that 1.00 is because I don’t see myself yet and understand my part as a DEVCOM student. Though I know my purpose (service), I am still not confident of what I know and the skills I presently have. For a long time, I have embraced creative writing and might have strayed from writing technically. That is why I don’t know where I stand yet and feel a little pressured. In general, it is my doubts that hindered me from rating myself top score. However, it doesn’t stop there. The CDC steps are my milestones and under its protective roof, I will play my cards. Learn. Grow and flourish. This trainee is geared up for battle… It’s Duel Time!!!
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