Much like any other college, there’s a learning curve that comes with being accepted into Devcom. In Elbi it was more a mountain than a curve, but let’s just say that that’s because the campus is right next to an actual mountain (dormant volcano if you want to get technical), and not because I was so totally clueless about Devcom. If you’ve found yourself in the same boat, worry no longer because I’ve compiled a short list of essentials that I think are absolute must-haves if you’re a development communication student.
As a Quezon City native, I thought that I had faced the worst the sun had to offer, I was wrong. The heat in Elbi is something else entirely, if I want to get dramatic, I’d say that it’s almost alive. Pressing against your skin so harshly that a truly hot day feels almost akin to being put on a chokehold. That’s why it’s absolutely important for any student to have an umbrella with them, even moreso when you’re in Devcom because much of our activities involve fieldwork. And it’s not just the heat you have to worry about either, the weather in Elbi can change at the snap of your fingers. One minute the sun will be beating down on you, and in the next it’ll be the rain. Your umbrella is your shield against majority of the elements that have decided they have a personal vendetta on us students.
So, it’s hot, you’ve got an umbrella now, but that’s not the only thing you’re gonna need, especially in a campus that has been so lovingly dubbed as Hellbi. Another Devcom essential is your water bottle. When it’s hot you sweat, you get dehydrated, and if left unattended your next class just might be at the UHS instead. I personally don’t like drinking water, but I’ve found myself suffering from a dehydration headache way too many times to ever forget my water bottle at home anymore. Not only does it keep untimely UHS visits at bay, but just being hydrated also helps your focus and overall energy for the day. Don’t forget to drink your water folks!
Remember how I mentioned fieldwork a while ago? As a Devcom student, it’s important for us to wade amongst the masses because that’s who we are writing for, and to interact with them is one of the best ways to get information on topics and events that are happening. Of course, most people when approached by a random stranger asking too many questions would be justly apprehensive and most like just wave you away, so always have your ID with you. The UPLB ID holds your name and your college, when you’re introducing yourself to the person you want to ask questions from, I’ve found that showing them your ID helps. I guess it assures them that you’re really not just gonna ask them to sign up for a credit card. And when they’re assured, they’ll feel better about answering your questions, and you’ll get better answers. It’s a win-win for everybody.
Sometimes though, an ID isn’t enough, especially when the person you’re about to interview is of high importance or they’re a professional. When that happens, you bring with you a signed letter from your college and noted by one of your professors. I’ve learned the hard way the consequences of being without one, and now hopefully you never have to run back and forth from your interview’s venue to the campus, ever.
Another lesson I had to learn the hard way: how important it is to always have loose change with you. Majority of the transportation you’ll be taking in a community setting —if you don’t decide to just take it on foot— would be jeeps or tricycles. Save the driver and yourself some time by carrying coins or smaller bills with you instead.
The final item I’m gonna suggest, isn’t even an item at all. When you’re going somewhere new for the first time to pursue a beat or even just meeting an intimidating interviewee it can help to have a buddy with you. In our first exercise for our DEVC 11 Lab, we were able to pair up with each other, and even for our data gathering for our Community Directory; we were in groups of three. It’s definitely daunting to meet such authoritative figures by yourself, so having a friend or groupmates with you helps soothe your nerves. It’s something familiar in such an unfamiliar environment, and when you want to take a nap in the jeep there’s someone to wake you up and make sure you don’t miss your stop.
So, there you have it, my Devcom essentials list. It’s not the be-all-end-all of necessities in Devcom, it could work for me, but other students might think there’s something missing. It definitely doesn’t encompass everything you’re gonna need because different situations are going to call for different things, this list is meant to serve as a foundation more than anything else.
I wish you luck in your Devcom journey Iskx! Serve the people!
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