Author: algareunice

16 weeks have passed since we first evaluated ourselves regarding our skills and qualities as media writers. Looking back, there were many aspects in which I’m not entirely confident with, hence, not giving those unos. The first semester of being a Devcom student was truly challenging, but as I write this last blog post, I can’t help but realize how meaningful and helpful those requirements I used to worry a lot; those things helped me grow not only as a development communicator, but more so, as an individual.

For my qualities, I have improved in being curious or inquisitive, imaginative, loves to read, interested in and loves people, and service-oriented. I believe that these things have been largely influenced with how my professors emphasized the need for us, Devcom students, to be aware with what’s happening around us. Furthermore, how important it is to connect to people, because after all, Devcom revolves around them.

On the other hand, in terms of my skills, I decided to give improved ratings on validating and clarifying information, writing clearly and effectively, and proficiency in the operation of communication tools/devices. All these thanks to Devc 11 lecture and exercises!

Sixteen weeks have passed; it was just 4 months of being into Devcom but look how far I’ve come and how much I’ve learned already. The journey ahead is indeed still long, but I am now more than ever convinced that it will be worth it, because, why won’t it be when I see myself improving and becoming a better development communicator through time? 🙂

Another semester’s finished! Looking back, it was a very challenging one, but I’m glad we all somehow managed to survive. Here’s some tips I like to tell my old self, maybe it can help you as well!

Don’t be too hard on yourself.
When I entered the university, I honestly taught that I would excel academically the way I did in high school. Well, joke’s on me; college isn’t high school! I used to be very frustrated before when I got low scores on quizzes, especially on the exams. Add to it the anxiety I feel every time I took an exam that I found difficult. I used to rant about it to my friends and family like it’s the most important thing in the world. That’s why, to my past self, don’t be too hard on yourself. There’s always room for improvement. It’s not the end of your life so instead of frowning on it, use it as a motivation to do better next time.

It’s okay to rest and to reward yourself once in a while.
I was so overwhelmed with the amount of school works I had to face weekly in college that it came to a point where I can’t really enjoy my weekends or times where I regret sleeping or having some time doing my hobbies. It felt like someone inside my head is nudging me all the time to do school stuff whenever I’m starting to rest. It was so exhausting and I believe college shouldn’t be like that. That’s why to my past self, I am proud for your achievement but please don’t forget to spare some time for your personal growth and mental and physical rest.

Study wisely.
Different subjects, different professors, different ways of teaching, different resources, and different types of exams. College isn’t spoon feeding so being resourceful and strategic in studying would be very helpful. I learned how important it is not to cram studying like what I did in high school. Secondly, relying on the power point presentations alone isn’t enough. Hence, to my past self, the beginning is always challenging but I am glad that you have learned the importance of studying ahead of time so that you can be able to maximize your time in using various resources as you prepare for your most important examinations.

Befriend people.
Among the many unique things in UP is how we don’t have a consistent set of classmates, hence, you’ll really be able to meet a lot of people from different walks of life, especially in GE subjects. It’s nice to be able to get to know a lot of people but at the same time, it’s challenging as well, most importantly during group works. I learned how valuable it is to make friends and build strong relationships with them because sometimes, they can lend you their ears and time as well. That’s why to my past self, don’t be so shy in socializing! It’s never too late to widen your circle and to get out from your comfort zones.

Trust yourself.
This is the most important tip I would tell to not only my past self, but also to the present, and the future. Amidst all the doubts, pressure, and stress, trusting yourself should come first. Without believing in what you can do, everything you have prepared would mean nothing. Keep in mind that the motivation you need the most is the one that’s coming from yourself. To my past, present, and future self, keep this in mind!

Here’s to surviving more semesters, iskx! Padayon!

More than academics, college is also filled with lots of extra-curricular activities; whether it may be joining an organization, being part of the school’s athletic teams, joining groups that would help you hone your talent, going in an exchange trip, and a lot more. Truly, these thing are fun but to balance it together with academics is a challenge.

Get to know how our fellow Devcom students who participated in various STRASUC competitions achieve this balance by watching this video! 🙂

Christmas is just around the corner… oh, and the finals week as well. Nevertheless, we cannot deny how eager we all are for Christmas! It is indeed a season filled with love, joy, and giving; that’s why it’s my favorite holiday every year! All the lights, decors, and festivities that everyone’s busy since the start of the ber-months makes Christmas really something to look forward to.

For this episode, get to know some of the things people look forward to for the holidays. Personally, I am just all in for the food, completing the annual Misa de Gallo with my mom, Christmas party with my friends, exchange gifts, the cold weather, family reunions, and of course, the month-long rest that’s coming!

How about you? What do you look forward to this Christmas? 🙂

For the second episode of Devcom Explorers, we bring you the top 3 most common questions our family and high school batchmates have for us regarding our course. Want to know more how can Devcom contribute in the country, how it differs from other communication courses, and if one can get rich from it? Then, go and watch how the Devcom students from older batches answer these questions!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgtMRO76rsM&feature=youtu.be

Imagine learning science inside a bus. Isn’t it cool? Thanks to DOST-SEI’s (Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute) two cool buses that just visited UPLB this month. Get to know the nuLab and Science Explorer buses by watching this video!

I was born and raised in a place just neighboring Los Baños; Calamba city, Laguna! Allow me to take you to the heart of Calamba while I tell you its rich history, the city also known as the birthplace of our national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal. I assure you, it’s more than just the resorts and the SM. 😉

“Isang buwan na lang.” That’s what I told myself the moment I returned in the university after that pseudo-break. The last month left in the semester would always be the busiest, the most stressful, and the one filled with those ~deadliest~ deadlines. But fret not! Here’s some of my proven and tested tips on how to chill. I do some of this when it feels just so tiriiiiing. But, honestly, doing these after ticking all that boxes in my to-do’s is the best feeling EVER. So go on and take a piece of advice that you think might also be helpful for you. 😉

Allot even just a slight of your time for your hobbies.
Binge watching movies or series and reading a book are the things I love doing the most when I have free time. Doing these things relaxes me as it redirect my focus away from stress and all the acad stuff. Doing these once in a while as a reward system also works! So, go ahead and you do you.

Bond with people you love.
Sometimes, all you need are people whom you can laugh with and share stories with. Giving time for them, the same way you do with academics wouldn’t hurt. Time spent with them are times that are irreplaceable.

Go out and appreciate.
Inhale, exhale. Appreciate the nature you see and feel around; the cool breeze of the wind, the rustling of leaves, and the movement of everything. Take time being completely still. You’ll be able to see how busy and tiring life is, nevertheless, there are also some things which makes it beautiful and worth pushing for.

Recharge yourself completely.
A power nap would be good but it won’t be enough to keep you going in the long run. There’s nothing like waking up in the morning with a full 8-hour sleep. Give it to yourself sometimes, and trust me, the energy and motivation within you will ~overflow.~

That’s it! Just hang in there a little longer, my kapwa isko/iska, the semester’s about to end so give the best that you can all the time. You’ll gonna make it and before you know it, ~chill~ month is real.

Nothing but smiles as students, teachers, staff, alumni, and guests gathered to celebrate the 101st Loyalty Day! Of course, our group, DC Explorers, didn’t missed this opportunity to witness another year of the celebration of Loyalty Day. Moreover, we also utilizes this event as an avenue to get to know some alumni from different batches as well as listen not only to their learning from the university, but also their most memorable experiences.

Here’s our first vlog featuring them:

Indeed, UPLB is more than just an institution – it is a home. More than the academic learning we obtain from it, it also teaches us the likewise important lessons in life as an individual.

Saturday;
October 21, 2017;
CAS A2 MPH1;
First batch;
6:30 AM.

Although it has been almost 2 years since I took the UPCAT, such is a memory that remains very vivid up until now. I will always remember how I struggled a lot both in the Science and Mathematics portion of the exam. In fact, I thought that I wouldn’t be able to make it because of that; nevertheless, here I am! Time flies really fast and the feeling of seeing myself in this year’s UPCAT takers who are full of confidence and perseverance to enter UP makes me feel nostalgic. I was once like them, an aspirant who also had her own fair share of UPCAT realness.

Let’s get to know some of them!

Christelline said that she was pressured knowing that her two sisters are already studying in UP and for the fact that she wanted to really be one of those who will pass. At the same time, she also said that it is a privilege to be able to take UPCAT, since not all are able to do so. “It’s an honor, tapos humbling experience na makapag-exam po dito. Hindi lang po dahil para sa sariliing kapakanan kundi sa kapakanan ng mga kapwa Pilipino,” she added.

Meanwhile, this group of friends from Pamantasan ng Cabuyao said that the cold temperature in the room was very distracting. They found the exam relatively easy and what challenged them was time pressure. “Hindi naman po siya yung sobrang hirap, kalaban mo lang talaga yung oras.“

Mrs. Erin Jacob from Sta. Rosa, a parent of an UPCAT taker said that “It’s a great opportunity and privilege na mag-try siya (her daughter). If ever kung will ni God na makapasa siya, it’s a blessing kasi syempre, bilang mahirap na nanay since balo ako, talagang malaki ang maitutulong. Lalo pa sa kalagayan ko, wala akong trabaho.”

Among the thousands of UP aspirants alongside their parents, these are just a few stories that I was able to hear. Whatever the result may be, know that you can always empower and be empowered even outside UP. Padayon!