Author: stephbuenaventura

This college life has given me a lot of stress in different levels. But thanks to my coping mechanisms, I am still able to withstand all the stresses college is bringing me. With these, I know that I can still survive:

1. I play basketball

Basketball makes me happy. It helps me be relieved whenever I’m stressed, due to numerous reasons related to college life. It is my comfort zone, it brings me peace whenever I play.

2. Eat, eat, eat

Whenever I’m stressed, food makes me feel better. But the problem is, I spend too much on it because every time I crave for something, I immediately buy it to cope with stress. But what can I do, I can’t help it.

3. Netflix and chill

Whenever I accomplish something, I also reward myself with a movie. Actually, even though there are requirements that are needed to be done, I still watch movies. I don’t know, they make me feel comfortable and happy.

4. Sleep

It is the ultimate stress-reliever. I have already done this many times whenever I’m stressed and it actually works! Sleep makes me calm and be more focused for the day.

Do you need some exam tips? Okay then, I have five of them:

• Do not CRAM!!!

Once the date of the exam is announced, study as early as possible for the amount of the topics needed to be reviewed is a no joke. Multiple handouts will be given so start managing your time.

• Don’t forget to DE-STRESS!!!

Studying hard is good but also give yourself some time off. Make some time to de-stress yourself through anything that would help you accomplish it.

• Eat enough FOOD!!!

Always eat enough food on time. Food helps you focus for it produces energy that your mind and body need.

• Get enough SLEEP!!!

Enough sleep helps you retain all your memory so sleep well.

• Listen to the GUIDELINES!!!

Always listen to whatever your examiner, which is your professor, say before the start of your exam. In this part, he or she is going to say the guidelines in answering the test so always listen carefully for every word is important.

Being part of the UP community is what I dreamt of.  Its refreshing environment, its pumped-up crowd in UAAP events, its awesome merchandises, I love everything about UP.  But loving this university is beyond that, and it is not easy.

One month has passed and UP has already caused me multiple breakdowns.  But these breakdowns won’t stop me from loving it.  It may be tough but the dream of finishing my studies in this university is what keeps the fire burning. 

Here are some of the things I learned here in UP in my first month:

• Time management is a must

Procrastination is a big no-no here in UP for it increases your stress level (I know that because I do it a lot).  Once the assignment is given, start doing it as soon as possible so you will not have to worry about it anymore in the future.  Assignments were also given from time to time from different classes so I suggest to finish it early.

• Get enough sleep

Sleep deprivation is prevalent among the college students here in UP.  This is due to the numerous deadlines and requirements from our dear professors.  In relation to the paragraph above, procratination is also a factor so as much as possible, finish your assignment as soon as possible for you to sleep early.

• Make friends

When you study in UP, expect that you will experince a high level of stress.  One way to cope with it is to socialize with other people.  Once you enter this university, learn to make friends with different kinds of people, regardless of their identity.  This gives you a higher chance of surviving college for “no man is an island.”

• Do not skip meals

When students are finishing their multiple requirements and deadlines, they tend to skip meals.  Always remember that eating enough food produces enough energy needed by your body in order to work efficiently so don’t skip meals.

• Umbrella is a necessity

The weather here in UPLB is unpredictable.  A hot sunny day in the morning and a rainy one in the afternoon.  Always keep it handy to protect yourselves from such weather changes.  Also remember to protect your umbrellas from umbrella thieves, there are many of them here in UPLB.

Data gathering is one of the skills a development communicator must possess. This plays a vital role for it must provide accuracy and credibility of the information to be presented to the audience.

To hone this skill, we were tasked to gather information in Barangay Lalakay. We were able to gather the names of the officials and the contact information of the barangay. In order to accomplish this, we used the interview method for it enabled us to get the information directly to the people.

For those who are planning to gather data, our group has some tips for you:

• Always be respectful in approaching people

This is a must when you try to talk to people. Do not use any words or any way of disrespect when approaching them and always speak be polite and courteous

• Be prepared

In gathering the data, you must already know what to say, what to do, and what to expect. You must also have back-up plans whenever your first plan fails.

• Be confident

This helps set the mood in gathering the data. When you are confident, it helps you create a joyful exchange with your source which may lead to the accumulation of your desired information.

The Philippines is ranked among the third world countries, therefore, it is labeled a developing country.  When we say developing country, it means that she is still a work in progress.  Numerous problems in the different sectors are still in need of solutions and development.  But what makes a problem development-oriented?  As a development communication student, or even as a simple human-being, I have realized that a problem or a certain topic can be considered as development-oriented when its goal is to eliminate the harmful effects, when it requires positive change, and aims for the betterment of the society.

• Eliminative goal

I have read multiple articles about different events that caused adversities in the society and its harmful effects were really disturbing, which took place in many aspects.  It affected them physically, emotionally, mentally, intellectually, financially, even spiritually and when these aspects were broken down into more specific issues, they include people’s source of livelihood, health, education, and more. Therefore, it is considered a development-oriented topic if there is a goal of eliminating those harmful effects.

• Must Lead to Positive Change

People in the marginalized sectors are the most vulnerable whenever social issues strike. Therefore, solutions must be implemented and intensified for them to endure the effects of these problems. In addition, quality education, healthcare, proper nutrition and more must also be given equally to improve their quality of living. But all these positive effects can only be achieved if we make them hear our voices.

• Aims for the Betterment of the Society

Something is development-oriented when it is beneficial for the people. Its solutions must directly impact the people in the community or society to increase their growth, to elevate their status in life, especially the unfortunate.

With these three characteristics, I therefore conclude that a development-oriented topic focuses on the marginalized sector. It is that, I believe, the marginalized sector is the heart of development. It is the reason, the goal, and the driving force that make a topic development-oriented.