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I remembered the time where I was exited and nervous in entering the university considering that it was a major shift in my life, from being a high school student to being a university student. Along with a shift in academic life, so is my life in adjusting to a new environment emerges. There is still ways to go for me to really be a truly adjusted student in the university, and with that is what my first month in the university taught me, in the first month of being a UP student:

It is fine to fail. The first month of the university was still an adjusting phase for most of the students, and we students are still not perfect, and that failing some of the quizzes and/or activities is perfectly normal. Failure is never permanent, and that failure can give us something to work on, to motivate ourselves to do better in the future because failure never truly defines what we are as a university student, and what we truly are as a person. Most of the famous people that we know, experienced failure, and with that, they strive more, they did not let their failure drag them down, but they let their failure be the inspiration to do more, and that is what we should do as a student.

With that, the university is not a competition. We are not here to compete, to compare grades with your colleagues, but rather, we are here in the university to learn and gain knowledge that could help us succeed with our future. We need not to have to compare our statuses or achievements, since in the university, we are all equal, and that could help us to see each other on the same line and not be discriminative to each other. In addition, in times for hardship, we are here to help each other out.

Always ask for help when in doubt or confuse. When you do not understand a lesson or lecture, there are always people who you can ask for help, whether it may be your colleague or your senior from your respective college. Of course, we cannot exactly know all of the lessons being taught to us by our professors, and with the hardship of college, we cannot help but to ask for guidance from your colleagues or seniors from your respective colleges. These people could help you understand the lessons, which in return, could led the both or more of you to understand a lesson more intuitively. In addition, you could always ask for tips regarding their experience or life here in the university, and with that, you could gain more friends who could help you, or who you can help with. 

Always have time for a rest. Being loaded with projects, assignments, and quizzes to know, it will take a toll in your mind and body, which could result to you being stress and drained. Knowing when is your limit is important for you to know when is the appropriate time for the mind and body to rest. Resting, either by sleeping or taking a break, will enhance the minds internal peace, which is great and beneficial for the mind and body for the four or so years stay in the university. 

And lastly, always smile. When in times of distress, even when you have just started in the university, smile and enjoy since you still have a lot of more ways to go. Even when your life in the university gives you headaches, still smile so that you will encourage yourself to be strong and endure your stay in the university. 

I still have so many ways to go, but, it is a great start for me, since this is just a adjustable life change that I have to conquer.

Backpack, Backpack, Backpack, Hooray!

Hola Amigo! What’s in your backpack? Well, let me share what’s on mine first.

1. Umbrella – This is a number one must-have in Elbi. Warning, weather in Los Banos is extremely unpredictable. One moment it’s sunny, then blimey! It’s raining cats and dogs. Make sure to invest on a heavy duty umbrella because the unbelievably strong wind can easily destroy a cheap umbrella. In my opinion, it’s better to have an automatic umbrella so that you can open it immediately when it suddenly rained. But it’s your choice!
2. Pen – A pen is like a student’s weapon. Do not go into the battlefield without a weapon. I use multi-colored pens so that I can easily remember the important terms when I review my notes. But, a black pen is enough.
3. Notebook/Paper – It is important to take notes. Some professors do not give a copy of their presentations or hand outs. Just to be safe, take down notes during lecture. Also, if you have notes you can review it quickly when the professor suddenly announced a surprise quiz. It happens all the time and I am thankful for my notes. So, a little pat on the back self.
4. Mobile Phone – As a development communicator, a mobile phone with good camera, good recorder, and enough storage is a necessity. For example, you are walking then suddenly you witnessed a scene that only happens once in a blue moon and this scene is news-worthy. But you don’t have a phone so you failed to take a picture. Unfortunately, no incentives for you. A development communicator in training is always asked to interview for data gathering. A good recorder feature in your mobile phone will come in handy. Also, when you miss your family who’s not in LB you can contact them anytime. It’s not just your family whom you can contact, but when there’s an emergency you can use your mobile phone. Make sure to know the important hotlines. A mobile phone will be useless if its battery is low. So make sure to bring a charger and other accessories for your phone such as: connector, earphones, OTG, etc.
5. Water bottle – Stay hydrated! You are studying in University of Lakad, so it is important to have a water bottle in your backpack. It can be really hot in LB so drink a lot of water. Our mind does not function well when it is dehydrated. Well, mine does not function well, dehydrated or not. Char!

What’s in your backpack? No matter what’s inside it make sure to study hard and keep safe, Isko/Iska!

BUHAY DEVCOM: “Development-Oriented” unpacked

The first challenge that a development communication student will face is to identify what is really a development-oriented topic. This is very important because all of the projects of a devcom student should portray and empower development. In order to this, there are some characteristics that we need to consider.

What is a development-oriented topic?

Talks about the definition of Nora Quebral

Sly, Batch 2014

Centered on communities’ needs

Bjanca, Batch 2018

By the people and for the people

Rizza, Batch 2018

Symbolizes the 4 Es of Devcom – Empowerment, Environmentalism, Entrepreneurship and Equity

Rose, Batch 2018

Getting into the university was I thought the most difficult part of my Isko journey but I was wrong, it has just started.

Dealing with a new environment from my island life is an indication of a true fresh start. In spite of all the struggles being miles away from family, communicating with a different dialect, budgeting limited allowance, challenging courses and to be with a new set of diverse talented and smart individuals was truly challenging but luckily, I just finished a month in the institution where a daily routine could change to an optional decision. It was actually hard but it taught me a lot of things to consider as I go through much crucial battles in my college life. Amidst the challenges, I was able to establish my own version of to-do-list in surviving this grueling season of a freshman.

ADJUSTMENTS TAKE TIME. Homesickness and intimidation were my ultimate foes, crushing me into pieces and questioning my worth. However, you should remember your purpose of pursuing UP at the first place. We are here for our families who constantly offer us everything they have just to reach our goals, so whenever you miss them never hesitate to talk and cry to them even through phone calls because as you hear their voice of encouragement it will fuel your drive in fulfilling your dreams for them. Also to be with much more clever, spontaneous and well- off classmates and; excellent professors expecting a lot from senior high graduates which they anticipated to have enough background knowledge on the course could actually lower our self- trust, but take note of why you applied for admission in the university— because we know UP could teach us something we cannot get from other schools, we are here to learn not to compete because at the end of the day we will be similar products of UP.

LOW SCORES IS ACTUALLY HOPE. Getting low scores in your first set of quizzes does not define your future. Instead, convert that minimal failure into a motivating factor to make strategies and achieve improvements. But in case you failed again, always put in mind that there is no end to a dreamer, because in real life this is only a basic challenge we would encounter, so if ever you have upsetting exam results turn them into an inspiration to persist and finally claim your desired rating.

TIME IS PRECIOUS. After all it is our own discretion how to spend our time wisely. Recreation and relaxation is a good remedy after a draining week of lectures and recitations but it should be in moderation. Do not practice cramming because it might cause negative consequences in complying your requirements. We can do both lakads and acads but always be responsible.

HEALTH OVER ACADS. Overwhelming required exercises and homework given by the professors lead us to overnight works and no-weekend status which tend to choose consuming instant goods, drinking a lot of coffee, and even skipping meals, our body needs enough energy to function well and having an unhealthy eating habit is not a good idea. Sometimes we also deprive ourselves from having enough sleep by over exhausting to academic requirements which is actually not recommended or unless you want to be embarrassed like me by hitting myself hard into a glass wall and realizing it was not the exit. Rest is a must. How can you serve people efficiently if your body cannot function well?

BUILD GOOD RELATIONSHIPS. In this new world you just entered you have to build good relationships with the people you will be interacting throughout your journey. We cannot avoid instances that we will be needing help in dealing with our different personal struggles, and those people who are willing to listen and somehow provide is what we truly need— a friend. Having good relationship with your professors will also allow you to take everything easily, do not hesitate to consult to them and love them by showing respect even if we get intimidated sometimes on how they act in front of us. They are essential in honing ourselves to become better after college.

NEVER FORGET TO ENJOY. This is the most important thing you must remember for other tips to work. Enjoy your stay!

I still have more months and years to go and I know I still have a lot to learn in my stay here in UP. Expect for my second part and more to go.

God Bless!

When I entered UP, I was slapped by the truth that I’m not that smart or bright. Harworking? Industrious? Well, I could be. But, smarter than anyone here? That’s a big NO for you, self. “UPCAT UPCAT ka pa dyan e.” Sounds funny but true. So, why am I even here? I’m literally lacking a lot of things compare to other students in my batch. However, it came to my mind that lacking things is okay. When you lack skills and capabilities, you become more open for new learnings, improvements and experiences; experiences that will mold you into a better person than you used to be. 

To give you a clearer image of what I perceive myself as, here is a self-assessment for my qualities and skills as a media writer with the use of the UP Grading System:  

Qualities of a Media Writer:  

1. Curious or inquisitive – 2  
2. Intelligent – 2  
3. Industrious – 2 
4. Resourceful – 2 
5. Persevering – 2 
6. Imaginative – 1 
7. Puts a premium on accuracy and truth – 2 
8. Loves to read – 1 
9. Interested in and loves people – 2 
10. Service-oriented – 2 

Skills of a Media Writer:  

1. Gathering data – 3 
2. Validating and clarifying information – 2 
3. Organizing information – 2 
4. Writing clearly and effectively – 2 
5. Proficiency in the operation of communication tools/devices – 2 

“I thought you don’t think highly of yourself. Why grade yourself a flat one?”, you might ask. Giving myself a flat one for being imaginative and my love for reading doesn’t mean I’m better than anyone else. It only means that I really give value to those qualities and that is where I’m confident at. These qualities serve as a good foundation when I start to write things; may it be about an event, a person or just random things. My love for reading is that thing that pushes me to continue what I started. It serves as my motivation and booster to create something that, I, myself will have fun reading in. But as you can see, there are still a lot of qualities and skills that need improvements for myself. One of those is my ability to gather data. As a communication student, gathering data is a must in developing an accurate and commendable paper. However, I easily get contented with the information that I have gathered. I stopped seeking information when I found something better. But what about the BEST? That is why, I would like to use my time here as development-communicator in-training to learn and improve more when it comes to my ability to gather data. 

I still have a long way to go. There’s no use to rush things. I just need to be more open to criticism and judgements that life may throw. And from there, I might pick something out that could help me build myself more and my identity as a media writer.

I am not at my best yet, but I’ll get there.  

Growing up, I have developed a mañana habit of saying things such as “I’ll work on it later” or “I’ll just do it tomorrow.” I have this type of mindset that I don’t want to exceed more effort in something if I don’t feel passionate about it or I just simply don’t want to do any improvements about it anymore. Among the qualities of a media writer, what I lack the most is being able to persevere and to be resourceful.

When I rated myself on the skills of a media writer, I put “writing clearly and effectively” as the skill that I am most confident about, but turns out, it’s the other way around. Honestly, it’s hard to write. Although I am exposed to writing when I was in senior high school as a Humanities and Social Sciences student, where I mostly indulged in literary work rather than news, it is hard to formulate a good story that your audience could easily understand. But if it’s already hard to formulate a good fictional literary story, what more in news stories? Based on what I am learning, it would take a lot of hard work. That’s why I believe that instead of writing clearly and effectively, I have a higher competency in “validating and clarifying information”. The reason behind that is because, during our research back then, I was the one in charge of clarifying information for the related research and literature, so I was exposed to reading journals and articles a lot, and with that I now have a list of sites that are credible sources.

Because development communication didn’t really come in mind when choosing courses for the UPCAT, and I had no experience whatsoever in news writing or even contributing to the school newspapers, I know that I lack a lot of things. Rating myself to where I am today based on the grading system of the University the Philippines, I consider myself passing, but barely passing, with 2.00 as my highest score and 3.00 being the lowest among all of the qualities and skills of a media writer.

The reason why I rated myself in that kind of way is that I know that I am not yet the well-crafted version of myself. I still have a lot to learn and improve, and I am not giving my best effort yet. I still have a lot of obstacles to face not just around me but on my greatest enemy, myself. I believe that as the weeks go by, what hinders me from being able to develop these qualities and skills, which is me not trying, just staying at my comfort zone and continuing to be shy, will slowly change into me trying, going out of my comfort zone and be able to cross that barrier that hinders me from breaking through.

If there is something I would like to improve, it is the proficiency in the operation of communication tools/devices. I really don’t know much about packaging/publishing content for other media platforms and I understand that it is because of my lack of exposure. Because I don’t create content, I never get feedback. I wanted to start creating content that would really build my portfolio in the future and get feedback from people to further improve myself. I also would like to improve my data gathering, since I have interviewed a primary source for a news story for the first time in my whole life, I am adjusting and learning from my experience.

As someone who has very little skills in writing news, which is a whole new world for me, it gives me some sort of excitement of starting small and eventually seeing myself improve throughout the semester. Kind of like an underdog, someone you wouldn’t expect, but turned out to be great after all. Even though I recognized my biggest enemy is myself, and that I am shy and always in my comfort zone, if I want to do something, I really go for it and I work hard for it. I strive to become someone better and not to be the best. If we strive to become better, we constantly improve, rather than staying dormant at the top. I’m looking forward to further develop my skills and qualities along this journey. As a future development communicator, I wanted to become a more effective writer to disseminate reliable information for my intended audience and to help through writing. It may sound cliché, but I can’t wait to see what would be the future me. Who knows? Maybe I’ll become a great writer after all.

Strive for continuous improvement, instead of perfection.

Kim Collins

It is overwhelming to feel all at once the feeling of certainty and unfamiliarity; the certainty of being here yet the lingering feeling of unfamiliarity. When I was in high school, I’ve always been excited to go to college. Little do I know that such eagerness isn’t enough to bring out the best in me, not enough to fuel me week by week. Being here in this institution after a month made me see that studying here in the first place already speaks for a lot of things, hence, the challenge lies of making the stay here fruitful. Here are the 5 lessons that I’m always reminding myself as I face not only the academic challenges, but also the role of being an Iskolar.

Take things at your own pace.
Nothing’s wrong with taking things at your own pace; true enough, college isn’t a race. The honor student who you used to be in high school may be an average student in the university. Doubts, pressure, and failures are inevitable but you must not let it eat you up. You must not allow yourself to be affected by other people whom you feel is performing better than you; keep in mind that the only competitor you have is no other than yourself – and you being here, is more than enough reason to pick yourself up again.

Always come to class prepared.
Every time you wake up each morning, you don’t have an exact idea of what will happen in your day – just like college! It is a whole new world compared to high school. It is not a place where lessons are spoon fed nor where deadlines and exams are always reminded. Hence, being responsible, attentive, and aware are just some of the skills that you need to sharpen. Doing so can bring out the best in you! Better take things seriously than to regret it at the end.

Learn how to balance.
Academics, family, social life, and mental health: these are just some of the things that needs to be balanced throughout your life. It might sound simple, but apparently, as you grow older, one aspect tends to be more demanding hence leading to a one aspect thet is somehow being overlooked. Time management, therefore, is essential. Knowing which aspect you need to focus on is the key for your success not only in one aspect but generally, in life.

Get out from your comfort zones.
College is like an eye opener to life’s realities. One might be even surprised with how diverse the people are here. Therefore, maximize the time you have while you are here! Learning and meeting people in college doesn’t end with the four corners of your classroom. There are lot of opportunities that you can grab in the university alone. Build strong relationships with your first classmates, attend seminars or film-showings, know different organizations that fits your interest and the likes. Not only it will widen your connections but it will also pave way for your personal growth.

Allot time for yourself.
Last but not the least, find time for yourself. College life is truthfully draining but all the efforts you have given would be meaningless if you let it actually drain you. Don’t forget to take a break whenever you need to; take naps, watch a movie, eat your comfort food, play your sport, breath! Nothing is more important than securing your health, because for whom is this success after all? For you.

There are just some things in in our life we really cannot live without. May it be your favorite sport, hobby, and the likes. The same goes with Devcom students who in one way or another cannot function at their best without the things listed below.

Smartphone
Do you need to contact a primary source? Are you required to submit actual footage or documentations of an event, or maybe a record of an interview? What about a map to determine where to gather information? Well, here is the answer to such worries – smartphone it is! I cannot emphasize how essential is this as a Devcom student. Truly, good things come in small packages!

Powerbank
Having an extra battery life is a must. What’t the use of your smartphone if it ends up being dead in the middle of an interview? With a powerbank on hand, the life of our handy buddy can be stretched out to address the different needs we have in whatever situation.

Pen and Paper
Ideas literally pop up any time, any where. This classic duo is literally everyone’s buddy when it comes to jotting down lecture notes, random musings, new learning or even information found in streets! Every story starts with these two. As a Devcom student, it is important to be able to craft a story that is timely and worthy. Who knows maybe that one idea that just accidentally crossed your mind is your pot of gold?

Planner
Published stories doesn’t come in an instant. Behind the success of it are the many hours of preparation, research, and data gathering. A planner allows one to effectively maximize time not only doing academics but in also allotting time for events, interview, and visits to different institutions; necessary procedures in coming up with relevant and worth-sharing topics. You wouldn’t want to miss that interview or seminar that you’ve waited for eagerly!

Laptop
At the end of the day, a laptop is a Devcom student’s best friend – a witness to every process that each output undergoes before submission. All the drafting, editing, and research makes this tool a necessity. With its numerous features, it allows one to easily multitask and therefore provides convenience.

Along these things, a Devcom student must also have great amounts of perseverance, patience, and passion. Take note of these and you’re more than good to go!

Data gathering is inevitable in the lives of Devcom students. It may be through questionnaires, interviews, online resources, and the likes. As such, going to different places in search for information is just the beginning for the pursuit of a story. During these times, the need to converse with new people is necessary – you may either meet approachable people, or sometimes, strict ones. Nevertheless, what matters is your drive and preparedness to communicate with them effectively.

Working in groups, we were tasked to create a community directory by collecting information from different barangays – for us, on Barangay Anos. Certainly, we also wanted to get the bonus point by collecting information from Barangay Bagong Silang, which is relatively far compared with the other barangays. But sometimes, working with new people can surprise you, especially with their bright ideas. One of my group mates thought of going to the municipal hall to collect data of the two barangays all at once. Without any assurance, we pushed through it and we successfully obtained the basic information. To maximize the time, we also went to Barangay Anos to obtain the further bonus details.

In line with this our group, Polaris, came up with some tips that would help the next batch of CDC freshmen shine just like the stars as well.

Be patient and polite always.
Understand that all the people whom you approached in search for information are also busy; they have their own jobs too. Don’t rush them as if you’re the only one whom they need to attend to. Keep in mind that by being polite and patient, you are able to establish a good impression as a Devcom student likewise create a connection. Who knows that you might also meet them again as you search for data in the future years?

Always be prepared: bring your ID, a formal letter for requesting data if necessary, and some conversation skills.
Nothing beats a person who is prepared! As a student, it is important to always have your ID especially when you visit different places; it is the first step to prove your identity and authenticity. Secondly, keep in mind that a formal letter is like a key to a treasure box; through it, you can really be able to gather valuable information while also manifesting professionalism. Lastly, there’s no room for being afraid to communicate! Know that without you talking and explaining, you can’t be able to obtain information at all.

Don’t be scared to ask people for directions and tips. The older Devcom students and jeepney drivers can help you a lot.
Being clueless at first regarding whom to talk to or where to go is normal but you must not settle with that! Nothing’s wrong with seeking for assistance or asking for the basics. Sometimes they really provide answers to the things you’re looking for.

Create a contingency plan. It will help you a lot if your first plan will fail.
Having one plan alone is critical. The importance of knowing the next steps to take when one didn’t work out assures you success no matter the circumstances. Through this, you may be able to make use of your time efficiently!