I am not a seer or prophet. I do not have the ability to look farther than the myopic eyes of a 50+ year old person. But I believe that given the number of years that I’ve dealt with people of all ages, nationalities, socio economic backgrounds and demographics I might as well lay on the line what I think about the future of a bunch of young people who practically occupied my sights in four years of teaching. I couldn’t imagine how one faculty remarked that if those young women and men were to finish their academic degrees in Journalism (this March 2008) they will be majoring in “Maaliw!” Gosh, that was indeed a compliment. But kidding aside what do we have here?
It is now but a couple of days before the first batch of Journalism students at the University of the East, Manila will earn their diploma – hoping, in my heart that they earned something that not only sharpened their skills but also increased their love for humanity.
There is always a funny guy. So let me start with Lemuel. As a freshman student, I noticed this young man to be quiet with a very reserved smile. I can recall that he probably didn’t smile at all during that time. He was one of my class biddles in that computer class way back in 2004. Well, there was nothing remarkable about what he did in that class. Not much though. During subsequent semesters after that, Lemuel slowly but steadily showed how he can handle the requirements (at that time, he was frequently partnered with Brooke). At a certain point, he also brought in a Dawn staffer, Rob, who since then decided to stay in our journalism classes. Then, pretty Aiza came into the picture. What a lovely couple they are. Being a serious student with a sense of humour, I can see Lem becoming a successful sports writer in a major daily. He would have to work hard at it though, cuz I also can see that somehow he would have to facechallenges coming up from his editor. He can also be a good teacher. His class reports have generally been instructive. I can also see that Lem will build a family together with Aiza and they will live happily ever after.
Also a guy who began as some quiet person was Eleazar. I can still picture that young man with the big round eyes, beatle hair style, who didn’t really talk much in class. But I saw in him a serious purpose. He always tried to do his best in most school work. And he punctuates this with his loud voice. His whisper is even louder than my lectures! He’s a master of the disappearing act – being in class when the weather is bad and out of it when the weather is good! Though I haven’t seen him do so, I was told that he comes all the way from Bulacan not to attend class but to spend his dough in computer games and smokes. I liked his positive outlook. Imagine his wordpress article already dreaming about graduating this March! Looks too presumptuous. But watch out. I see this guy being busy with a career that combines his knowledge in journalism, research, and computers (cuz he is an on line game addict). This career is in teaching probably and I guess he will be successful in it.
Those were the two macho boys. Now let’s talk about the pretty girls.
Babylene came a sem late in the batch. She was a shiftee from an accounting degree. But I am happy that she is here and blended well in the batch. Like most of the other students, Bebs loves music and she is a member of an alternative band. Beb’s quiet personality belies a quick sense of learning – quick to pick up lessons that are only explained once. She is quite adept at writing short but substantial articles as shown in her class outputs. I can see Beb become a writer and critique of a music magazine. As a working student, I can see her also handling a full time job in her profession and also a full time job nurturing a family. Bebs has a relaxed disposition and this trait will be part of her future success in journalism.
Farrah was an original 2004 student. From a mixture of broadcasting and journalism students in that computer class, I did not imagine that this young girl from Isabela would want to be a journalist. Okay, we’re all guilty of stereotyping but I thought, Farrah would have taken a course in the medical field! But I was wrong. I learned soon enough that she can’t stand the sight of blood. Well, there is no immunity from this fact, I once told her, cuz a reporter’s beat can bring one to crime scene or a maternity ward. During the past four years, I saw in Farrah a kind of seriousness in whatever it was that she was doing – whether it’s going on vacation, romance, or school work. This aspect I confirmed when she finished off several shots of liquor and red wine and was able to walk straight. I admire Farrah for that. After March 2008, Farrah will probably take a break in her hometown. But I am sure, she will come back and become a counsellor of romantics in trouble. I can see that writing cases and resolutions about relationships is what Farrah will be doing and I encourage her to take a graduate degree in psychology. If and when, she gets fine with her long time boyfriend, she can become a good mum and despite adversities – she will walk straight ahead.
Riza was in my computer class too. Like most journalism students who I knew from way back, Riza is a quiet and serious student. One vivid incident that I can recall was when she tried to say goodbye to UE and journalism by becoming a lady cop. Imagine, she was set to go the police academy. While I did not discourage her to pursue her dreams, I admonished her to think well about her decision. I was happy when she relented and resumed her goal of completing the course. Now Riza, with her quiet ways, has shown a steady improvement in her class outputs. And that went on consistently throughout. Her ability to pick up lessons well had been evident. I can see Riza becoming someone who will be helping her family as a successful journalist in the scientific field. She had been adept in expressing her thoughts in the science and technical writing classes and I am sure she will be successful in with that. With her love of family, Riza is all set to become a good mum, too.
Khem, usually the last in the alphabetical list, was actually not the last in terms of charm and performance. She is the counterpart of Lem, being the comedienne of the class! She takes everything in stride thinking positively that things will work out well in the end. Despite being teased frequently, I have not seen her lose her cool or become sensitive to the point of feeling sorry for herself. This was evident having suffered from life threatening health problems in her childhood and overcoming them with flying colours. Khem’s smiling face and happy disposition always rubs off in class and (together with Lem and Eleazar) they can enliven the class (and social events) with their spontaneity. I can see Khem taking up further studies since she had been a consistent Dean’s lister. This bright girl with the ready smile can become a good trainer. Her personality and ability combines well for a human resource type of work. I can also see her become a mother of twins or triplets some time in the future.
And Joba the svelte girl with the strange name but alluring personality had been the student who showed much energy and vitality. I never saw her in low bat mode! Most of my early recollection about her was her consistent request to be excused due to athletic practice or competition. I believed in her because despite her multi tasking activity, she has also been a consistent scholar. Now, she has a part time job teaching young adults in linguistics. In the computer class, I remember her approach me several times about her schedule and asking permission to be excused. From the beginning I admired that attitude – to be open and to be happy with whatever life is treating her. Her behaviour, fashion taste, organizational sense, and attitude, I once told her, are standards that she can use to adapt well in other countries. Having said that, I don’t think that Joba is the marrying kind. She will be “married” to her profession while enjoying a life of travel and top level socialization. I can see Joba as a writer or editor of a fashion or women’s magazine. She can also be in the foreign service – as press attaché. Or she can become a world renowned literary writer. She already has the requisite qualification – an avowed coffee addict (with or without alcohol!) and a good taste of fine wine.
Well, I can actually go on. But let me take a pause until the next article. Good luck and God bless to everyone. Do not forget those of your batch who have lagged behind or given up along the way.