“This course is not actually my first choice,” is what I would often answer to the question, “Why (did you choose) AB Communication?” when I first entered the program. I first took up marketing management before settling for communication. It was not my plan to pursue AB Communication as I thought it would be best to stay practical, so I first went with the business program, where there is still at least a hint of media through marketing. I was somehow not content with what I was learning from my first course, going through it with regret that I am not pursuing a program that I am genuinely enticed about. So I shifted to communications, where I know I will eventually learn marketing as a subject as well as the other key aspects that make media what it is today, while also sticking to learning what I like the most: photography and media. Practical considerations and personal circumstances are critically important, but they could also make you realize what you are genuinely driven about and can’t let go of. That is media and communications for me. I may be a year behind and would not graduate earlier than expected, but I am happy that I took my time to learn what I really love.
It is somehow relieving that the university has made the curriculum of the program as explorative as it is at the moment. As a typical college student who questions their skills and capabilities more often than not halfway through their progress—the usual “Am I doing it right?”, “Am I on the right path?”, and “Do I really have the competence to pursue this?”—I appreciate the effort of the program to have their students have more opportunities in the industry by equipping them with knowledge in the different areas of media. If you asked me three years ago why I took AB Communication, I’d probably be determined to answer, “Because I want to pursue photography as a profession.” But if you ask me now what I’d want to pursue after graduating, I’d just say anything from media production, or maybe artist or event management—wherever my skills would fit best. It might not be as clear and certain as what my answer would have been before, and that’s totally okay. I am in this never-ending process of learning, and I am yet to discover my strong suit.
Anyone can lose their way. All you need is the courage to walk this unfamiliar and daunting path again.
I did not shift because I thought the course would be easy, but I have always heard about the oversimplified images of the course and how it is often taken for granted. Some claim that taking up communication is a piece of cake. Communication majors are often underestimated, degrading our skills when, in fact, everything we are tasked with is also hard work, especially with the emerging world of media today. The first year was okay since it was mostly for introductions to the different sides of media. The second year was fun and challenging because it focused more on studying theories of communication and media laws and ethics. Then comes the third year. There was more pulling of all-nighters because of the elevating demands of the major subjects, and this is where it dawned on me that AB Communication is not as simple as everybody else thought. You also need to work on your personality, monitor your credibility, and most importantly, you need to be adaptable and able to carry out any tasks assigned. It takes skills, talents, and intelligence. It is used for almost everything, and you must have it all. It is not an easy program—nothing is. But we won’t grow when it’s easy. If it does not challenge us, then we are neither changing nor growing.
There is no flower that blooms without being shaken.
My AB Communication journey has already come so far, yet there’s still a long way to go. As I continue to pursue my degree, I am constantly reminded of the importance of perseverance and dedication. The field of communication is vast and ever-evolving, and it requires a certain level of adaptability to keep up with the latest trends and technologies. But despite the challenges that come with this field, I remain committed to my goals and driven to succeed. Whether it’s through coursework, internships, or extracurricular activities, I am always looking for ways to enhance my skills and broaden my knowledge. And as I approach the end of my journey, I know that the experiences and lessons I have gained along the way will serve me well in whatever path I choose to take next.
When my little steps pile up, they will form a firm path one day.
Read more from Caithleen Allie Alonde here.
