In this series of blog postings, we feature our alumni as they talk about their experience being in the program as well as their unforgettable moments as former XU DevCom students.

Why did you choose XU DevCom?

I was qualified for the National School Press Conference 2013 under the Radio Broadcasting (English) category back in High School. From that experience and with burning passion, I decided to take a course that  will enable me to continually engage myself in the field of journalism. In addition, I’ve always looked forward to study in XU due to my parents’ influence. Thus, considering both factors led me to choose XU DevCom.

Tell us about your experience with the program.

My experience in DevCom unleashed  three versions of myself- a writer, a leader and a communicator.  First, a writer. I was not so interested with writing until  DevCom offered a summer writeshop which paved the way for my first article published on XU Communication’s website and eventually led me to write articles for the university’s publication.

Second, a leader. I am a shiftee. I only know few people from my batch and our department until I was randomly offered to run for the position of Second Year Representative back in 2014. I pondered it would be a great avenue for me to get to know my batchmates and the department itself. Unfortunately, I lost the elections.

Despite my defeat, I was appointed as the associate volunteer development head of DevComSoc. The appointment, not only made me fall in love with volunteerism, but gave me opportunities to grow.

Since the appointment, I was always picked to lead in most of our group projects: puppet show, social marketing campaign, thesis, seminars in development communication etc. Amidst being chosen, my Devcom experience never failed to remind me that leadership is not about the title.  It’s how you become beneficial to others and help others become beneficial to others, as well.

Lastly, a communicator. The key to a successful project is  not to come up with innovative ideas alone, but to know what your target audience needs as well through communication. You need to know the cause first before doing things with a good cause. My experience in our major subjects: communication strategies, community broadcasting, photography, tv production, allowed me to immerse in various communities, get to know their culture, deal with diverse people and exposed me to fieldwork. Above all, it allowed me to share my skills in addressing the issues of such communities.

What is your current job?

I am a public servant (CSWD and Sangguniang Kabataan Member of Barangay Bulua).

Are you using what you learned in college?

As a public servant, I was able to utilize the skills that I was able to acquire when it comes to identifying the needs of my community, organizing events along with my fellow public servants to help solve those needs and documenting every event in my community. Above all, upon building rapport between the people in my community and me through applying what I learned in one of my subjects: Interpersonal Communication.

Would you recommend studying DevCom?

Studying Development Communication is highly recommended, for it is a program that helps in addressing the issues of our society. In addition, it is a program that enables students to implement change within our society. Above all, it instills in the students’ mindset the capabilities of them, becoming catalysts of change for the struggling communities.