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 DevCom?

I have always loved to write. I wasn’t much of a reader really because well, you’re expected to be one, too, if you like writing. But I did want to know techniques on how to write better, and to enhance whatever skill I had at that time. Highschool convinced me I wanted to be an author, a writer. So I enrolled myself in XU DevCom–I did not only learn a couple tricks thereafter, Do’s and Don’ts, but I left knowing a thing or two on broadcasting, editing, photography, among others. Because although I majored in Journalism, I am expected to know the basics as well of Educational Communication, which came handy along the way.

Tell us about your experience with the program.

At first, I didn’t really understand why DevCom is with the College of Agriculture because it “should” belong with the Arts and Sciences, right? (Not gonna tell you why though. You can do your research or better yet enroll in the college because why not?) But being with the program taught me and made me realize why it is the way it is, especially in today’s setting where many voices are being silenced for whatever-reasons-there-are. As a communicator then, you are taught effective ways to let your voice be heard. One way may not work for the other, and vice-versa. But it shouldn’t be a hindrance. You are supposed to be the bridge to get the message across. That’s what DevCom is to me.

Are you using what you learned in college after graduation?

Yes, specially in day-to-day transactions. I’d say people can’t go on a day without communication. Because of this course, I was able to talk to people from several walks of life. And what good has it done to me, you ask? It helped me communicate better. To empathize, not just sympathize. They say you can’t explain what you don’t understand. Mostly true, but I also think there are really those times when you know what you wanna say yet you can’t utter it. Perhaps, because you’re too shy or too afraid people will reject your idea. Still there sometimes, sure.

But DevCom taught me there are different ways to communicate–talking, texting, writing–inasmuch as there are many signals during communication–crossing of your arms, silence, etc. But I’m no expert, these are just a few of the things I learned which are still handy to me.

Would you recommend studying DevCom?

Surely. I started with saying “I love writing.” But after finishing the program, you’d be surprised to know that there’s more than it–that there’s more to love like video editing, broadcasting, etc., the things I mentioned earlier. That writing is just step one, and getting what you wrote be read and heard is way better. You familiarize yourself with societal issues, those which advocacies you think matter to you. Then you choose your stance on it. But perhaps you ask, how do you make the people listen to you? That’s where DevCom comes in.