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?

Honestly, it was a matter of my mom suggesting the course to me. I was hell-bent on taking a science course for undergrad but XU wasn’t offering a Physics course so I went ahead and took her suggestion since I’ve always had a vague interest in media and had to enroll in XU.

Tell us about your experience with the program

I was a very timid kid coming into college. I kept to myself and avoided conversation if I could. I did like putting together edits on my own but only for my own consumption. I think being in DevCom— in the company of different types of people, many of whom from totally different backgrounds— allowed me to express myself in my work without apprehension. One of the most important things that I’ve learned and that I’m still able to apply to what I do today is to think in the shoes of my audience when I create any kind of media. Every once in a while, I take time to step back and ponder whether or not this film, or that poster, or this PSA that I’m doing is serving a real purpose and not just adding to the noise. Having done immersions, meeting communities and actually listening to them helped me design my work within a context.

What is your current engagements now?

At the moment, I am an editor and animator for the Vox.com— a news and opinion website known for explainer videos. I work with my team remotely since most of them are in New York while I am the only one working from outside the US and am based back home in Cagayan de Oro.

Would you recommend studying DevCom?

I can only speak from my experience but if you’re one who has any interest in media—whether it’s film, or graphic design, or journalism, DevCom should help you find context and purpose for your work especially in these strange and uncertain times when we need more competent, brave, and conscientious communicators.