In Focus 1

From Passion to Purpose: The Story Behind Storytellers

Every campus journalist has a “why,” a reason that shapes both their identity and sense of purpose. Bringing into focus the official publication of the University of Santo Tomas (UST), The Varsitarian, as five campus journalists share their whys.

The step that started it all
The path of journalism is ingrained in their system for some, starting as a passion for writing or merely a pursued dream. Ralent Penilla, Special Reports’ editor, shares that being a campus journalist was a dream that started growing up.

Alexandra Demaisip, a writer for News and Special Reports, shares that her passion for writing and her experience as a campus journalist since high school sparked her desire to join a campus publication in college. Similarly, Jed Gocatek, Layout editor, shares that campus journalism has been a part of his life since high school, bringing him to become a part of The Varsitarian.

Entering a profession without knowledge or experience is a risky step for most. For Valkyrie Bueno, a Features writer, being a campus journalist tests her writing skills, which become a valuable practice before entering the industry. Angelo Palma, Special Reports’ writer, shares similar sentiments as a journalism student.

Practicing the craft
Through writing and joining a campus publication, you enter a world where similar passions and interests merge. As Bueno stated, it’s the best way to find people with whom she would possibly work with in the future.

Gocatek expressed how campus journalism became an avenue for him to express himself, stating that, “I view campus journalism as an avenue to expand what I know … and become a more productive member of the campus as a whole.”

In their work, these journalists not only serve their community through the stories they tell, but they also deepen and refine their morals and critical thinking to fully serve the public.

Driven by purpose
What started as a mere “I’m passionate about writing” and “I wanted to see myself on TV” has gone far beyond when student journalists begin to see a path for why they are doing what they’re doing.

As Demaisip stated, “Stories [are] one of the most powerful things that could move a country, or move the world.”

Journalists, student or professional, continue to write stories that matter, and through this, it further deepens their understanding of their identities and responsibilities.

From Passion to Purpose: The Story Behind Storytellers

Every campus journalist has a “why,” a reason that shapes both their identity and sense of purpose. Bringing into focus the official publication of the University of Santo Tomas (UST), The Varsitarian, as five campus journalists share their whys.

The step that started it all
The path of journalism is ingrained in their system for some, starting as a passion for writing or merely a pursued dream. Ralent Penilla, Special Reports’ editor, shares that being a campus journalist was a dream that started growing up.

Alexandra Demaisip, a writer for News and Special Reports, shares that her passion for writing and her experience as a campus journalist since high school sparked her desire to join a campus publication in college. Similarly, Jed Gocatek, Layout editor, shares that campus journalism has been a part of his life since high school, bringing him to become a part of The Varsitarian.

Entering a profession without knowledge or experience is a risky step for most. For Valkyrie Bueno, a Features writer, being a campus journalist tests her writing skills, which become a valuable practice before entering the industry. Angelo Palma, Special Reports’ writer, shares similar sentiments as a journalism student.

Practicing the craft
Through writing and joining a campus publication, you enter a world where similar passions and interests merge. As Bueno stated, it’s the best way to find people with whom she would possibly work with in the future.

Gocatek expressed how campus journalism became an avenue for him to express himself, stating that, “I view campus journalism as an avenue to expand what I know … and become a more productive member of the campus as a whole.”

In their work, these journalists not only serve their community through the stories they tell, but they also deepen and refine their morals and critical thinking to fully serve the public.

Driven by purpose
What started as a mere “I’m passionate about writing” and “I wanted to see myself on TV” has gone far beyond when student journalists begin to see a path for why they are doing what they’re doing.

As Demaisip stated, “Stories [are] one of the most powerful things that could move a country, or move the world.”

Journalists, student or professional, continue to write stories that matter, and through this, it further deepens their understanding of their identities and responsibilities.

From Passion to Purpose: The Story Behind Storytellers

Every campus journalist has a “why,” a reason that shapes both their identity and sense of purpose. Bringing into focus the official publication of the University of Santo Tomas (UST), The Varsitarian, as five campus journalists share their whys.

The step that started it all
The path of journalism is ingrained in their system for some, starting as a passion for writing or merely a pursued dream. Ralent Penilla, Special Reports’ editor, shares that being a campus journalist was a dream that started growing up.

Alexandra Demaisip, a writer for News and Special Reports, shares that her passion for writing and her experience as a campus journalist since high school sparked her desire to join a campus publication in college. Similarly, Jed Gocatek, Layout editor, shares that campus journalism has been a part of his life since high school, bringing him to become a part of The Varsitarian.

Entering a profession without knowledge or experience is a risky step for most. For Valkyrie Bueno, a Features writer, being a campus journalist tests her writing skills, which become a valuable practice before entering the industry. Angelo Palma, Special Reports’ writer, shares similar sentiments as a journalism student.

Practicing the craft
Through writing and joining a campus publication, you enter a world where similar passions and interests merge. As Bueno stated, it’s the best way to find people with whom she would possibly work with in the future.

Gocatek expressed how campus journalism became an avenue for him to express himself, stating that, “I view campus journalism as an avenue to expand what I know … and become a more productive member of the campus as a whole.”

In their work, these journalists not only serve their community through the stories they tell, but they also deepen and refine their morals and critical thinking to fully serve the public.

Driven by purpose
What started as a mere “I’m passionate about writing” and “I wanted to see myself on TV” has gone far beyond when student journalists begin to see a path for why they are doing what they’re doing.

As Demaisip stated, “Stories [are] one of the most powerful things that could move a country, or move the world.”

Journalists, student or professional, continue to write stories that matter, and through this, it further deepens their understanding of their identities and responsibilities.

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