{"id":841,"date":"2025-11-28T18:47:10","date_gmt":"2025-11-28T18:47:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/beyondthestories.site\/?page_id=841"},"modified":"2026-04-20T16:31:52","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T16:31:52","slug":"in-focus-ep1","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/beyondthestories.site\/iteration3\/in-focus\/in-focus-ep1\/","title":{"rendered":"In Focus 1"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"841\" class=\"elementor elementor-841\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f3441a3 elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-hidden-mobile e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"f3441a3\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1885562 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"1885562\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-50078ae e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"50078ae\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3c4d9f9 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"3c4d9f9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtube.com\\\/shorts\\\/9LtwexGVWw8?feature=share&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-169d27c elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-hidden-mobile e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"169d27c\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4cf4a16 elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"4cf4a16\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/beyondthestories.site\/iteration3\/in-focus\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-arrow-left\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M257.5 445.1l-22.2 22.2c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0L7 273c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9L201.4 44.7c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l22.2 22.2c9.5 9.5 9.3 25-.4 34.3L136.6 216H424c13.3 0 24 10.7 24 24v32c0 13.3-10.7 24-24 24H136.6l120.5 114.8c9.8 9.3 10 24.8.4 34.3z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dfa0f9f elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"dfa0f9f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/beyondthestories.site\/iteration3\/in-focus\/in-focus-ep2\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-arrow-right\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M190.5 66.9l22.2-22.2c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0L441 239c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9L246.6 467.3c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-22.2-22.2c-9.5-9.5-9.3-25 .4-34.3L311.4 296H24c-13.3 0-24-10.7-24-24v-32c0-13.3 10.7-24 24-24h287.4L190.9 101.2c-9.8-9.3-10-24.8-.4-34.3z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b8c9f0a e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"b8c9f0a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-421412b elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"421412b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1750\" height=\"416\" src=\"https:\/\/beyondthestories.site\/iteration3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ARTICLE-BANNER-1-1.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-3035\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/beyondthestories.site\/iteration3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ARTICLE-BANNER-1-1.jpg 1750w, https:\/\/beyondthestories.site\/iteration3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ARTICLE-BANNER-1-1-300x71.jpg 300w, https:\/\/beyondthestories.site\/iteration3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ARTICLE-BANNER-1-1-1024x243.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/beyondthestories.site\/iteration3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ARTICLE-BANNER-1-1-768x183.jpg 768w, https:\/\/beyondthestories.site\/iteration3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ARTICLE-BANNER-1-1-1536x365.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1750px) 100vw, 1750px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4ec3d86 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4ec3d86\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Every campus journalist has a \u201cwhy,\u201d a reason that shapes both their identity and sense of purpose. Bringing into focus the official publication of the University of Santo Tomas (UST), <strong>The Varsitarian<\/strong>, as five campus journalists share their whys.<\/p><p><strong>The step that started it all<\/strong><br \/>The path of journalism is ingrained in their system for some, starting as a passion for writing or merely a pursued dream. <strong>Ralent Penilla<\/strong>, Special Reports&#8217; editor, shares that being a campus journalist was a dream that started growing up.<\/p><p><strong>Alexandra Demaisip<\/strong>, 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, <strong>Jed Gocatek<\/strong>, 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.<\/p><p>Entering a profession without knowledge or experience is a risky step for most. For <strong>Valkyrie Bueno<\/strong>, a Features writer, being a campus journalist tests her writing skills, which become a valuable practice before entering the industry. <strong>Angelo Palma<\/strong>, Special Reports\u2019 writer, shares similar sentiments as a journalism student.<\/p><p><strong>Practicing the craft<\/strong><br \/>Through writing and joining a campus publication, you enter a world where similar passions and interests merge. As Bueno stated, it\u2019s the best way to find people with whom she would possibly work with in the future.<\/p><p>Gocatek expressed how campus journalism became an avenue for him to express himself, stating that, \u201cI view campus journalism as an avenue to expand what I know \u2026 and become a more productive member of the campus as a whole.\u201d<\/p><p>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.<\/p><p><strong>Driven by purpose<\/strong><br \/>What started as a mere \u201cI\u2019m passionate about writing\u201d and \u201cI wanted to see myself on TV\u201d has gone far beyond when student journalists begin to see a path for why they are doing what they\u2019re doing.<\/p><p>As Demaisip stated, \u201cStories [are] one of the most powerful things that could move a country, or move the world.\u201d<\/p><p>Journalists, student or professional, continue to write stories that matter, and through this, it further deepens their understanding of their identities and responsibilities.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-73ea84d elementor-hidden-desktop elementor-hidden-mobile e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"73ea84d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-35b5dd4 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"35b5dd4\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-80ef5cb elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"80ef5cb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1750\" height=\"416\" src=\"https:\/\/beyondthestories.site\/iteration3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ARTICLE-BANNER-1-1.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-3035\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/beyondthestories.site\/iteration3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ARTICLE-BANNER-1-1.jpg 1750w, https:\/\/beyondthestories.site\/iteration3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ARTICLE-BANNER-1-1-300x71.jpg 300w, https:\/\/beyondthestories.site\/iteration3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ARTICLE-BANNER-1-1-1024x243.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/beyondthestories.site\/iteration3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ARTICLE-BANNER-1-1-768x183.jpg 768w, https:\/\/beyondthestories.site\/iteration3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ARTICLE-BANNER-1-1-1536x365.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1750px) 100vw, 1750px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0403091 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"0403091\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8e98631 elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"8e98631\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/beyondthestories.site\/iteration3\/in-focus\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-arrow-left\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M257.5 445.1l-22.2 22.2c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0L7 273c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9L201.4 44.7c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l22.2 22.2c9.5 9.5 9.3 25-.4 34.3L136.6 216H424c13.3 0 24 10.7 24 24v32c0 13.3-10.7 24-24 24H136.6l120.5 114.8c9.8 9.3 10 24.8.4 34.3z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8933139 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget-tablet__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"8933139\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtube.com\\\/shorts\\\/9LtwexGVWw8?feature=share&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b8c6550 elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"b8c6550\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/beyondthestories.site\/iteration3\/in-focus\/in-focus-ep2\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-arrow-right\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M190.5 66.9l22.2-22.2c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0L441 239c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9L246.6 467.3c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-22.2-22.2c-9.5-9.5-9.3-25 .4-34.3L311.4 296H24c-13.3 0-24-10.7-24-24v-32c0-13.3 10.7-24 24-24h287.4L190.9 101.2c-9.8-9.3-10-24.8-.4-34.3z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-13d5fb5 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"13d5fb5\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-07af00f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"07af00f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Every campus journalist has a \u201cwhy,\u201d a reason that shapes both their identity and sense of purpose. Bringing into focus the official publication of the University of Santo Tomas (UST), <strong>The Varsitarian<\/strong>, as five campus journalists share their whys.<\/p><p><strong>The step that started it all<\/strong><br \/>The path of journalism is ingrained in their system for some, starting as a passion for writing or merely a pursued dream. <strong>Ralent Penilla<\/strong>, Special Reports&#8217; editor, shares that being a campus journalist was a dream that started growing up.<\/p><p><strong>Alexandra Demaisip<\/strong>, 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, <strong>Jed Gocatek<\/strong>, 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.<\/p><p>Entering a profession without knowledge or experience is a risky step for most. For <strong>Valkyrie Bueno<\/strong>, a Features writer, being a campus journalist tests her writing skills, which become a valuable practice before entering the industry. <strong>Angelo Palma<\/strong>, Special Reports\u2019 writer, shares similar sentiments as a journalism student.<\/p><p><strong>Practicing the craft<\/strong><br \/>Through writing and joining a campus publication, you enter a world where similar passions and interests merge. As Bueno stated, it\u2019s the best way to find people with whom she would possibly work with in the future.<\/p><p>Gocatek expressed how campus journalism became an avenue for him to express himself, stating that, \u201cI view campus journalism as an avenue to expand what I know \u2026 and become a more productive member of the campus as a whole.\u201d<\/p><p>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.<\/p><p><strong>Driven by purpose<\/strong><br \/>What started as a mere \u201cI\u2019m passionate about writing\u201d and \u201cI wanted to see myself on TV\u201d has gone far beyond when student journalists begin to see a path for why they are doing what they\u2019re doing.<\/p><p>As Demaisip stated, \u201cStories [are] one of the most powerful things that could move a country, or move the world.\u201d<\/p><p>Journalists, student or professional, continue to write stories that matter, and through this, it further deepens their understanding of their identities and responsibilities.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-877d27d elementor-hidden-desktop elementor-hidden-tablet e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"877d27d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5adb959 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"5adb959\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a1b336f e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"a1b336f\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2bf0c7a elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget-tablet__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"2bf0c7a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtube.com\\\/shorts\\\/9LtwexGVWw8?feature=share&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a0860ab elementor-hidden-desktop elementor-hidden-tablet e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"a0860ab\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4dabf5f elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"4dabf5f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/beyondthestories.site\/iteration3\/in-focus\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-arrow-left\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M257.5 445.1l-22.2 22.2c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0L7 273c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9L201.4 44.7c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l22.2 22.2c9.5 9.5 9.3 25-.4 34.3L136.6 216H424c13.3 0 24 10.7 24 24v32c0 13.3-10.7 24-24 24H136.6l120.5 114.8c9.8 9.3 10 24.8.4 34.3z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bd261e5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"bd261e5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/beyondthestories.site\/iteration3\/in-focus\/in-focus-ep2\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-arrow-right\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M190.5 66.9l22.2-22.2c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0L441 239c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9L246.6 467.3c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-22.2-22.2c-9.5-9.5-9.3-25 .4-34.3L311.4 296H24c-13.3 0-24-10.7-24-24v-32c0-13.3 10.7-24 24-24h287.4L190.9 101.2c-9.8-9.3-10-24.8-.4-34.3z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7ab2fd1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"7ab2fd1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1750\" height=\"416\" src=\"https:\/\/beyondthestories.site\/iteration3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ARTICLE-BANNER-1-1.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-3035\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/beyondthestories.site\/iteration3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ARTICLE-BANNER-1-1.jpg 1750w, https:\/\/beyondthestories.site\/iteration3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ARTICLE-BANNER-1-1-300x71.jpg 300w, https:\/\/beyondthestories.site\/iteration3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ARTICLE-BANNER-1-1-1024x243.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/beyondthestories.site\/iteration3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ARTICLE-BANNER-1-1-768x183.jpg 768w, https:\/\/beyondthestories.site\/iteration3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ARTICLE-BANNER-1-1-1536x365.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1750px) 100vw, 1750px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-50f360c e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"50f360c\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b57c4ff elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b57c4ff\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Every campus journalist has a \u201cwhy,\u201d a reason that shapes both their identity and sense of purpose. Bringing into focus the official publication of the University of Santo Tomas (UST), <strong>The Varsitarian<\/strong>, as five campus journalists share their whys.<\/p><p><strong>The step that started it all<\/strong><br \/>The path of journalism is ingrained in their system for some, starting as a passion for writing or merely a pursued dream. <strong>Ralent Penilla<\/strong>, Special Reports&#8217; editor, shares that being a campus journalist was a dream that started growing up.<\/p><p><strong>Alexandra Demaisip<\/strong>, 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, <strong>Jed Gocatek<\/strong>, 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.<\/p><p>Entering a profession without knowledge or experience is a risky step for most. For <strong>Valkyrie Bueno<\/strong>, a Features writer, being a campus journalist tests her writing skills, which become a valuable practice before entering the industry. <strong>Angelo Palma<\/strong>, Special Reports\u2019 writer, shares similar sentiments as a journalism student.<\/p><p><strong>Practicing the craft<\/strong><br \/>Through writing and joining a campus publication, you enter a world where similar passions and interests merge. As Bueno stated, it\u2019s the best way to find people with whom she would possibly work with in the future.<\/p><p>Gocatek expressed how campus journalism became an avenue for him to express himself, stating that, \u201cI view campus journalism as an avenue to expand what I know \u2026 and become a more productive member of the campus as a whole.\u201d<\/p><p>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.<\/p><p><strong>Driven by purpose<\/strong><br \/>What started as a mere \u201cI\u2019m passionate about writing\u201d and \u201cI wanted to see myself on TV\u201d has gone far beyond when student journalists begin to see a path for why they are doing what they\u2019re doing.<\/p><p>As Demaisip stated, \u201cStories [are] one of the most powerful things that could move a country, or move the world.\u201d<\/p><p>Journalists, student or professional, continue to write stories that matter, and through this, it further deepens their understanding of their identities and responsibilities.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1c61f66 elementor-hidden-desktop elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-hidden-mobile e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"1c61f66\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bd69e33 elementor-hidden-desktop elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-hidden-mobile elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"bd69e33\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<script>\r\ndocument.addEventListener(\"scroll\", function() {\r\n    const header = document.querySelector(\"#ast-desktop-header\");\r\n    if (window.scrollY > 20) {\r\n        header.classList.add(\"scrolled\");\r\n    } else {\r\n        header.classList.remove(\"scrolled\");\r\n    }\r\n});\r\n<\/script>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>https:\/\/youtube.com\/shorts\/9LtwexGVWw8?feature=share Every campus journalist has a \u201cwhy,\u201d a reason that shapes both their identity and sense of purpose. 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