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The essence of being a real journalist is achieved when you start working in the actual field, in the main stream. This thought alarmed me when our adviser and teacher in Management and Production of a Community Newspaper (DEVC116) announced that our class would be having a 50-hour On-The-Job-Training in Sun Star People’s Courier, a community newspaper here in Batangas City.I had mixed emotions, I felt excited and nervous at the same time. I didn’t know what I would do in the actual work and what experiences I might get from it. Being excited made me think that it could be a great opportunity for me to show off my talent. The experience would somehow teach me to be more passionate about my chosen career. On the other hand, the feeling of nervousness discourage me to work dedicatedly. With these emotions, I faced the challenge despite the seemed to be larger than life pressure.
On January 13, our first day in OJT started with an orientation conducted by Ms. Vicky Florendo, the general manager of Sun Star People’s Courier. She briefed us about the rules, conditions, and system of their company. She further emphasized our roles as correspondents of their newspaper and that is to perform responsibly and acquire news that the community demands. I, along with my two other classmates, set our schedule of duty on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The other two scheduled theirs half day on Monday and Tuesday.
Since it was our first day, we were told to produce news stories without assigned beats. It was up to us what strategy we would do to make up for it. Personally speaking, the job took me patience to be able to come out with stories. Despite the challenge of independence, I still tried to work on my own. Fortunately, before the day ended, I got the news and had them passed on time.
The next days, I came out with a feature story regarding Batangas Fiestas. I felt proud and happy because that was my first time to have a published article. It was a flattering chance seeing my by-line on one of the most prestigious community newspaper in Batangas. Definitely, I gained motivation from it and tried to keep patience on the work.
My feelings about the OJT still varied once in a while. Sometimes, I felt I should give up because I could not stand conducting interviews with different strange people. I found it boring to always go out and seek news-worthy stories. Amidst these thoughts, suddenly an alter ego would take me over. Something would remind me of being a responsible catalyst of change and noble public-servant. Then, the thrill of finding myself achieve magnanimous feats would change my perspectives. In retrospect, I was in total confusion—probably, due to lack in inspiration.
To continue on, I considered this training as a helpful requirement; not just because my grade was at stake but also it can make me a better person. Meanwhile, I had an interview with the Information Officer of Phil-Health Regional Office IV-B. To my surprise, my news was again published. In light with these little achievements, I obtained precious beads of inspirations.
Including in the 50-hour OJT were the lay-outing, encoding, newsgathering and copy reading and observation of the actual printing process. To be honest, these experiences were worth it. These gave me a taste of a journalist’s job.
As days elapsed, I was able to produce two more articles. The total of my outputs was not enough to suffice the quota—12 articles. Perhaps, I was also lacking in dedication. What I was after that was just to consume my remaining working hours: an idea which I believe exuded immaturity.
I am just grateful because Ma’am Vicky still let me pass the OJT. Hopefully, this will reinforce me to work harder next time. What I do now is that I cherish the lessons I learned from that experience and apply them in my present dealings. I know I can make a difference and better deeds for myself and others.
Just like what I needed from the start, every chance of improving myself will become my inspiration. Everyday will be my new start to fix the wrong things I made in the past.
By: Ronald Cena
Hi Ronald! Do you happen to know the contact details: telephone numbers or emails of Sun Star People’s Courier? I work for an advertising agency and would like to know how can I get in touch with Batangas’ community newspaper. Hope you can help me?