Looking Back: A Journey in the College of Communication of Polytechnic University of the Philippines
Journey. Graduation.
Based on the Oxford Dictionary, it means “the receiving or conferring of an academic degree or diploma.” But graduation is also a representation of one’s journey toward the attainment of an academic goal.
A graduating student can not only feel the excitement, pride, and anticipation for the mark of their 4-year journey but also loss, discouragement, and fear.
One can feel loss and fear due to the changes that will happen in their life after graduation. The transition from being a student to being a full-grown adult who will face the real world is somewhat scary. The responsibility of paying their bills, making big decisions, and doing other “adult” things will be their top priority after they graduate.
Looking Back: A Journey in the College of Communication of Polytechnic University of the Philippines
But before they face the real world after graduation, let us look back to the journey they experienced in the College of Communication at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.
A few students from the College of Communication shared a glimpse of their stories on campus.
Kyla Morano, from the Bachelor of Arts in Journalism program, shared that her most memorable experience was the night classes when their block was the only section left on campus.
She also mentioned that during these times, some of the students are eager to go home while others invite each other for dinner.
Before the pandemic started, some of the classes in the College of Communication lasted until 10 in the evening.
Kyla is one of the students who enjoyed staying up late on campus and then still eating dinner with her blockmates after classes.
On the other hand, Department of Advertising and Public Relations student Kara Janer’s most memorable experience is one of the events that was held during her freshman year: COC’s anniversary’s Color Fun Run.
This event is one of the highlights for the graduating COC students since this is the only big event they have experienced on campus.
While John Anthony Nasam shared that the most memorable experience for him was the first-ever face-to-face class that was held after the ockdown.
He also mentioned that it was refreshing to see his classmates in COC after more than two years.
Every student has something that they will miss on their campus after they graduate. For Kyla, she will miss the “food trip” every break and the noise from the other students. She also mentioned that “it somehow feels COC” every time these happen.
This is similar to Kara and Anthony’s answers. Kara mentioned that she will miss the noise of the hallway every time she is on campus.
While Anthony also mentioned that the overall vibe of the campus is one thing he will miss. He added that he will “not forget how empowering and liberating it is to be in COC.”
Things they have learned in the college
In everything, people learn something. Kyla learned from being a COC student to be diverse and confident in all aspects. Kara learned that it is okay to express yourself the way you want to. Meanwhile, Anthony mentioned that he learned to be brave by discovering himself deeper.
From these, we can see how the College of Communication helps its students know more about themselves. They allow students to grow and let them express who they are. This is important for the students, especially after college, when they will be facing more challenges in life.
These three students also shared a word that will sum up their journey in COC.
For Kyla, it’s “vibrant.”
She mentioned, “I take pride as a COCian, as COC has always been alive and welcoming. I always cherish the opportunity that I got to experience conversing with the community before the pandemic. It has been an exciting journey thanks to the enthusiastic and warm people.”
For Kara, the word is “pride.”
She explained, “It is my pride and honor na sa COC ako nakapag-aral, and the support that the college has for the LGBTQIA+ community is undying, kaya mas nakakahanga talaga ‘yung college.”
While for Anthony, the word is “empowering”.
Anthony explained, “Before I came to COC, I was lost and a bit confused about who I was.” Entering COC marked the beginning of my self-discovery. Our college has always been known as the loudest and most colorful in the university.
And that alone can explain how empowering it is to be in COC — seeing a diverse group of communication students who are bold and passionate about the way they express themselves. That has reflected within me and allowed me to unfold my identity without having any doubt or fear of judgment.”
Every student at the College faces different challenges in life. But for Anthony, the college was a stepping stone for his “self-discovery.” The college is known for being gender-inclusive. Students have the freedom to express themselves.
In the four years on campus, one thing highlighted was how the College opened an opportunity for these students to feel more empowered and liberated.
The College of Communication does not only mold students academically; it also molds students to become a better version of themselves.
Students have different ways of telling their college stories. Students can share these stories, including all the happy moments, sad moments, exciting moments, or others. But one thing they will not forget are the people who were with them during these times.
