Peryodismo: Overcoming the pressure of being a journalism student

JOURNALISM is not a walk in the park. It is viewed by some as a demanding and stressful program in college. 

From workloads full of written articles, reporting, and tight deadlines, to the whole course’s expectations.

For those aspiring to be future journalists, the common issues students may face are stigmatization, intimidation, and cyberbullying, which are prevalent in this field. These are probably some of the many reasons why it becomes overwhelming most of the time.

Nevertheless, journalism is indeed the cornerstone of democracy. It is intense because of the breadth and weight of the role assigned to this profession. 

Journalism students’ perspectives

Lyene Marie Darang, 22, a 4th-year BA Journalism student, currently a news writer at ‘The Communicator’ and the inducted president of the ‘DZMC-Young Communicators’ Guild’, shared her passion in this field. 

“I was in 5th grade when I realized this was what I wanted to do. Like many, I was a campus journalist who trained endlessly and competed for most years of high school life. I really can’t grasp a deep reason why I chose this field, but so far, my only realization is that— this is the only field I’m fine struggling with. Okay lang na mahirapan ako, basta nandito ako,” she said.

She also mentioned being a bachelor’s student when it comes to participating in an organization. She tried everything that required speaking, such as impromptu speeches, hosting, commentators, and even writing countless essays and scripts.

As someone who is certain in this program, she has a different sentiment about being pressured: “It’s not the kind of pressure rooting from what you thought you’d proven. Hindi siya galing sa dapat galingan palagi kasi hindi naman na ‘to pagalingan. Pressure comes from constantly having to evolve and mold yourself to be a true public servant.” 

For others, it is petrifying, but for her, it is something she is used to already. “You just do what you ought to do, and that’s it. Plus, not everything is about you and your work. That shrugs a ton on the weight of a supposed pressure.” she said. 

Meanwhile, IJ Sarabia, 22, a 4th-year journalism student, has been actively participating in communication-based programs, where she is a senior literary writer in ‘The Communicator’ and a community writer in ‘The Catalyst’, the official student publication of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. 

“One of our journalistic principles is to always be truthful. Taking this course made me more cautious with the information that I absorb and relay. I would still get conscious of the credibility of my stories even if I have fact-checked these several times and sometimes be worried if one story would have negative effects.” Sarabia explains when asked about the factor that makes her feel pressured in this program.

However, engaging herself in writing articles and embracing new beginnings is her way of coping with pressure. 

“Entering journalism is entering the principle to serve the people through whatever ways that we can. So explore new things. Try and practice, dive into the depths of the unthinkable. Be where you’re not comfortable. Because great things are where great people are.”

This is her constant reminder, not only to herself but to others as well.  

Overcoming the pressure in journalism

Patricia Lanzagarita, 23, graduated in the program of BA Journalism, is a former Editor-in-Chief of ‘The Communicator’ and also the VP for Externals of the PUP Journalism Guild, and is currently working in Art+ Magazine as an arts and culture correspondent.

As a journalism student herself, she understands the pressure that students might have felt in this program; however, even after feeling that, she was still dedicated to catering thoughts while providing a better understanding of this field. “Actually, I think the essence of journalism programs varies from person to person based on their interests,” she said. 

She also added: “I think there is a middle ground where we all stand and believe that this is the real essence of it. Other people might say “gasgas na ito” but I think journalism is a real vocation. It is about service. To amplify the voices of the unheard, because they actually have their voice, they are not voiceless; they just need the platform to amplify their messages, and that is us as journalism students.”

Lanzagarita lamented that the classroom setting contributes to pressure in this field, with the lack of equipment, lack of proper classrooms, and even lack of staff can compromise learning capability.

On the other hand, she also stated that the current state of press freedom in the country is one of the major reasons why students feel immense pressure.

Furthermore, she still emphasizes her advice for students who feel pressure: “Always fill your cup first. While learning, complete yourself first. You can’t give what you don’t have. Always stay grounded. Know what you want to do, know your purpose, know your mission, and stay grounded on it. Lastly, hold the line for press freedom. Despite these challenges, please know that you’re not alone in fighting for genuine press freedom. Always hold the line.”

Trisha Anne Nabor, 22, graduated in the program of BA Journalism, is a volunteer staff member of PinoyMedia Center Inc. (PMC), a correspondent for Pinoy Weekly, and a staff member for Film Weekly.

She shared three things that journalism students must do to overcome the pressure of being journalism students:

1. Take things one day at a time. Don’t overthink each task you do–just do it and let the results flow naturally. As long as you’re doing what you can, it’ll turn out great.

Knowing your abilities and capabilities will help you in overcoming the pressure because it only means that you believe in yourself, together with shortcomings and your competence to set your feet back on the floor. 

Understanding that you don’t need to rush things out will make things easier for your mental and emotional health, and will refine your skills even more. 

2. Focus on improving your skills. See each task as an opportunity for you to become better. It doesn’t have to be perfect all the time. Take note of your shortcomings and apply them to your next tasks at hand.

Not everyone is given the opportunity, so if there’s a way for you to enhance your skills; may it be by joining an organization or accomplishing the courses’ tasks – grab it now. By doing those things you could develop your weaknesses into strengths.

No one starts that already knows everything, there’s always a phase for error and mistake, however, constant attempts regardless of the failures will bring out the best in you.  

3. Never compare yourself to others and instead, always remember why you’re doing all these in the first place.

Don’t do such an action that could make you unhappy and unsatisfied. Go with your phase. Focus on your journey to become something you can be proud of. 

Remember your purpose on why despite the challenges and failures you are still walking in this path. Understand that it has always been a fight with yourself not with anyone else.

The life of a journalism student can be extraordinary for two good reasons: challenging yourself and discovering your identity. 

There’s no such thing as a shortcut to perfection. It always combines with pressure and doubts, but more than that, the learnings and journey itself. After all, it is always a process within ourselves. 

Purpose even under pressure

There’s no denying that being a journalism student can be both intriguing and stressful. The demands of this program produce immense pressure on youth. 

On the other hand, some students may be lucky that this program grew on them eventually and started to see themselves pursuing this career path, while some, unfortunately, find themselves under pressure—lost and letting the curse of wind blow them.

However, the pressure will definitely bring out the best in you. It may not be in the field where you’d once chosen, but it has a purpose in another career trajectory. The experiences you have earned even under coercion will not be wasted but instead will lead to discovering oneself.

After all, life is not a race. Life must be a journey, not a competition against time or with anyone. 

With reports from Merry Nizza Llanto