Being a graduating student in a pandemic required to finish a pre-requisite practicum in a purely virtual venue is no walk in the park.
There are times you want to throw your hands in the air and say, “Screw it.”
And there are days when you feel optimistic after an interview and then you get the rejection e-mail in its most courteous version.
But then you get interviewed by the editor of a news site that writes about every good news related to the Philippines and its people.
Growing up in a household that valued news, I have always had a fascination with journalism. This is why I took up BA in Communication to pursue a career in the field and Good News Pilipinas offered me the first step toward that dream.
When my first article was published, I felt so giddy at the thought of being a ‘published writer’. I am finally among those I only looked up to as a child.
Of course, with it, came the pressure of duty, at the same time the fulfillment of a dream.
My first article about the World Hip-hop Dance Championships challenged me in every way possible.
I got re-edit notes as long as EDSA’s traffic during rush hour and I messaged people literally on air for fact-checking purposes. A truly humbling and overwhelming first experience.
In the following days, I believe I learned my lesson as my notes were not as long as the previous one. Did I also mention my first two stories were in the top 5 of ALL the stories on the site? It was pretty surreal and it felt like I was imagining it, but I’m not.
There were days I doubted the stories I was writing but would get praised by my editor as soon as I submitted them.
Then there were stories that I feel strongly about but the world does not agree and it’s definitely okay. The purpose was to let it be known no matter how unpopular it may get; all things take time.
As weeks went by, I struggled to find good newsworthy stories about the Philippines. Let’s be honest, we aren’t exactly at our best right now.
But with it came the realization that I was a light in a very dark place. All these bad things happened and I managed to find stories to be proud of the Philippines, the Filipino people, and our culture.
The Virtual Internship Program of GNP saved me in, I think, every way possible. I’m not going to deny that it was a rollercoaster ride but I would not have it any other way.
I have ignited a stronger passion for journalism and story-telling with the opportunities and platform GNP has given me and I am forever thankful for that.
Adversities this pandemic caused spared no one but this very important period in the earth’s time has taught me to value and look forward to good things surrounding me.
That is my very important personal reflection heavily influenced by GNP’s Virtual Internship Program.
READ MORE: Three things I learned as a Virtual Intern at Good News Pilipinas
FIND OUT MORE How to Become a VIP at GNP here.
WATCH Martina’s Day In a Life of a VIP @ GNP here and SHARE THIS STORY to encourage others to be Virtual Interns at Good News Pilipinas!
Good News Pilipinas is a Lasallian Scholarum Awardee. TELL US your good news story tips by messaging GoodNewsPilipinas.com on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or e-mail editor@goodnewspilipinas.com and WATCH Good News Pilipinas TV YouTube & Good News Pilipinas TikTok for more Filipino Pride stories!
