The other side of the story: Losing, learning lessons

Survival of the fittest. This is how I would describe the National Schools Press Conference.

Annually, the NSPC gathers the best elementary and high school campus journalists in the Philippines, with only the Top 7 contestants in each category declared as winners.

It is not an easy task. It is a challenge, and our greatest contender is ourselves.

Champions are not made overnight. Perseverance, skill, passion and discipline are key.

My JOURNey started when I was in Grade 4. I joined the school paper without any idea of what it was and was only encouraged because they were giving away a free book.

I was exposed to various categories, and being a documentary personality became my greatest dream by the time I graduated from elementary.

In high school, I was never the favorite. I was chosen to join the regional press conference in 2006 although I didn’t join the Division Schools Press Conference (DSPC) because my school paper had no choice.

From being a news writer, I became a feature writer real quick.

I didn’t win the DSPC in my senior year due to technicalities but I rose from the ashes as I wrote my legacy to become the 2009 NSPC Feature Writing (Filipino) champion.

Never did I imagine that I would be back to writing since I embraced my job as a preschool teacher. After nine years, I’m back in the NSPC, this time not as a contestant but as an SPA, which is more difficult, I tell you.

This year, I failed yet again. Our school paper didn’t make it to NSPC’s Top 7.

However, I’m still proud of my EIC and staff for working hard just to produce a school paper not just for requirements.

After all, NSPC is not just about competing but about producing journalists with hearts rather than skills.

I would often say to my journalists: “Pag minahal niyo ang Journ, mamahalin rin kayo nito pabalik. Keep writing and dreaming.”