How it was like to graduate in 1978 with a Journalism degree

Left photo: Left most guy is political science, middle psychology who took up law and is now a partner in a major law firm, the rightmost guy is you know who. Right picture is a party in a Spanish class.

After a frenzy of serious college work interspersed with fun moments, every potential student looks forward to finishing the course after satisfying all its requirements.

Different generations have different issues to face. That was, somehow, reviewed in the course “history of journalism.” In the Spanish colonial period – there was no “journalism” then the way it is known today. And there were no journalism schools, then. Though in the United States, it was said that there were journalism schools then back in the 1860”s!

But how did the writers then face the issues when Spain ruled the islands? Via the colonial firing squad? Then how about the American colonial period? How did the newspaper writers face the issues? In prison walls? At least, that time, facing the firing squad was an honourable way to go. And being charged with libel and imprisoned was also quite honourable.

After World War II, there had been relative peace and democracy, though the social and political climate was controlled much by the Americans – through the various treaties that many critics say were one sided. Then in the early 70’s, the then President declared martial law “to save the republic.” Well, at this time, most knew that was all bullshit. He simply wanted to remain in power for as long as he can! And steal as much as he can! (Why is it that many presidents in third world countries wanted to remain in that office forever? Beats me.)

My older brod nominated the leftmost woman, now Dr. Elena Pernia, present Dean of the College of Mass Communication, in the UP ROTC annual presentation of sponsors.

That was the scenario that prevailed when I graduated in 1978. Many of my batchmates, of course, were asking the same question – what problems are we going to face? Martial law has sent journalists to jail and provided an excuse for some to execute them – but not in the same numbers as the current administration. So what was the future that lay ahead for new journalism graduates?

Ok look for the stranger that you came to know after 30 years

As far as I can recall, at least for my batch, they were not daunted much by the prospect of limited freedom and the possibility of its curtailment. Many indeed had decided to join mainstream media. I still am aware of one girl, who until now is a lifestyle editor at Malaya publications – the then alternative press in those days.

Some joined government and sought to fulfil their dreams of “service to the people” through the various programmes that it implements. There is a distinct quality to this tact since the graduates continue to immerse themselves with problems of the common people and hope that what they are doing will form part of the solution. Of course, again, there was limitation on the content and further analysis normally needed to tackle a huge problem such as poverty reduction. Pointing fingers at those who really contribute to that problem (i.e. the government) was moderated to a great extent. But somehow, there were occasions that cannot be avoided.

Then of course, one problem then (as it is now) was the relative low income that journalists receive (unless of course, one becomes a “talent” in broadcast journalism or an owner of a publication!). Searching for an ideal or practical pay scale has remained elusive for many.

But as they say, it is the passion, the tenacity, the semi celebrity status (by lines in newspapers or your face as field reporters on television) and the artistic and literary talent that will attract students to become journalists, despite the problems!

The passion to apply our skills to benefit others (well, I hope so!)

Reminder of the past