STEPPING out of the comforts of our beloved University is exciting as it is frightening. Many of us fresh graduates are eager to enter a new stage of our lives, while knowing deep down that four or five years of studying may not be enough to prepare us for the real world.
Still, there are certain experiences during our college life in which we learned lessons the hard way which could serve as our support for the uncertainties of life.
I found such experiences in the Varsitarian.
Lesson # 1: There will always be someone better than you.
Upon entering the Varsitarian, we were constantly reminded that passing a long process of exams and interviews did not necessarily mean we were the crème de la crème. To be sure, there are people out there who are better than us . True enough, getting out there means starting over again. There are times we may feel too proud of our attained degrees and honors but the thing is sometimes they don’t matter, because every person you meet knows something you don’t know.
Lesson # 2: Respect your superiors.
Working in a school publication means constant editing, be it an article, an artwork or a photograph. Most of the time, it is hard to edit your own work especially if you don’t entirely agree with your editor’s instructions. There’s the feeling of giving up one’s style and pride especially for a beginner. And there are situations when it’s difficult to follow someone who is either younger or of your same age.
As new graduates, we are encouraged to express ourselves and conquer the world with our ideas but society seems to be in contrast with that. There’s nothing wrong with starting at the bottom and listening to the authority even it clashes with your points of views. Feelings of bitterness and jealousy (or sometimes anger) for your superior may not be controlled, but at least respecting them will not make you less of a person. You’ll never know what impact they have made on you in the future.
Lesson # 3: Take risks.
Aside from the school paper and school works to be balanced, V staffers have other duties such as organizing events and activities. Being only a handful and despite meager workforce, we are often pushed to the limits especially during crunch time. There are situations in which we have to stand up and take responsibility of things that are way out of our league.
Keeping safe and staying in your comfort zone is not always the best option. Taking risks and owning up to a responsibility maybe scary and tiring but at the end of the day, it’s worth it.
Lesson # 4: Aspire and learn to accept defeat.
In this fast-paced life, we have the pressure that drives us to aspire for higher things and stand out. Unfortunately, there are things that are not meant for us, even if we feel we truly deserve them. Disappointment is nature’s way of testing our patience and forcing us how to handle things properly. If we wait enough, we will always gain more on what we have lost.
Lesson # 5: Take time to appreciate life and other people.
The amount of work and deadlines drain us too much that we tend to forget why we do it in the first place. The Varsitarian has always given us opportunities that also serve as breathers, to rediscover our passions through special coverages and assignments.
Take time to look back on the people who have guided you along the way and take time to relish the simple things such as great company or simple food trips.
After three years it still amazes me how a simple school publication became our second home and I am grateful to be a part of this family. I may not always apply these lessons in the future but still, thank you V for everything you’ve taught us.
It’s time to give way to the new ones to start their journey with the Varsitarian, but even though mine ended, it will be the one for keeps.
