Writers' Voyage: A Story of Hope

02

Meraki Writing Convention

Starting an introduction to an essay, a synopsis, a chapter, has this obligation to create a compelling first paragraph. Attention-grabbing, poignant, and diverting— something that every person who inscribes must contemplate.

The guest speakers who are accustomed to numerous writing formats might have thought about this for a long period of time now. All those ruminating hours they've spent for a single paragraph, simply want to deliver the truth, and to place their audience in great disposition upon reading their articles— these are truly qualified individuals to be the bearers of truth.

"—always verify your sources! You are all trained to be journalists, providers of factual information, and watchdogs over those who are in power. Hence, we have to perform data triangulation to not mislead the public."

After absorbing an array of discussions, guest speakers finally share their experiences. Some had fun-filled memories, others were caught in between choices. However, seeing them standing on stage, they may possibly have attained it in opposite directions or fought for what burns bright.

"Let us all welcome our first guest speaker, Miss April Avery!" pagpapakilala ng organizer.

"Good morning. I am April Avery, a fantasy writer on Wattpad, and currently have five published books. Hello! Kumusta kayo?"

A curly-haired woman, wearing a pastel strawberry dress saunters on stage. Praises echoed in the function hall as some students recognized her.

Nagsimula siyang magkwento sa kung paano siya sumali sa kaniyang college publication, kung ano ang kanilang mga ginagawa— ang proseso nito, kung paano makitungo ang mga kasama niya, at kung paanong pinagsisihan niya ito noong una.

She values her grades during that time at ang pagsali niya sa isang publication ay makahahati pa sa oras ng kaniyang pag-aaral.

"I remember, I have this old journal that I stumbled upon last time. Nabasa ko 'yung rant ko sa mga kasama ko at kaunting pagsisisi kung bakit ako sumali roon. Haha!" April chuckled while remembering those times.

"Noong una, nanibago talaga ako sa kanila dahil hindi nila alam ang personal space pero okay, haha! I was enjoying what I am doing there naman and they would help me kaya, syempre, need mag-adjust. And I was able to, eventually,"

"To be honest, hindi madali maging parte ng isang school pub if you can't multitask. Especially in college, dahil yung ibang prof talaga ay nantatambak ng gawain. I felt pressured that time dahil sabay-sabay talaga ang gawain."

April also shared their process and some tips in making an issue for the school pub. Natutuwa naman ang mga bata sa kaniyang pagk-kwento dahil may nakukuha silang styles at ideas.

The question forum is now open for the students to know more about April. One student from the other University stood and asked her. 

"Sabi niyo po kanina, you have five published books and I was fascinated by how you told us about your journey in your college publication. Now, I am curious kung sinulat mo rin po ba ang story niyo or like a story that tackles college life?"

Tahimik lang ang iba na naghihintay sa sagot niya. Pare-pareho lang din silang nahalina sa pagk-kwento ng author.

"Uhm, yes." April chuckled.

"I have this story on Wattpad, and it was also published last 2021. It's entitled Something Spectacular. I based the plot of it on my college publication journey. Doon ko rin nilagay yung struggles ko— namin haha!" She shared.

The students in the hall nod their heads to acknowledge her statement. May mga iba pang estudyante ang nagtanong sa kaniya patungkol sa kaniyang pagsusulat.

It was a fun experience for all of them, even for the organizers. They saw how interested the students, from different universities, were in the topic, and in their guest speaker. The first part of their convention went smoothly and was fun. The students learned a lot from the tips and experiences shared there.