CHAPTER 1 - VOICE OF THE UNHEARD
IN A WORLD where silence too often prevailed, I dared to challenge the status quo.
The buzz of my phone signaled the beginning of a digital revolution. It's a notification from The Voice of Arrionian's Official Facebook page—a platform where students can freely voice out their concerns and grievances about the school's administration.
I opened the post, and there it was, a lengthy column I wrote about the discrimination that happened during the acquaintance party.
We urge the school admin to listen to their LGBTQ+ students and work with them to create a safer and more welcoming environment. It's time to take a stand for human rights and make sure that all students feel valued and respected, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
I couldn't help but nod my head in some comments while reading it. I clicked the "Share" button and let out a sigh of relief.
Sabi ni Itay noon, campus journalism is petty. Hindi naman maia-apply after college. I chuckled as I remembered that. I stood up from the chair, grabbed my bag and made my way out of TVOA's office.
I walked down the crowded hallway, and the music of gossip from people talking about the posted column drowned out the noise of the heavy rain outside.
As a journalist, you have to be a listener first. I learned it early on in my journey as a writer. Listening to the stories of people, understanding their struggles, and giving them a voice makes journalism so powerful.
For us, it only takes a single voice to spark a movement that can change an entire system. That's why when I heard about what happened, I knew I had to write a column about it. Dahil kung walang magsasalita... hindi sila maririnig.
Besides, it is frustrating and disheartening to witness the discrimination and lack of acceptance from the school administration toward our LGBTQ+ peers.
How can they not understand the importance of respecting individuality and embracing diversity? It's this kind of narrow-mindedness that fuels harmful stereotypes and prejudices.
For a moment, I was lost in my own hate towards the school administration. I took deep breaths, trying to calm my nerves, before I pushed open the door to our classroom.
Mahigpit ang hawak ko sa strap ng aking backpack nang tuluyan akong makapasok sa classroom namin. Wala ni isa sa kanila ang tinapunan ako ng tingin at ganoon din naman ako sa kanila. Isa lamang itong ordinaryong araw sa kanila kaya't walang nakapapansin ng presensya ko, liban na lang kung may kailangan sila sa akin.
Ibinaba ko ang kulay dilaw kong Fjallraven Kanken backpack saka kinuha roon ang aking white na file case. I took all the news articles that I needed to proofread and check.
It was a daily routine whenever I arrive early at school. Kung ang mga kaklase ko ay busy sa walang kwentang pakikipag tsismisan sa umaga, mas nakaugalian ko namang ubusin ang oras na sinasayang nila sa mas makabuluhang bagay.
Well, time is not a luxury we all can afford. I needed to manage my time well to be more productive, even in my free time.
I can't just gossip with my classmates during breaks or linger after class, pretending to be busy with my phone. No, I have to use every minute wisely.
I'm a working student, and time is a luxury. I can't afford to waste any of it. I have juggled classes, work, and extracurricular activities while trying to maintain some semblance of social life.
Oo, malungkot madalas. Always rushing from one thing to the next, never taking a break. But I don't have a choice. I have to work hard to achieve my dreams, to create a better life for myself and my family. And so, I manage my time ruthlessly, squeezing every last drop out of each precious minute.
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