WHAT A JOURNey - The Tradesman holds Staff Hunt '23; 19 aspirants grace qualifying test, interview

Sumulong. Manindigan. Magmulat.

As 19 student-journalists of Samar State University (SSU) embraced the challenge of the last two phases of the Staff Hunt 2023: The Search for Tradesman Scribes and Creatives, this mantra has been revitalized and reignited the journalistic spirit within College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Academic Building Audiovisual Center, Friday, September 8.

Conquering the simultaneous qualifying test and interview, aspirants proved themselves as worthy of a spot in the university’s official student publication through their skills, passion, and experiences as campus journalists.

Sumulong

In his opening message, Associate Editor-in-Chief Julio Laberon Jr. acknowledged and described the university as “a wellspring of diverse voices, unique narratives, and untapped potential” and that the screening was a platform for unlocking potentials to serve the university.

“Today is your chance to show off your leadership skills, your excellence in journalism, set an example for discipline, and to serve Samar State University,” said Laberon.

“Today is your opportunity to become part of a legacy that transcends the pages of our publication and resonates with the very spirit of our institution,” he added.

Manindigan

From 38 online pre-registrants, 19 out of 21 qualifiers for the said last two phases graced the said event.

For the qualifying test, applicants for news writing, science and technology writing, sports writing, editorial cartooning, photojournalism, layout designing were provided an hour to finish their entries while for digital illustration and video editing, two hours were provided.

Meanwhile, The Tradesman Editor-in-Chief Precious Grace Nery, Associate Editor-in-Chief Julio Laberon Jr., and the different section editors and heads served as the interviewers during the third phase.

Magmulat

As the screening concluded, EIC Nery underscored in her closing remarks, the significant role of a journalist as a torchbearer of truth and public service.

“As journalists, we should hold the line until the very end— for the truth and for the people,” she expressed.

The EIC also expressed her gratitude to the publication’s section heads and editors, staffers, adviser Alfrevilyn G. Dasig, and VP for Student Affairs and Services, Engr. Ma. Lourdes P. Amante, who supported and shared time and effort for the success of the said staff hunt.

She then recognized the courage and dedication of the Tradesman aspirants whom she described as “the ones who made this event very successful.”

“Most of all, to the ones who made this event very successful, our courageous Tradesman aspirants who dared to step forward as heralds of truth, not just within our university but for our entire nation,” said Nery.

“As this day draws to a close, whether you find your name among the chosen or not, I hope that you go home with smiles on your faces, brimming with pride for your great efforts today. You stepped out of your comfort zone, you took a bold risk, and that’s all that matters,” she added.

List of passers is to be unveiled this weekend on the official Facebook page of The Tradesman.