EIGHTY-THREE YEARS ago, a few brave men lit the flame. They took their pens and papers as weapons and made their own marks in the institution within an institution. The torch was handed down from one volume to another, and with such pride and honor, I can say, I was once one of the torch bearers who had the responsibility to keep the fire alive and burning in the heart of every Bedan who, in one way or another, was part of this rewarding journey.
Today, as I walk down the memory lane, I still fail to acknowledge that it has been a decade ago since The Bedan Vol. 72 first saw print. It seems like it was only yesterday when we were college students running to our classrooms, coming from overnight presswork without any sleep, no fresh uniforms or any bath for the day. The brainstorming of article lists, events to cover, debating our editorial stance and setting deadlines are still all but a vivid memory. The juggling of schoolwork and press duties as a student journalist still sends chills down my spine even now, reminding me of the pressure involved.
“…The Bedan is, and will always be, each and every one of us.”
Even with the struggles, The Bedan has also opened countless doors for me. I remember the honor of representing our school at a Model United Nations conference in Indonesia, an experience that shaped my perspective and confidence. Then, when I exited through the red gate, my very first boss hired me as a fresh graduate, recognizing the skills I had honed as an editor of the college publication. These experiences not only equipped me for the challenges of the corporate world but also instilled in me the values that The Bedan represents. As I reflect on these moments, I realize that The Bedan is more than just a publication; it is a foundation that prepared me for life’s challenges, urging me to stand tall, speak out, and make my mark on the world.
But looking back at what the past 10 years have brought, I see how quickly time has changed us. I no longer pull all-nighters, worrying about the long-term effects of stress. I cannot leave the house without a proper bath and some skin and hair care before facing the world. As sad as it is, I’m no longer writing articles for readers’ consumption; instead, I find myself drafting countless emails at work. San Beda College, as we have long called it, is now proudly San Beda University. When the pandemic hit, all face-to face classes shifted online.
My experiences in The Bedan have not only shaped who I am but also provided a lens through which I’ve witnessed the profound evolution of the world and student journalism is one I wish to highlight. This field has transformed dramatically, moving from traditional print formats to the digital landscape we navigate today. While the tools and platforms have changed, the essence of storytelling remains the same. We have transitioned from ink-stained hands to computers and instant online publishing, allowing us to share our voices with a broader audience.
However, with this evolution comes the responsibility to uphold journalistic integrity and to remain vigilant against misinformation especially with the make-or-break role of social media. As our current student journalists embrace these new tools, I hope you remember that your role is not only to inform but to educate and empower your readers. Above all, remain true to the values of our beloved publication for it is these principles that will guide you through your journey, both in journalism and in life: In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.
Even through all these years, if there is one thing that has not changed and must not no matter what, it is The Bedan. The Bedan is brave. It does not crumble in face of hardships. It listens to the unheard stories and it makes sure it will be heard loud and clear. It is a reflection of true freedom and is the voice of the truth. It will point out what is wrong and reports what is right. No matter how long it gets, so long as there is paper and pen, The Bedan will stand. Like the Drummer boy, The Bedan is, and will always be, each and every one of us.
Editor’s Note: In celebration of The Bedan‘s 83rd anniversary, the Board published a series of unabridged, unedited pieces from editors of previous volumes, highlighting the publication’s rich history and its impact in shaping the voice of the Bedan community.