Shekinah Jedidiah Alima 

Unlike other Explained PH editors and staffers that I look up to, I did not join the organization after I won a prestigious campus journalism award. Rather, it found me right after my devastating loss from the 2024 NCR Regional Schools Press Conference. It marked the last year of my confab tilt, it marked the most painful end of my JOURNey - but with SPEAK UP, another one began. 


Prior to my life as Explained PH’s News Editor, I served as a campus journalist for seven years and spent three of them serving as the Editor-in-Chief of my former student publication. I also joined Explained PH’s online press conference in 2020. I joined Feature Writing but I lost. Little did I know, I will get into the same organization that provided me a platform to compete at the comfort of my home.

In grade 12, I lost at Feature Writing in the district level - the category I loved so dearly ever since I was in elementary. However, I won in the News Writing category in my first time competing and that changed the trajectory of my life. I told myself I wanted to reach the national level when I won 2nd place among 120 news writers in Quezon City’s division confab and worked so hard for that silly little dream. I trained and trained until my peers would tell me “Sa school ka na nakatira.” I knew I had to make it, I knew it was the last chance I had. However, at my 2nd time at the regional stage, I lost. I failed. I smiled at my seat during the awarding ceremony, but I shed tears quietly. On our way home, all I could do was put my head down and cry. I cried for a day that I even skipped a La Union trip with my family. It was not just losing. It is as if I disappointed my younger self, the people who supported me, and my future self because I could not give her our dream. 

And that is when I found SPEAK UP, Explained PH’s campus journalism community. I joined the group hoping that I could have something to hold onto, to remind me that I was once a campus journalist. To my surprise, our Editor-in-Chief, Archie Begosa personally offered me a chance to join the prestigious organization. I was shaking when I read his message. Without any hesitation, I made a leap of faith and became a news volunteer, and after several months of training, became their news editor. It is something that challenged my discipline and determination to serve the masses without chasing for a reward. There were times that I had to write news right after waking up, and revise my article until midnight. 

My news article, published a day after joining Explained PH.

When Explained PH welcomed me, I did not receive a letter or any formal document. It sent me to Rappler Headquarters to attend the AI Disruptions and Surviving Crisis forum where I personally had the chance to listen to Maria Ressa who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021. That day saved me because I was struggling to cope with depression at that time. When I met a person I never knew I could, I knew I was on the right path. It gave me hope, it made me feel special and capable. It gave me a sense of pride, and I realized that I can do anything if I grow together with the organization. 

My first time representing Explained PH where I met Maria Ressa. 

NSPC did not dictate my future - but it became a part of my future. With Explained PH, I became one of the NSPC 2024 coverage team. The same stage I was not able to step in was the first big event I remotely covered as a volunteer. The coverage was so special to me that I worked on my article while I was lining up for my college enrollment at UP Manila. I broke the news and I did not let the noise bother me; working on my cell phone and mobile data alone did not stop me. All I put in mind was campus journalists and school paper advisers from the country anticipated for the results and I had to perform my duty accurately and professionally. 

My 2024 NSPC coverage article. 

During my stay with Explained PH, my first onsite coverage came, my first online forum happened, and my first time meeting my fellow editors followed. We also helped Philippine schools from the United Arab Emirates to launch their publication through a series of workshops.  However, something that absolutely shaped my character was when I welcomed the first batch of news volunteers under my supervision last September 2024. Leading them is one of the most challenging things I have ever done because I am not leading people within my campus anymore. I am leading such talented and amazing young news writers from all over the Philippines - some of them are even NSPC winners. It left me astounded and speechless at first, but with courage and bravery, we are all growing and learning from each other now. As I am helping them grow, I pushed myself to do my best and also learn more about news writing. I knew that to lead is to be a good example, so I did everything I could to show them how it’s done, and I was able to do it thanks to our Managing Editor, my ate Bless Ogerio. From writing news stories for the sake of competing, I am now writing to serve the people. That is when I realized that I became a writer my younger self would be proud of.

Welcoming the new batch of news volunteers last September, 2024. 

I did not find the fulfillment in making it to the NSPC, but it is found within the strength of leading national winners when you thought you are not good enough. Indeed, Explained PH made me realize that my worth is not found with the title I have - because they have already found me worthy even before I am able to prove them anything. Being a news editor is more than just a title. It paved the way for me to meet so many amazing campus journalists that inspired me to reach my limits in the name of delivering stories that can make a change. 

Today, I am no longer the loser I thought I was. I am made worthy because of Explained PH who gave me another chance to restart a JOURNey. I found a home that knows no distance, difference or title. Explained PH is a home and  I hope that every campus journalist finds this sense of purpose, joy and belonging. A purpose that will be engraved in our hearts and lead us to greater heights in our lives. I hope that campus journalists can realize early in their JOURNey that life does not end when you do not make it to the nationals. Rather, it is just beginning and as for me - it all began with the SPEAK UP community who welcomed me so warmly. 

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In celebration of Explained PH Month this April, we are publishing series of essays that commemorates our half a decade of impact.