TO DEFEND AND NOT TO OFFEND

“Just always remember that you know your paper more than anybody else. You can do it”, Miss Bello said. These lines were imparted in the nervous minds and hearts of the students as they present their final thesis.

One of the most anticipated Saturdays the 4th year Communication Arts students of St. Paul University Quezon City has finally arrived. The 2 semesters of a trial and error researching has come to an end as they defended their thesis last November 19, 2016 at the different rooms around the SPUQC campus.

Before the final day, Miss Bello, one of the thesis advisers gave an inspiring message to her students. “This is it! You’ve worked hard for this and the final thing you have to do is to defend it.”, she said with a proud voice.

The morning of the most awaited date was filled with anxiety and excitement. Everybody was busy preparing—some went to the Chapel, while others were doing final editing in their powerpoints. Sweet messages of “good lucks” and tight hugs also lifted the spirits of the Comm students. When the clock ticked at 8am, the 1st set of researchers started their presentations. As an hour goes by, the number of students who have defended their papers have increased. Moreover, happiness and delight were felt along the corridors.

While others were worrisome, Paula Fuentes, a member of one of the groups that defended first said, “ako nga chill lang eh. Di na ako kinakabahan. (I’m just relaxed. I’m not nervous anymore)”. She stressed out how much she knows her paper and that there wasn’t a need to be pressured. Her statement gave hopes to the other graduating students.

As the defense closes, cheerful students left the campus knowing that everybody passed. However, the final grade will be given by their respective thesis advisers on the first week of December. Everybody had their fingers-crossed for a high grade.