Introduce yourself - Name, ID #, specialization. You may specify why that is your chosen specialization. - Hello, My name is Raine Albino! I’M ID 121 under the program AB Literature Major in Literary and Cultural Studies. I decided on this specialization because it aligns with my interests: (1) art, (2) literature, (3) learning about diverse languages and cultures as well as exploring the interrelations between them with human society, and (4) delving further into the Philippine literary world. Plus, it’s really mind-boggling how much this course encompasses multiple fields of study hence, I never stop learning—which is why I adore it a whole lot!
Why did you choose Literature? Was this your first choice? (If you shifted, what course did you come from and why did you shift?) - The AB Literature course in DLSU was indeed my first choice because I resonated with the art of writing and would love to reconnect with reading more literature beyond just entertainment or aesthetics. I want to understand and recognize the deeper meanings of language structures and how they thrive in the mundane (and big parts of life). In this field, I get to dive into my curiosities by experimenting with my voice in writing and translating both creative and theoretical-based literary works, and reading new materials curated and/or created by our lovely literature professors.
How is your experience with your Majors? - So far, my experience with my major subjects have been fulfilling and incredibly humbling. For the first few terms, I struggled with keeping my drive, self-confidence, and patience intact with what I’m studying. Theories are scary when you don’t understand them as quickly as you would like but it is rewarding once you do. Your perspective can shift, widen, and be more welcoming to new ideologies or concepts which helps you read texts with flexibility. As I progressed, my majors became more enjoyable as I took my time and lessened my stubborn perfectionism.
What’s the most challenging so far? - I admittedly have doubts in my role as a writer and if I am deserving of my place as a literature major however, once I knew what I liked and practiced consistently—everything slowly made sense. This is because my favorite moment in my majors was when I opened up to my fellow literature majors, both Creative Writing and Literary and Cultural Studies people, as they all are my motivation and anchor in the rough waves of university life. It is challenging to stay afloat but if you swim with trust and of course, good company…you’ll make it.
What’s your advice for incoming Lit Majors? How to survive subjects? Orgs? Opportunities? - For those who are interested or to those who have already boarded the train to be a Lit major, I’ll tell you this: be your authentic self always. It will help so much especially in the most challenging times in your minors or majors. As a Lit major, you have to be ready to write and read constantly, routinely. It won’t always be fun and readings can pile up but this discipline will be your guide in being a well-read and articulate individual. What’s amazing about the literature department and your fellow Lit majors is that we will always see, hear, and help each other out. We will encourage each other to keep going, to be artistic and critical, and to try everything out whether it’s for academics or for fun. Surviving university life as a whole also would require you to live. What I mean about that is that you should be adventurous with your skills, forgiving in honing your weaknesses, and taking needed breaks as balance. An embrace of both work and play! Join organizations, figure out which feels right, has your values and interests, and will be of very good support to you. Remember that each opportunity will spring another one, so don’t be afraid to accept them or reject them because you will have your time. Lastly, keep doing what you love, what gives you comfort, and what is reliable with yourself or with the important people in your life in and out of college. You don’t have to give up your social life for academics nor will you leave your academics behind for social life. It’s overwhelming and a rocky road ahead but sticking to your core values and safe spaces will be promising and essentially, serene.
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