Not an easy task to survive the famous course: JM310 Editorial & Article Writing
When the third-year schedule came out, the first professor that I have to come across is not anyone but the famous Mr.Bruce Avasadanond, instructor of JM310 Editorial and Article Writing course.
“Be prepared. There will be lots of rule and work to deal with.”
Honestly, I have heard about Mr.Bruce and the course before since he was the most talk-about professor among BJM student that he will definitely be giving you a hard time for the rest of the semester.
“Make sure to be there on time, pay attention in class and you will be fine,” said Sasipim Wattanapornmongkol, my friend from the other section claiming that it is not hard to survive throughout the course but you will have to work hard for it.
The first day as a third-year student won’t be easy
Early morning on January 8, 2018, reality hits me hard. It was the first day of this challenging course. As a good student as I am, I went there on time and dressed properly in uniform. Surprisingly, almost every student present in the class before the class starts. Some that never enter the other courses tend to appear in this class which is quite interesting.
The class starts at 9.30 sharp. “You are not allowed to be even a second late,” said Mr.Bruce as he calmly walks to the door and locked it. The whole class turns silent and the course officially begins.
This is the picture of my second group
For this Editorial and Article Writing class, group and seat are randomly arranged. Everyone will be divided into a different group which each group will have to sit and work together for the rest of the course. I quite concerned because it will hard to work with people I’m not familiar with. Each member will have different perspective and idea.
“Score will be deducted for each unfollowed rule.”
In the middle of the lesson, Mr.Bruce starts to Introducing the class rules. The class becoming more nervous and anxious as he starts to list out the strict rules that some of them make sense, and some are not. It does not make any sense making the student to provide an unnecessary stationary: two red pens, two black pens, two blue pens, and a tape and bring it to every class but did not really use all of them.
He seems to value punctuality more than anything else. One second late definitely counts as late which I agree with this point. Therefore, showing in class and submit an assignment on time is a must. Even though Thammasat student can wear anything they want, however, it was different here. The student is required to dress professionally which mean short skirt and sandal is impermissible. No perfume, no smoking, no chit-chatting, no texting, no leaving class without permission and many more forbiddance.
The rule is not too hard to follow yet I hope that I could make it till the end without being penalized or getting a point deduction.
According to the instructor, ‘everyone in this course is a full-time student’. Quizzes, online assignment, group work, report activity, FOI request, and field observation are what you can expect from this course. The suffering part is that load of work will be assigned every week not only individual but also group. It is undeniable that practice makes perfect. But too much of something cannot be good.
“It was not going to be easy.”
“Hard work will definitely pay off. I can do this.”
I keep cheering myself up when there are so many things waiting to be done. What I dislike about the course is that there are lots of reading and writing. What I mean by lots is over hundred pages and thousands of words. Some of my weekends were wasted over an assignment. Admittedly, it was the hardest year, not only work from Mr.Bruce but there are so many writing and project from another course as well.
What I learn from the course
What I have learned from this course is far beyond writing. I encounter difficulties of how journalist have to find source and information before they could write just a short story. According to the guest lecture from Thai Publica, Khun ToomTam, everything that was written down in an article needs to have a reliable source or something that can proof in order to enhance the credibility and trustworthy of the article. The reported activity was very new and interesting. I get the chance to call 1555 and the police reporting legal activity which is the practice of journalism skill. Importantly, plagiarism and fabricating facts and quotes are unacceptable. Therefore, all information needs to be properly attributed.
As time goes by, I was adapt to professor teaching style and be more used to the online assignment and the group project. For me, I discover friendship and how to think and work as a team.
Some might view Mr.Bruce as a very strict person. Admittedly, at first, I think that Mr.Bruce was kind of fussy. But then it turns out that he was very fastidious and kind. He pays close attention to all student and willing you help. He is one of the most reasonable and fair professors that I have ever know. He always gives another chance to a lazy student. Each student will be graded on what you did.
Despite all program, JM310 Editorial & Article Writing course reminds me that the duty of a student is to learn and how the learning process should be provided by the teacher. The most important thing is to be on time, dress professional, prepare the necessary material, take notes, and ready to learn. All the rule are like a preparation to work effectively in the real world.
“Everything about the JM310 course is unforgettable.”
In the end, I did survive through the Editorial & Article Writing course and get to know more about who is really Mr.Bruce. The program gives me more than I expect. Thank all of my group members, classmate, and Mr.Bruce for this experience.
