A young journalist in the making

CEBU, Philippines - Famous American poet and writer of Children’s books Theodor Seuss said that “The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”

This is why reading and writing are two basic things that our parents and teachers teach us in our homes and in school.

For 12-year old Keisha Kaye Alberio of Mabolo Elementary School, reading has always been part of her routine because this helps her more in her passion for writing.

Alberio was recognized as the Most Outstanding Campus Journalist for Region VII in the recent Regional Schools Press Conference at Dumaguete City last December 6-9, 2011.

In an interview with The Freeman Kidstuff, Alberio shared how she was so thrilled to win the award and how this inspires her more to pursue her dream of being a journalist someday.

Alberio competed with other qualifying student journalists who were chosen by their respective schools. They were interviewed about journalism, what they write in their school paper, their achievements and how they can help the country as a young journalist.

Currently on her last year in Elementary, Alberio is practicing her dream to be a journalist being the Editor-in-chief of their school paper, The Mabolinian Star.  

Aside from school activities, poems and editorial writing, Alberio shared that she also enjoys helping out their school paper adviser, Charlie Abalos, in editing and screening the articles of younger colleagues.

Alberio shared that she knows how being a Journalist can be risky especially in reporting on emergencies like fires and police cases. But she said that she still wants to be one because Journalism is a noble job.

She plans to take up Mass Communication in college and pursue a career in the Media, just like her idols, Leo Lastimosa and Haide Acuña.

Aside from being the Editor-in-chief of the school paper, Alberio practices her broadcasting skills in their school radio program.

Through this, she won the best news anchor award in a Division school competition last year.

At a young age, Alberio already wants to make a change by writing articles that concerns the community.

She shared that she would want to write on the conflict between the Philippines and China because she sees this to be impacting to both the image of our country where people are known to be hospitable and generous, as well as the economy of the Philippines.

Alberio has always been passionate about different things, said her adviser Mr. Abalos, who shared his fulfillment on having trained a student who he knows has more to offer and could be an exceptional journalist someday.

Abalos, who was also recognized last year as an outstanding teacher for his efforts on the school paper, said that he always tells the students to continually read because this is the core in education.

As for Alberio, she would want to inspire other kids to pursue their dream and love what they do.   

Alberio got a quote from the movie The 3 Idiots for her message to kids like her, “If you follow excellence, success will chase you.”