To mark a fresh beginning for its new staff members, The Industrial Wheel, the official tertiary student publication of the Main Campus launched its General Onboarding Program, September 13, at the Student Publication Office (SPO). 

Said program introduced the new Wheelers, on the publication’s values, visions, and workflows to ensure that the newcomers will be equipped with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive as a student-journalist for the SPO.

Mr. Rex B. Palompon, the SPO Head and concurrent Technical Adviser of The Industrial Wheel, opened the program with a Welcome Message, reflecting on the challenges and triumphs the staff will encounter during their time in the publication. 

“The Industrial Wheel is never perfect. It has its own storms. It has its own shortcomings. Sometimes, we use those opportunities to look at the future with a clear foresight,” he said.

Mr. Palompon also reminded the staff to reflect on their personal sense of purpose and remember why they chose to remain part of the publication, even when circumstances grow tough and others seem indifferent. 

Further, Associate Editor Patrick Joseph Dincol gave a talk on the Publication’s Organizational Primer, where he explained its purpose, operations, internal guidelines, as well as the probationary period and evaluation process for Junior staffers.

Editor-in-Chief, Ton Sierolf N. Cairo highlighted the importance of organizing such an event in orienting the new staffers.

“It’s important to hold the General Onboarding of our new members in order to properly introduce or induct them into the publications,” he said.

Cairo also shared advice which new Wheelers should understand as they embark on their new journey as student-journalists.

“Your stint as a student-journalist doesn’t have to be flawless, but what it has to be is transformative. IW isn’t the goal. It’s merely the starting line. And you can do so much in the future if you don’t let your past mistakes become a hindrance—you must learn from it,” he added

Meanwhile, Junior Writer Kyla Grace C. de Paz shared her enthusiasm following the program, expressing her excitement about officially beginning her journey as a Wheeler. 

“As I start on my journey as a Wheeler, I’m feeling a mix of excitement and happiness. I am overwhelmed with the new people I met, new insights I gained, and the thought that I’m now an official Wheeler,” she said. 

A Breakout Session also took place where the various section editors and department heads had the opportunity to introduce, guide, and get acquainted with their new members.

Article by Carl Anthony Dotingco