Leslie AnneOctaviano echoes
I’ve always said that making Echoes is like going through childbirth.
You have to prepare weeks in advance before the ‘baby’ comes in order to ensure a safe and proper delivery. In Echoes speak, that’s wooing numerous writers weeks before to make sure they wholeheartedly commit to writing their article of choice. Or in special cases, article of requirement. On the night before the release, stress levels are at an all-time high -- endless string of curses directed at our slow processors, temporary rage for the last minute writers, late night to early morning layout sessions (how can I ever forget calling up Mia at around 5 am because the logo of Wendy’s was cut in half?), illegal fonts that InDesign unexpectedly recognizes and refuses to export. As I’ve deliberately pointed out, there are a lot of hidden struggles in the production of Echoes (I even have fights with the SC people to make Echoes their number one priority in terms of printing). Imagine having 6 childbirths in a year. That’s STRESS raised to the highest survival level. Funny thing is, despite these life-defying factors, given the chance, I won’t mind doing it a thousand times over :) Why? Because each release miraculously cleans the slate and suddenly, every crappy bit is worth it. --To all the writers, layout artists and photographers I have worked with, thank you for inspiring me. Art is our short-lived escape from all the Economic stuff that we have to go through every day. Thank you for choosing Echoes as your outlet. Continue doing what you’re all good at. I will sincerely miss talking to you about your assignments because from your inputs alone, I have learned a lot. (Extra hugs for those who submit on time!) My dear editors, it has been my pleasure and a source of happiness to have worked with all of you during my last two semesters as EIC. I keep saying that you’re the best set of editors that I could ever ask for and I’m not really sure repeating it one more time would make a difference. But, for what it’s worth, thank you thank you thank you. Tin, congratulations for fulfilling your New Year’s resolution! Sobrang natuwa ako dun sa letter mo. It feels good to know that BA hasn’t changed you. Thank you for your constant support. Kim, you are one of the few who constantly sees the brighter side of everything. It is undeniable how much love and dedication you have shown in Echoes. I’m so lucky for having a marketing machine in my committee. Goodluck sa lovelife/source of vague entries sa LJ. Yihee. Reyneil, I’m so lucky to be one of the few who have worked with you during the last 2 semesters. You are a good person and I will miss you. Ecosoc will miss you. The CDC kids won’t. Thank you sir for choosing to stay another sem! Also, nakakatouch sobra yung paglayout mo ng news. Patrick, Mr. Aesthetics, thank you for sharing your talent and passion for photography. Don’t stress yourself too much. Enjoy college! Natuwa ako sobra nung nalaman ko na you’re staying. Mia, layout will be downright crazy without you. You put your heart in everything that you do and I’m in luck to have found an amazing layout artist among the sea of *blink blink* new members. Your future is bright. Don’t stop believing! Paolo, I’m entrusting you one of my biggest accomplishments in college. Echoes is more than just a publication; I’m sure you’re aware of this. That’s why it is with confidence and high expectations that I am handing this committee to you. Enjoy it as much as you can. Also, it won’t hurt to smile more often. To my Echoes kids: Irene, Kenneth, Kevin, Sue and Avril, welcome to Ecosoc! I tried my best to show you how fun it is to be part of this organization. Now that you are, hold on to that enthusiasm. Be active, stay active! I hope with all my heart that you will turn out to be the great members that I expect you to be. College is and will be the best time of your life. Have fuuun :) I’m always here, just in case you get drunk and need a ride home.
I will miss all the nagging, texting and brainstorming that this wonderful committee entails. Now that you’re free, I pray that my commeet voice doesn’t haunt you in your sleep. --Being an Execom is an honor that I couldn’t equate with anything else. I’m so fortunate to have been given this opportunity, this privilege of guiding such a noble organization, which served as a second home to many. Execom, I love you! I’m so proud of us and what we have become. Thank you for putting up with my crankiness and petty annoyance with smileys. I will sorely miss our meetings, whether CJ is in a good mood or not. Our relationship as a committee is truly remarkable. (Naiiyak na meee~) Thank you for the experience of a lifetime. Future execom, letting go of this position is a lot harder than I thought. I took this responsibility seriously and held it close to my heart and I could only pray that you will do the same. Never stop challenging what you and your committee could do. Respect each other, love each other. Find it in your heart to understand what this organization represents. Everything will come naturally after that. Well, that has been life-changing. Thank you Ecosoc :)