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[abriajane]

Finding My Voice

‎Sometimes people think that being quiet means you are strong. They think that when you smile all the time, everything in your life must be okay. But the truth is, some smiles are just masks hiding the storms inside.

‎There is a girl who has always been afraid to express her true self. Not because she has nothing to say, but because she is afraid of what people might think. She fears the judgment, the whispers, and the possibility that people might not understand her. So instead of speaking, she stays silent. Instead of showing her real emotions, she hides them behind a strong face.

‎Deep inside, all she ever wanted was something simple—to be loved and to be heard. She wanted someone to listen to her thoughts without judging her. She wanted to be accepted for who she truly is, not for the version of herself that she shows to the world.

‎Every day she pretends to be strong. She laughs with others, helps people when they are struggling, and tells everyone that everything is fine. But behind that strength is a tired heart. A heart that has carried so many worries, fears, and silent battles.

‎There are nights when she feels exhausted from pretending. Nights when she wishes she could just tell someone how heavy everything feels. But life keeps moving, and she feels like she has no choice but to keep going. So she wipes her tears, takes a deep breath, and stands up again.

‎Because even if she is tired, she is still fighting.

‎Maybe her strength does not come from never breaking down. Maybe her strength comes from continuing to stand up after every difficult day. From choosing to move forward even when life feels overwhelming.

‎And maybe one day, she will no longer be afraid to express who she truly is. Maybe one day, she will realize that her voice matters, her feelings are valid, and she deserves to be heard.

‎Until that day comes, she continues to grow, slowly learning that being herself is not something to hide—but something to be proud of.

‎Because even the quietest voices deserve to be heard.

[abriajane]

‎Beyond the Books: Why Library and Information Science is the Field for Our Digital Age

‎‎My Journey to LIS

‎‎When I first told people I was pursuing Library and Information Science (LIS), most asked, “So you want to be a librarian who checks out books?” I used to just smile and nod—but now, I’m excited to set the record straight. After diving into this program, I’ve discovered it’s one of the most dynamic, forward-thinking fields you can choose, and I want to share why it might be exactly what you’re looking for too.

‎‎What Really is Library and Information Science?

‎LIS is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on the entire lifecycle of information: from how it’s created and collected, to how we organize, store, retrieve, and share it with the right people. It’s not just about books—though they’re still a beloved part of the mix!

‎‎The program blends:

‎- Technology: We learn to build digital libraries, design search algorithms, and manage large data sets.

‎- Management: Courses cover budgeting, staff leadership, and strategic planning for information institutions.

‎- Social Science: We explore how people interact with information, and how to bridge gaps in access across communities.

‎- Ethics: We tackle critical issues like privacy, copyright, and ensuring equitable access to information for all.

‎[link: To the American Library Association’s "What is LIS?" page – https://www.ala.org/educationcareers]

‎Why I Believe LIS is More Relevant Than Ever

‎1. Endless Career Options

‎Forget the idea that LIS only leads to traditional library roles. Graduates work as:

‎- School librarians shaping young learners’ research skills

‎- Academic librarians curating specialized collections for researchers

‎- Digital archivists preserving history (like NASA’s space mission records!)

‎- Information managers optimizing how companies store and use data

‎- UX designers building user-friendly search tools for websites and apps

‎2. We Solve Real-World Problems

‎In a world flooded with misinformation and data overload, LIS professionals help people find reliable, relevant information. We also work to close the digital divide—ensuring communities without easy internet access can still get the resources they need to learn, work, and thrive.

‎3. Constant Growth and Innovation

‎From AI-powered search tools to virtual reality library tours, the field is always evolving. My program recently added a course on metadata for blockchain technology—proof that LIS stays ahead of the curve!

‎What to Expect in an LIS Program

‎Most universities offer both undergraduate degrees and graduate programs (a Master’s in Library and Information Science, or MLIS, is required for professional librarian positions in many countries).

‎Core courses include:

‎- Information Organization: Learning how to classify and catalog everything from books to digital datasets

‎- Reference and User Services: Mastering how to help people find exactly what they need

‎- Digital Libraries: Building and managing online collections

‎- Library Administration: Understanding how to run information institutions effectively

‎- Information Policy: Exploring laws and ethics around access, privacy, and copyright

‎[link: To a directory of accredited LIS programs in the Philippines – https://www.prc.gov.ph/professional-regulation-commission-board-of-librarians]

‎Is LIS Right for You?

‎You might be a great fit for this program if:

‎- You love helping people and building connections between them and information

‎- You enjoy organizing systems and finding creative ways to make things work better

‎- You’re curious about technology and how it can be used to serve communities

‎- You care about equity and making sure everyone has access to the knowledge they need

‎I’ll be honest—there’s a lot to learn, from complex classification systems to new software tools. But every challenge is worth it when you see how your work helps someone achieve their goals, whether that’s a student writing a thesis or a community member finding resources to start a business.

‎Library and Information Science isn’t just about preserving the past—it’s about building the future of information access. When I started this journey, I had no idea how much it would change my perspective on knowledge and its power to shape lives. Now, I can’t imagine doing anything else.

‎If you’re even a little bit curious about LIS, I encourage you to reach out to a local librarian or talk to current students in the program. Trust me—you’ll be surprised by how much this field has to offer.