Before I enrolled in MMS 172, I was very hesitant about taking it yet. The main reason was simple: I did not have the right resources for production. At the same time, my study plan was already laid out to follow the suggested sequence of courses. This meant I had to take all the production subjects according to the plan, whether I felt ready or not. My mindset then was, “I am going to take this course anyway.” When enrollment opened, I signed up. It was not that I felt unhappy or forced into it, I knew from the beginning that this course was one of the major requirements in the program. That alone made me realize that it would demand effort, time, dedication, and commitment. I told myself that I needed to prepare as much as I could.
Right after enrolling, I talked to my parents. I explained to them that I needed a microphone, a headset, and an audio card. I knew that these tools would be essential for smoother recordings and would help me go through the course properly. Thankfully, my parents supported me and granted my request. It might seem like a small thing, but for me, it was a big step forward. Having the equipment gave me a sense of readiness and excitement. It motivated me to look forward to what was coming next.
When the trimester began, I started working on the modules. From Units 1 to 3, I found the lessons manageable and organized. The explanations were clear, and the resources provided were helpful and easy to understand. I could also see how the discussion forums became spaces for meaningful exchanges between Prof. Al and my classmates. Even though I did not participate actively by posting, I read the conversations regularly. Observing their discussions gave me new perspectives and helped me understand the lessons better. As the course went on, I started to reflect more on my own progress. Honestly, I would say that my works were acceptable, but I was not yet fully satisfied. This might be the end of the course, but I see it as only the beginning of my learning journey. I had no prior experience in audio editing or recording before this, so everything I know now comes from what I learned in this class. What I bring to the table is a little passion for music and a drive to improve myself day by day.
In my earlier blogs, I wrote about dealing with self-doubt. That feeling did not completely go away. However, I also noticed growth in my willingness to keep learning and my ability to be more self-aware. I can say that I stayed true to what I promised before, which was to do my best to produce quality work. The goals and expectations I set for myself were met, but I know I still have much to improve. With more practice, clearer goals, and consistency, I am confident that my future works will show more growth.
One of the things that inspired me most throughout this course was looking at the works of my classmates. Their submissions were not only impressive but also motivating. Some of them are naturally talented singers, others showed great potential as voice actors, and many had editing skills that seemed close to professional level. At first, I felt a bit intimidated. But instead of letting that discourage me, I used it as motivation. I thought to myself, “If they can do it, maybe I can also keep up in my own way.” This made me realize how important it is to surround yourself with people who are equally passionate. Browsing through their works showed me that learning is not only about completing tasks but also about being inspired by others. Their talent pushed me to put more effort into my own projects and to keep believing that I can also grow in this field.
Looking ahead, I know this course will play a big role in my future as a multimedia practitioner. Audio is such a vital element in multimedia. It cannot be separated from the work we do because sound is present in almost everything. This realization gave me a deeper appreciation for audio production. I now see myself continuing to explore this area. I may start recording more song covers or creating audio projects to test my capabilities and sharpen my skills. These small steps will help me build a stronger foundation in producing quality audio outputs. This course also gave me a chance to discover more about myself. If someone had asked me a year ago whether I would ever record a song with my own voice, I would have laughed at the idea. Back then, it seemed unthinkable. But through this course, I gained the courage to try. Even though my final project is far from perfect, I can confidently say that my voice in the recording turned out tolerable and clear. For me, that is already a big improvement. It shows me that progress is possible if I am willing to step out of my comfort zone.
In the end, MMS 172 was more than just a course requirement. It became a meaningful experience that allowed me to learn technical skills, discover my own strengths, and connect with the creativity of others. It taught me the importance of patience and practice, and it reminded me that growth does not happen overnight. I may still have doubts at times, but I also carry the motivation to continue. This is something I would definitely share with others who are interested in studying here at UPOU. Taking this course taught me not only about audio production but also about perseverance and self-belief. It reminded me that even with limited resources, support, motivation, and effort can go a long way. For me, this is just the start of a longer journey, and I look forward to where it will take me.