The Finale

By Marianne Edwina Santa Maria

“When you go into your groups, choose wisely, because you will remain in the same group for the rest of the semester…” said Dr. Subramaniam, our Advertising Campaign lecturer.

When I heard that, I was confident that I would find a group that I could work with. Confidence turned to panic when I found out that all group already had six members. I didn’t want to end up with a group that I didn’t know or worse couldn’t work with. Luckily for me, I found a group willing to absorb me into their group, so I was lucky number seven.

Class was as usual until we started our group assignment; it was a completely different experience for me. Dr. Subra was not like other lecturers. He never spoon fed us and was very honest with his remarks. He was fun and outgoing but at the same time quite intimidating as he constantly reminded us of the reality of what we were to face once we graduated. He also carefully guided us to ensure that we learnt as we move on in class.

Advertising Campaign is the capstone for the marcomm pathway in the mass comm programme thus making it a very important final year subject. I was fortunate to take only this subject in a long semester as it is a tough subject. Every presentation was carefully prepared and this was really tiring as we, stayed back almost every day to discuss on our campaign.

For our third presentation, we found out that we were on the wrong track. Dr. Subra commented that one of our adverts reminded him of the menu he’d seen in Chinese restaurants! Imagine how down and depressed we were but we managed to pick ourselves up and started early on our final presentation so as not to get remarks like that ever again.

However, it is never easy to get group members to work at the same pace. We were all so unmotivated from our previous presentation we let our minds wonder on other things. We’ve gotten more lazy and unmotivated to thrive for the upcoming presentation. We had ‘other stuff’ to talk about and it was hard concentrating for the presentation as it was stressful!

Then came presentation day, we didn’t know what to expect and didn’t know if we met his expectations. While presenting, we helped each other out and it was obvious that Dr. Subra was contented with our campaign and it made our day. After class was over, it felt like a huge burden was lifted off our shoulders.

Later, Dr. Subra gave us an extra class to guide us for our individual assignment. He gave us a prep talk and it was enlightening. At the end of class, we snapped pictures. Everyone was happy but quite emotional as this would be the last time ever we would step into this classroom as students. I was glad with my group as the support we gave each other was great and we have definitely learnt a lot from each other.

This final subject has definitely created a special bond between the groups. When it was over, we all felt empty as we were so used to meeting each other every day. The library was our special meeting spot, which never was for the past three years we studied here.

The memories of my university life will definitely be cherished forever. The people I have met have moulded me into who I am today and I’m pretty sure I have evolved into a better person. The friends that I have will definitely be in my life for a very, very long time as they say, the people you meet in your uni days are the ones that will stick by you forever!

Ad Campaign not only taught me to be more independent and resourceful, it has also made me  realise what I’m going to miss once I graduate; the people that I have meant so much to me and the experience I have gained. My deepest gratitude to all lecturers that have taught me what needed to be learnt and thank you to my friends for showing me what great friendships is all about.