From Lecture Halls to Livestream Stars: How Gen Z is Redefining College Life and Careers Through Content

Remember a decade ago? Capturing your college adventures for a vlog meant lugging around a hefty camera, spending endless hours wrestling with editing software on your laptop, and then patiently waiting for that polished video to upload to YouTube. Fast forward to today, and the landscape has completely transformed. Now, all it takes is the smartphone in your pocket and a quick tap of the record button on TikTok. It’s a whole new world, isn’t it?

For today’s Gen Z students, documenting their university experience isn’t just a quirky hobby; it’s become a vibrant, essential part of their journey. They’re not just sharing funny moments or study tips; they’re connecting with peers globally, honing valuable skills, and even forging incredible career opportunities that stretch far beyond the traditional classroom walls. It’s truly mind-boggling how much has changed!

Let’s dive into the fascinating stories of three dynamic young Filipinos: Russco Jarviña, Sophia Margarette To, and Joaquin Tiu. Their journeys are perfect examples of how this generation isn’t just growing up; they’re growing up online, brilliantly navigating the intersection of academic pursuits and digital stardom.

The Digital Genesis: How Our Stars Began Their Online Journeys

It’s always intriguing to see where it all begins. For some, it’s a carefully planned venture, for others, a delightful accident. Our featured student creators fall somewhere in between, each with a unique origin story.

Sophia’s Evolution: From Friendster Flashbacks to TikTok Queen

Sophia Margarette To, a bright BS Psychology junior at the Ateneo de Manila University, never actually set out to conquer the social media world. Can you believe it? Her earliest digital footprint wasn’t even her own doing. It was her mom, proudly sharing adorable photos of Sophia and her brother on Friendster, that first introduced her to the online sphere. Talk about a throwback!

Her personal foray into content creation really sparked in 2016, when, as a grade schooler, she decided, on a whim, to post a room tour. “I created a YouTube channel just to post my room tour,” she recalls, a twinkle in her eye. “If I remember correctly, it was eight minutes long. But people came and actually watched my video!” That initial glimmer of interest was like kindling to a fire, encouraging her to keep exploring. As platforms evolved, so did Sophia’s digital presence. She dabbled in everything from playful Musical.ly clips—just like countless kids her age—to experimenting with various trends that ultimately laid the groundwork for the massive success of her TikTok account today. She’s truly a master of adaptation!

Russco’s Rise: Documenting Life, One Campus Vlog at a Time

Russco Jarviña’s path, a recent BS Entrepreneurship graduate from De La Salle University, took a slightly different turn. He didn’t jump into content creation until 2020, just a year before he even stepped foot onto campus as a college freshman. It goes to show, sometimes the best opportunities come knocking when you least expect them!

“In the middle of the 2020 to 2021 gap, that’s where most of my followers came from,” he shares. “I was in the content creation world for a long time, and my content primarily consisted of vlogs. Since school was part of my life, I figured I’d also vlog my college life.” It was a natural extension of his passion, a way to share his daily experiences and connect with a growing audience eager for a glimpse into student reality.

Joaquin’s Pivot: Turning Pandemic Pastime into Purpose

Then there’s Joaquin Tiu, a BS Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management junior from the University of the Philippines Diliman. He, too, started posting videos during the pandemic, initially seeing it as nothing more than a fun way to pass the time. Back then, he’d just hop on whatever TikTok trends were circulating, not really contemplating where this digital journey might lead him. But as fate would have it, a significant change was on the horizon when Joaquin decided to transfer from UP Iloilo to UP Diliman.

This move wasn’t just about changing campuses; it was a deliberate strategic play. “I actually delayed myself on purpose for content creation,” Joaquin admits. “Because when I shifted to the UP Diliman campus, I had to shift courses as well. But for me, it was worth it, because this is where I work.” He recognized Manila as a central hub for content opportunities, a stark contrast to Iloilo at the time. “In Iloilo, there weren’t that many opportunities for content, for influencers. I’m a big believer in striking when the iron is hot, so I took the opportunity.” He eventually relocated to Manila in 2023, a move he credits with helping him master the delicate dance of balancing his demanding academic life with his burgeoning content career.

Campus Chronicles: Crafting Content from Everyday Student Life

As their online communities blossomed, Sophia, Russco, and Joaquin began to master the art of transforming their everyday college experiences into engaging content. If you’ve ever found yourself lost in a scrolling marathon of TikToks or Instagram reels, chances are you’ve stumbled upon a “day in the life” video similar to Russco’s. He’d meticulously share his daily school routine, from early morning classes to lively interactions with classmates and professors. While this specific format became prominent for him in 2023, he’d already been sharing snippets of his life through various vlogs for quite some time, like a digital diary open for the world to see.

Sophia, on the other hand, often crafts voiceover vlogs and casual snippets of her day, all revolving around her experiences as a student. This approach has sculpted a recognizable “student image” for her, making her incredibly relatable to her followers. Many of her most beloved posts spring from those wonderfully unplanned moments nestled between academic deadlines and work commitments, like cramming for a quiz in the car or prepping for work events that demand some on-the-go filming. It’s this raw, unfiltered spontaneity that truly captured the hearts of her viewers.

But let’s be real: documenting these candid moments isn’t always a walk in the park. For Sophia, who’s tackling a demanding pre-med course, it’s a constant, intricate balancing act. It’s not just about pointing a camera at her day; she’s often found responding to work messages and editing videos while still on campus. There are even times when brand deals require her to shoot on school grounds, adding yet another layer of complexity to her already packed schedule. It’s like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle, isn’t it?

This balancing act is a familiar dilemma for many student content creators. Some, like Joaquin, find solace and sustainability in offering their audience an even more unfiltered, behind-the-scenes look into their daily grind. “I would probably go live three times a week, sometimes four or five hours a day,” Joaquin explains, highlighting how livestreams became his secret weapon. “That allowed me to keep doing what I was doing while creating content. Sometimes I would study, do chores, or vlog at school during livestreams.” It’s an ingenious way to multitask, connecting with viewers in real-time while still conquering his to-do list.

It’s safe to say that campus life, in its vibrant and demanding glory, didn’t just shape the content of these three individuals; it also became the fertile ground where they built thriving communities and forged meaningful connections online. What started as simple acts of sharing their daily lives gradually blossomed into incredible opportunities with global brands and organizations, granting them experiences they once only dreamed of.

Beyond Grades: Unlocking Real-World Opportunities

Imagine turning your daily routine into a passport for adventure! Take Sophia’s recent collaboration with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, for instance. She jetted off to Hong Kong for a Halloween-themed campaign, joining fellow content creator Russco to highlight the city’s festive seasonal celebrations. “I want to be able to do more trips that are for work and not just for vacation,” she expresses, “and also share that with other people, and not just see it, like have them see it through my eyes.” What a powerful way to bring experiences to life for her audience!

It’s a similar narrative for Russco, who enthusiastically shares how being a student content creator flung open doors to unique opportunities with various companies. Brands started reaching out because they genuinely valued his authentic portrayal of student life. Some campaigns even specifically requested campus settings for their shoots. Before he knew it, his work expanded beyond De La Salle University, with invitations to create content in other schools across the metro.

“Doing content in school really allowed me to connect with people and gain experiences that shaped my career,” he shares, detailing how brands involved him in fun activities across different schools. Picture him giving away donuts, demonstrating new gadgets, or even delivering inspiring talks at TEDx events. It’s not just about content; it’s about connection and career catapulting.

Here’s a glimpse into Russco’s digital journey:

A post shared by Russco Jarviña (@russcojarvina)

Joaquin echoes these sentiments, highlighting the profound personal significance of collaborating with the very brands he grew up admiring, and even those he once thought were entirely out of reach. “I’ve worked with a lot of high-end brands. I’ve worn a lot of great Filipino designers,” he recounts. “But for me, the brands that I grew up with, which are not high-end, are actually what mean a lot to me.”

There’s a deep, emotional resonance there. “Growing up, I remember the time when I really couldn’t even afford to buy local brands,” he reflects. “And now with content, it’s giving me the opportunity to not only afford it, but to also represent, be an ambassador and work with them. I’ve been on billboards also.” Imagine seeing your face on a billboard, representing a brand you once only dreamed of owning! It’s a testament to the incredible power of consistent, authentic content creation.

And here’s a look at Joaquin’s presence:

A post shared by joaquin tiu (@joaquintiu)

Lessons Beyond the Lecture Hall: Growth in the Digital Age

With these exhilarating experiences come invaluable lessons about time, effort, and profound personal growth. It’s not just about likes and follows; it’s about life skills.

“I’m just so grateful that I’m able to learn those things as early as college and even high school,” Sophia reflects, her voice laced with wisdom beyond her years. “Because I don’t want to be thrown into the real world after college, not knowing how to deal with these things.” She’s keenly aware that her journey is still unfolding, with countless more lessons waiting to be discovered. It’s like getting a head start in the marathon of adulthood, isn’t it?

While the path hasn’t always been smooth, Russco firmly believes that being a content creator has profoundly shaped him, both as an individual and as a working student. “It was one of the reasons why I wanted to go to school so bad all the time because I enjoyed vlogging,” he confesses. “I enjoyed interacting with people. I enjoyed the Lasallian community. I enjoyed the different experiences, different people I get to meet whenever I visit campus, and the different activities I can do.” His passion for content creation became a powerful magnet, drawing him deeper into the vibrant tapestry of university life.

His biggest takeaway? “The biggest lesson I learned about being a student content creator would be number one, to do your best and when you do your best in everything that you do, give your 100% effort, and always choose to be kind, and dapat wala kang tinatapakan na tao (you don’t step on anyone).” It’s a powerful reminder that success, especially in the public eye, comes with a moral compass, urging creators to uplift, not undercut, others.

Joaquin, too, quickly grasped the critical importance of time management as a content creator, especially while navigating the rigorous academics of UP. “Studying in UP is no joke when it comes to academics,” he emphasizes, a sentiment many students can surely relate to. “I’ve had to learn how to be able to not only manage my time, but to also make sure that all of my outputs, whether it be content or academics, is something I’m proud of. It also taught me how to work hard for a lot of different things at the same time.” It’s like being a maestro conducting multiple orchestras simultaneously, each demanding perfection.

But beyond the grind, Joaquin found something even more profound: gratitude. “It taught me, too, to also be thankful for everything I have because I know a lot of people who are fresh out of college who struggle to find a job or, of course, the minimum wage here in Manila it’s very low,” he shares with a humble spirit. “For me, I remind myself every day that one posting could sometimes feed a family. It humbles me.” What a poignant reminder of the real-world impact their digital endeavors can have, extending far beyond personal gain to touch the lives of others.

These student content creators are more than just digital stars; they are pioneers, carving out new pathways where education, passion, and profession seamlessly intertwine. They embody the entrepreneurial spirit of Gen Z, proving that with a smartphone and a compelling story, you can turn your campus life into a launchpad for incredible adventures and meaningful impact.

Alfon Cabanilla is an intern studying AB Communication at the Ateneo de Manila University.