By Putri Nirmala Valentina Laoli
Visiting
and learning the island of Alor directly is an irreplaceable and unforgettable
experience. Personally, this trip was unimaginable during the Covid-19 pandemic
even after the flash flood that hit the East Nusa Tenggara region, including
several places in Alor. Thanks to the
support and accompaniment with prayer, this program was finally implemented
well. I am grateful to be given the opportunity and trusted to participate in
the Local Exposure to Alor program held by Stube HEMAT Yogyakarta in April
2021.
Students
are one part of academics who uphold their idealistic values in lectures and society. This can be seen by the learning
process in the classroom as well as the research carried out. In addition,
various student organizations, both internal and external, on campus have
become arenas for the battle for dynamics of student idealism. Thus, the
production of knowledge and interests, talents as well as student skills can be
honed. The whole process is pursued to implement education that concern with
the development and improvement of community empowerment.
The question is whether doing the things above have fulfilled the qualifications in real community empowerment involvement? Reflecting on my personal experience, as a student I was very enthusiastic about learning in the classroom and even in discussion rooms by being involved in various organizations. I involved myself with various social studies as well as several times by living with and interacting with the community.
However, one time the question comes up "What can you do for the community?", which makes all knowledge I have just disappear instantly because I feel that there is a barrier between the academic world and the real world in society. The knowledge that I got in college cannot be directly applied, but this exposure program to Alor, provided not only opportunity to interact with the socio-cultural life in Alor, but became a means of training to share the knowledge possessed during the lecture process and organization to carry out measurable service activities. In addition, the ability to think and act is increasingly honed and balanced between the science and the practice of social life. Various experiences gained directly from interactions with local communities have added to my knowledge as a student of Governance Science.
Based
on the experience and reflection of this trip, I thought how beneficial it
would be if a similar opportunity could be gained by every student. This
program will produce and present progressive and responsive young generations.
But this will only be a dream if it does not start from now and from a simple
scope. Finally, I asked myself again, "What can I do with my hometown,
even though it is far?"***
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