Stepping into university life, I always felt most comfortable living simply and quietly. My comfort zone was solitude—avoiding crowds, spending my days as an introvert who preferred heading straight home after class rather than lingering on campus. From the very beginning, I had no plans to get involved in organizations, believing that such a path didn’t align with my personality.
However, life often surprises us in unexpected ways. In 2024, I decided to join the Student Executive Board (BEM) of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Universitas Airlangga (FPK UNAIR). Midway through that year—just when I thought everything was under control and aligned with my plans—an unexpected offer arrived: to serve as the Vice President of BEM FPK for the 2025 term. It was a role that would challenge everything I thought I knew about myself. It required me to step beyond the familiar, interact with diverse individuals, lead initiatives, and embrace responsibilities that once felt far beyond reach. Initially, fear and self-doubt dominated my thoughts. I questioned my ability and readiness—could I truly do this?
That internal struggle became a turning point. I realized that opportunities rarely come twice, and perhaps this was my moment to prove that comfort is not a place for growth. I accepted the responsibility with determination—to elevate the image of the Department of Marine Science and Technology as well as the BEM FPK, to contribute meaningfully to the faculty, and to evolve into a braver, more mature version of myself. Through this experience, I began to understand that leadership is not merely about titles or recognition; it’s about serving others and learning to adapt in dynamic environments.
Serving as Vice President of BEM FPK UNAIR in 2025 has been far more than just an organizational achievement—it’s been a personal transformation. It has taught me to lead with empathy, to communicate effectively even as an introvert, and to prioritize the collective vision over personal comfort. From a student who once only wanted to go home after class, I have learned to be present, to listen, and to lead for the betterment of my community. This experience also reflects the spirit of Universitas Airlangga’s academic culture: fostering not only intellectual excellence but also emotional resilience and leadership values among students.
Through this journey, I learned that stepping out of one’s comfort zone is not about changing who we are—it’s about expanding what we’re capable of. The lessons learned through challenges, collaborations, and service will continue to shape my academic path and personal growth. In the end, becoming Vice President of BEM FPK UNAIR 2025 is not the end of the journey, but the beginning of a lifelong pursuit of courage, purpose, and contribution to society.
