UNS — Student from Communication Science Program Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta, Tiara Mahatmastuti, won the first position in National Speech Competition Faculty of Economics (FE) Universitas Negeri Padang (UNP), Thursday (12/11/2020).
In the competition titled “Sustainable Education and Development amid the Pandemic”, Tiara -her short name- chooses Covid-19 and education subtheme from the 7 subthemes offered by the organizing committee. The topics raised in this competition are also related to digital age education issues, sustainable development, pro-people economy, economics amid the pandemic, food resilience, and poverty reduction. She chooses the subtheme because she thinks it is suitable for the pandemic’s education condition and challenges. Through a short messaging app, she also conveyed that she and her cousins were involved in accompanying kindergarten and elementary students in Manisrenggo, Klaten, during their online learning since June.
She thinks that students face several challenges, such as limited learning facilities, difficulties in understanding study materials, and lack of assistance during the learning process. From her experience, Tiara feels that it is easier to write them down and delivered the facts she experienced in the form of ideas and solutions concerning the educational world and the Covid-19 pandemic. “I also read a lot about educational issues amid the pandemic. Then I find its connection to my experience in teaching children in the village. After completing the speech manuscript, I trained to deliver the speech. I also trained my vocal and reduced the consumption of fried foods,” Tiara explained.
In the competition with students from various universities, Tiara has to pass the preliminary round and final. In the preliminary round, she was asked to make 5-10 minutes speech video. From 95 participants who submitted their videos, Tiara entered the top 10 and goes to the final round on Thursday (12/11/2020) held through the Zoom Cloud Meeting.
This achievement completed the collection of UNS student’s achievement during the Covid-19 pandemic. With this proud achievement, Tiara admitted that juggling between competition and her undergraduate thesis was a challenge. Even though she is in her last semester, Tiara is unwilling to miss precious opportunities to obtain achievement. For her, the opportunity does not come twice; thus, she needs to make the best of the opportunities. “Hopefully, it can become an inspiration for the junior students to keep working and maximizing their potential in their university student status. It’s never too late to try new things and fight for something,” she concluded. Humas UNS
Reporter: Yefta Christopherus AS
Editor: Dwi Hastuti
