Hana Zahra Aticha realized that knowledge learned on campus was not limited to academic circles. Instead, it should also serve the public in some ways. This realization encouraged the student of the Undergraduate Public Health Department Universitas Dian Nuswantoro (Udinus) to involve herself in an international community program.
With faculty members and her fellow students, Zahra was involved in an international community program, partnering with Lincoln University College, Malaysia. The program was initiated through the collaboration between the Faculty of Health Science (FKES) and the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) at Udinus, and it was Zahra’s first experience in becoming a part of a bigger cause.
“I got the information about this program from a faculty member, Ms. Ratih Pramitasari. I saw this opportunity to be an important experience later on. From this program, we are obliged to be not only competent in academic settings but also in some others as well, like humanitarian issues and international development,” said the senior student.
Additionally, Zahra, who was born in Grobogan, also explained the topics of the community program, namely, the dynamics between Micro SME marketing in Indonesia and Malaysia. On that occasion, she was also one of the authors of a book entitled ‘Marketing and MSMEs Dynamics in Indonesia and Malaysia,’ which was an output of the program.
“I contributed to writing a section called Product Safety and Quality Aspects on Food and Beverage Products. It mainly consists of aspects that concern F&B product quality and security in Indonesia. It also discusses the ways the Indonesian government assures the security of the marketed products, as well as their legality to Micro SME owners,” explained Zahra.
Benefits of Community Program
According to Zahra, who has a passion for singing, the international community program bore numerous benefits. One of which was an opportunity to implement knowledge within the context of real-world problems. She also learned to analyze health and socio-economic challenges faced by the international community.
“This program expanded my knowledge about cultural diversity, humanitarian values, and open-mindedness. I can also be more put more empathy on communities of different environmental backgrounds,” she revealed.
Not only that, Zahra also admitted that her other skills were honed during her participation in the program, including English skills, leadership skills, and problem-solving skills. Moreover, she could also learn communication competence, alongside cross-cultural understanding.
“With this experience, I become more motivated to contribute more to the public health sector, both on national or international levels,” she emphasized.
Zahra, who was born in 2002, also encouraged her fellow students to be daring in taking opportunities to participate in programs involving international parties, such as this one.
“If you have the urge to develop and contribute to society, don’t hesitate and get out of your comfort zone. Prepare yourself and take every opportunity before you. This experience can serve as an unforgettable memory of your college years,” she concluded. (Humas Udinus/Penulis: Ika. Editor: Haris. Foto: Dok. Pribadi)
