The Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Faperta UGM), through the Media and Information Systems Unit, recently held a public speaking workshop aimed at enhancing students’ understanding and skills in speaking in public. Public speaking, which is one of the essential hard skills for the future, both in the workplace and in academic journeys, was taught through practical sessions designed to simulate real-life scenarios that students might encounter.

This workshop featured Havidah Tria Yunita (Agricultural Extension and Communication 2021), a 2024 Cultural Ambassador of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY). Tria shared that her ability to speak confidently in public is the result of a long process, coupled with the courage to try.

“I was able to develop my public speaking skills through a long learning process. In addition to studying the theory, I also pushed myself to apply the theory in practice, such as by becoming a moderator, MC, and more,” said Tria.

During her presentation and practical guidance, Tria shared several key elements of public speaking that the 20 participants could learn. These key points included taking a moment to pause when thinking about what to say, making eye contact, and adjusting the tone of voice to suit the topic being discussed. She emphasized to the participants that public speaking skills must be honed through continuous practice to build confidence.

The Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, and Cooperation at the Faculty of Agriculture, UGM, Prof. Subejo, S.P., M.Sc., Ph.D., who also attended the workshop on Tuesday, 12 October 2024, highlighted the importance of having the willingness to upgrade oneself as preparation for both academic and professional success.

“I appreciate and fully support the activities initiated by the Media and Information Systems Unit, under the guidance of Dr. Desi Utami, the Head of the Unit. This activity will be very beneficial for students to explore and enhance their potential, serving as a foundation for success in their studies and future careers,” said Prof. Bejo, as he opened the workshop.

This public speaking training, as a preparation for a brighter future, serves as proof of the Faculty of Agriculture UGM’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Author: Hanita Athasari Zain & Agrit Kirana Bunda
Editor: Desi Utami
Photo: Media Faperta UGM

The Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Faperta UGM) has once again achieved a proud milestone with the graduation of three of its students as the fastest bachelor’s degree graduates during the commencement ceremony held on 20 November 2024. Sinta Sekar Larasarti, Zirly Uswatun Khasanah, and Zukhrifa Firdausa, all from the Agronomy study program, successfully completed their studies in just 3 years, 10 months, and 4 days.

Sinta Sekar Larasarti graduated as the fastest one among other graduates, earning a GPA of 3.72 out of 4.00. Her thesis was titled “Sex Determination of Local Lampung Papaya (Carica papaya L.) Seedlings Based on Male-Specific DNA Markers.” Sinta shared that her achievement was due to perseverance and determination. Her biggest challenge was the trial-and-error process in identifying the papaya’s sex. However, she did not let this obstacle stop her from graduating.

“Understand the purpose of your research, know your topic, set targets, make a schedule to stay organized, share difficulties with friends, and don’t hesitate to consult with your lecturers. For those who haven’t found a topic yet, ask your peers, lecturers, or partner farmers. And if you’re uncertain, don’t forget to seek support from your parents and loved ones,” Sinta advised.

Zirly Uswatun Khasanah, who graduated with a GPA of 3.51 out of 4.00, completed her thesis on “The Effect of Drying Techniques on Breaking Seed Dormancy in Melon (Cucumis melo L.).” She shared that the biggest challenge in her research was weather issues, such as rain, which delayed her schedule. Despite this, she encouraged students to maintain their health and avoid rushing through their thesis work.

“Don’t forget to take care of your health. Take your time with your thesis and always ask for your parents’ prayers because within every thesis, there are your parents’ prayers being realized,” Zirly said.

Meanwhile, Zukhrifa Firdausa graduated with a GPA of 3.62, with her research titled “Screening of Pandan Wangi Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) Seedlings Based on the CnBADH2 Gene.” The biggest hurdle she faced was a lack of equipment at her research site, which slowed progress. However, she credited her achievement to staying consistent in working on her thesis.

“Keep working on it, seek support from family and relatives, and consult your lecturers frequently. Hopefully, the research goes smoothly. It’s okay to feel tired—just keep going and aim to finish,” said Zukhrifa.

Faperta UGM welcomes this achievement and hopes to continue motivating students to become outstanding graduates while contributing to SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Writer: Agrit Kirana Bunda
Editor: Desi Utami
Photo: Media Faperta UGM

The Faculty of Agriculture at Universitas Gadjah Mada (Faperta UGM) once again held a Pre-Graduation Briefing for Bachelor’s Degree Candidates on Monday, 18 November 2024, at the Prof. Harjono Danoesastro Auditorium. The event was attended by 140 prospective graduates—40 male and 100 female students—for the first graduation period of the 2024/2025 academic year.

In her opening remarks, Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs of the Faculty of Agriculture, Dr. Dyah Weny Respatie, S.P., M.Si., expressed appreciation for the hard work and accomplishments of the graduating students.

“On behalf of the faculty, we congratulate you for successfully completing this long journey. Alhamdulillah, we can gather here today, and tomorrow you will officially graduate,” she said.

Weny emphasized that the event served as a valuable opportunity for the faculty to provide final guidance before the students embark on their next journey—whether entering the workforce or pursuing further education.

“Today is the faculty’s final chance to equip you with the tools to succeed in the real world. Make the most of the knowledge and experience you’ve gained—use them as your foundation for the journey ahead.”

The briefing was designed to foster an entrepreneurial mindset and prepare students for further studies, featuring two inspirational speakers with expertise in their respective fields. The first speaker, Sri Lestari, S.M., Director of CV Tirta Fertindo Pratama, delivered a talk titled “Keys to Success in Agricultural Entrepreneurship.” She shared practical insights and strategies for building a business in the agricultural sector, emphasizing the importance of innovation in creating employment opportunities.

The session continued with a presentation from the second speaker, Ignatius Putra Andika, S.P., M.Sc., a lecturer in Biology at Atma Jaya University Yogyakarta. He presented “Tips for Preparing Personal and Research Statements: What They Don’t Tell You.” This session offered participants guidance on crafting strong personal and research statements for scholarship or school applications, how to communicate with professors, and how to navigate graduate program admissions.

In addition to the presentations, the event featured an interactive Q&A session, giving students the chance to engage directly with the speakers. These exchanges offered fresh perspectives and motivation. The event concluded with the presentation of souvenirs to the speakers, followed by group photo documentation.

Through this activity, the Faculty of Agriculture at UGM reaffirmed its commitment to providing quality education and supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Writer: Agrit Kirana Bunda
Editor: Desi Utami
Documentation: Faperta Media