Saturday, October 8, 2022, Faculty of Public Health (FPH) Universitas Indonesia (UI) held a seminar with the theme “Diaspora Gait of FPH UI Alumni in 3 Continents”. This seminar is one of a series of events for the 57th Anniversary of FPH UI, presenting FPH UI alumni who have now contributed globally to share experiences, provide motivation and inspiration to the academic community and citizens of FPH UI, as well as the general public.
“Of course, we are very proud to have FPH UI alumni who are able to take part outside. The experience of these alumni can be used as lessons and additional insights for younger students,” said Dr. Milla Herdayati, S.K.M., M.Si., Vice Dean for Resources, Ventures and General Administration of FPH UI in her speech. Furthermore, the event was chaired by Febi Dwirahmadi, Ph.D., an alumnus of FPH UI who is currently working as a lecturer at the Global Health School of Medicine Australia as the moderator.
Triska Faradina McKervey, a 2005 FPH UI alumna got the first chance to share her experience as a safety lead at CPB Contractors Australia with the recent Westconnex Stage 3B project. Safety leads are team leaders that their members rely on to consistently meet the organization’s safety goals. Triska talked a lot about her experience working in construction in Australia, starting from her career journey, the joys and struggles experienced while working, to her recommendations for FPH UI. “It would be great if FPH UI could facilitate students to discuss and mentor with alumni who have entered the workforce, as well as provide an internship program abroad for a period of 2-3 months,” said Triska as an alumni representative who discussed her experience in the field of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS).
The second speaker was a 2005 FPH UI alumni who has a career in Public Health. She is Novia Afdhila, S.K.M., M.P.H., Global Program Implementation Manager of Momentum Wheels for Humanity, USA. Novia is responsible for managing projects that focus on building and strengthening rehabilitation services, including the provision of assistive technology in Uganda, Pakistan, Myanmar, Ukraine, countries in Eastern Europe and Central America. In her session, Novia talked about the strengths and weaknesses of her current work, which focuses on public health. Novia also believes that FPH UI has a big role in her success. “The trust and constructive criticism from FPH UI lecturers is what made me get to this point. Continue to improve yourself from various criticisms and input so that you will meet the path of your dreams or goals,” said Novia.
Furthermore, Yusmiyanti Yunus Good, S.K.M., CSP, a Global HSE Manager at McDermott International who is an alumnus of FPH UI in 2008 also shared her academic and career journey in America. Yusmiyanti slipped a message to FPH UI students who are still struggling in the world of lectures. “Do not hesitate to speak up and show yourself, do your best because it is needed. Also expand your connections with friends, alumni, and lecturers,” said Yusmiyanti Yunus.
The last speaker was Dyah Ayu Inayati, S.K.M., M. Phil., Ph.D., a Food Safety and Halal Auditor for Various Halal Certifiers in Europe and America who graduated from FPH UI in 1997. “Pursuing dreams is possible, but it is not easy,” said Dyah at the end of her talk after sharing her experience working and studying in Germany.
Many new insights gained from this seminar include that each individual should continue to improve themselves to achieve dreams and ideals, enjoy and love the studies undertaken will give enthusiasm to achieve dreams, do not be complacent in the comfort zone and continue to strive for something better, and do the best then people will automatically see the goodness and greatness of ourselves. (WR)
