Unveiling the Unexpected Expertise Journey into Surprising Knowledge

By: Nicayla Freitas

Embracing the simplicity of my life brings me daily happiness as I live contentedly with what I have. Each day, I revel in the vibrant spectrum of happiness that simplicity paints in my life. It's a canvas of contentment, where gratitude and joy intertwine, creating a masterpiece of fulfillment.

I’m widely recognized as a lecturer by most of people, after graduating from the university, I required to continuing my role as a lecturer to contribute at the same institution. My journey commences from this point, in fact I was a student who graduating from this university, once of my lecturer from my major, who also supervised my thesis defense, extended an invitation for me to join the teaching faculty at the same institution. For me this is unexpected invitation that I receive in my life, I never imagine it before, for a moment I fell silent.

After a brief moment of contemplation, I swiftly and enthusiastically agreed. The prompt inquiry from lecturers at the same time he’s the head of study programs. This was facilitated by my genuine passion for teaching and the joy I find in sharing knowledge with students.

Withing my family, we hold steadfast principles regarding education, deeming it a matter of utmost importance. Consequently, teaching holds a significant and valued role within our perception of the school experience. Upon embracing the opportunity to teach, a wave of pride swept through my entire family, their smiles reflecting the collective joy in my decision.

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As a lecturer, my role extends to imparting fundamental theories and concepts of communication. I delve into various facets such as interpersonal communication, organizational communication, and public speaking. Additionally, I guide students in honing their marketing communication skills through courses in strategic public relations, public relations writing, cyber public relations, marketing communications, and crisis communications.

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A student’s perspective on these lecturers was “for me his so an exceptional lecturer, his teaching process extend beyond mere recitation of power point slides, he employs an approach that simplifies complex concepts. Notably, he goes beyond the conventional by sharing personal perspectives, connecting us to the real-world scenarios unfolding around us. Teaching with a personal touch, his classes are dynamic blend of knowledge and humor. Steering clear of stiffness, he effortlessly weaves in light-hearted laughs and jokes, creating an atmosphere of flexibility. The interaction sessions, where he poses questions and encourages students to actively participated” Said ?.

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I have received many Academic Achievement as a prolific researcher in public relations, I have contributed to esteemed national journals. Showcasing excellence Expose Journal of Communication Sciences, a biannual peer-reviewed gem, emerges from the esteemed Communication Studies at the School of Humanities, President University its expansive scope delves into interpersonal and mass communication, public relations, social media, and cultural studies. At the helm, I proudly hold the position of Managing Editor, a role bestowed concerning me by the Head of Communication Studies are correspondence with both reviewers and authors, the other one is Administer the Online Journal System contents.

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Beyond academic, I wear the hat of a versatile blogger, sharing insights on my personal blog at shihab.my.id and contributing also to public platforms like Kompasiana, Indonesiana Tempo, and Kumparan. My expertise in publicity extends beyond words, aiding small to medium enterprises and community organizations in establishing a robust online presence.

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Navigating New Horizons, as a graduated in Public Relations, the allure of teaching has waned after an extensive tenure. The monotony of repeating familiar tasks has spurred my quest for fresh challenges. Eagerly seeking opportunities elsewhere, I stand ready to seize any chance that paves the way for a new professional chapter.

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I’m Mohammad Shihab commonly known as Shihab, I was born in Palu (capital city of Central Sulawesi Province) on February 2, 1990 and grew up with my simple family in there. In my family, I am the youngest of four children, I have two brothers and one sister, as the youngest I learn a lot from my older siblings in the character of manners, cooperation, conflict resolution, and also about education that we were admitted in same school as a result of learned from my older siblings. In my family the education is highly valued, my parents will do anything to their children can access to education, all of us can access to school because we are entered in public school that can minimize our parents worries about cost of school. I will tell you how I can minimize my parents worries about cost with my study journey.

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I was entered elementary school at Muhammadiyah no. 2 Palu, I often won class in top 3, I feel satisfaction with the result that I got and it can bring happiness and proud to my parents.

My junior high school was started when I was admitted in one of public school at Palu named SMP Negeri 4 Palu by passing the document selection, at that time I got a good score average in elementary school. The confidence and skills cultivated during those early years would become the cornerstone of my success. As I navigated through challenges, each public speaking opportunity became a stepping stone, shaping my ability to articulate ideas with finesse. In junior high school the journey towards improved public speaking commenced, driven by newfound confidence. Engaging in leadership training activities, specifically tailored for public speaking, allowed me to address audiences confidently, starting from my second year in junior high. with all the talent that has it brings opportunity for me to become student council in junior high school, I really proud to become a student council in junior high school.

As I concluded the 3rd grade of junior high school with a grade between 70 and 80, I embarked on a journey to secure a spot in a high school beyond Palu. My academic prowess fueled my determination to obtain a scholarship, and with optimism in my heart, I faced the rigorous testing process. However, the fates did not align in my favor, leaving me without the sought-after scholarship. Confronted with the financial limitations of my family, the dream of attending a high school outside Palu began to wane. The costs associated with pursuing opportunities beyond my hometown, including travel expenses and various other fees, proved to be a formidable challenge. Ultimately, the economic reality dictated my return to Palu, where I grappled with the adjustments and uncertainties that accompanied this unexpected turn of events.

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The mere mention of Madani Palu Integrated Model High School and its commendable objectives stirred a profound curiosity within me, prompting an impromptu visit. On arrival, I found the premises in a state of serene emptiness, void of both security and the lively empty of students. The structure stood as a silent canvas, awaiting the vibrancy of academic life.

In this tranquil setting, a sudden presence materialized behind me. Engaging in an English conversation, the mysterious figure posed inquiries about my well-being, identity, and place of origin. Fortunately, my solid grasp of the English language, cultivated through elementary school courses, allowed me to navigate the spontaneous interview with ease.

As the anticipated testing moment approached, I entered the examination room, only to encounter a pleasant surprise the interviewer from our prior conversation. Familiarity spared me from the rigors of another round of testing, as my previous display of answering skills and English proficiency had evidently made a lasting impression.

Exiting the testing venue without the conventional examination experience, I eagerly awaited the outcome of this unconventional encounter. The subsequent day brought the moment of revelation as I perused the list of accepted candidates, discovering my name among those granted admission.

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Madani Palu Integrated Model High School emerged not only as an educational haven but also as a financial ally. In the inaugural year, scholarships generously covered tuition fees, providing a gateway to knowledge. Subsequent years brought an added layer of support in the form of a monthly subsidy of 60 thousand, a boon that eased the financial strains on my academic journey.

The gates of Madani Palu Integrated Model High School swung open to a select few, with a 13individuals gaining entry in its inaugural year. As the second year unfolded, the student cohort doubled, reaching 26, now categorized into 15 aspiring natural sciences and 11 devoted to social sciences. Within this diverse assembly, I found my place among the students dedicated to the field of Social Science, a deliberate departure from conventional academic norms, this institution chose to eschew the competitive specter of rankings. Instead, the emphasis rested on a holistic approach, with the spotlight on fostering academic excellence. The absence of a hierarchical contest meant that success was measured not by outdoing peers but by achieving scores that surpassed the established average. This unique philosophy sculpted an environment where each student could navigate their educational journey unburdened by the pressures of a competitive hierarchy.

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As a standout student in my school, showcased talents by actively participating in various competitions during my high school years. My achievements included securing certificates in events like the “Ikat competition and English debate”. Notably, success in these contests led to a spot in the top 3, forming a team that represented the school on the national stage in Bogor. Although their journey to the national competition in Bogor landed them in the 11th spot, expressed immense pride in the accomplishment, considering it a significant record for our school. The pursuit of excellence continued with participation in the Science Economy Olympiad, where we earned a place among the top 3 provinces.

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As high school drew to a close, me and my team seized one final opportunity in the "Honda Best Student" event was Scientific Reset (Karia Ilmia). Their hard work paid off with a notable 2nd place in Central Sulawesi. The impact of our achievements extended beyond personal recognition, as the school received generous gifts, including pocket money and a substantial 2 million rupiahs. This monetary contribution was directed towards purchasing books to put in the school library and student can access all the books, highlighting the enduring legacy of me and my team's dedication to academic excellence.

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Embarking on my collegiate journey, I initially enrolled at a local institution nestled in Palu. Securing admission through a rigorous selection process based on my high school achievements, I diligently navigated the maze of school fees, successfully completing payments and eagerly anticipating the moment when I could don the emblematic blazer signifying my entry into the academic realm. However, just as the routine of campus life was settling in, I serendipitously stumbled upon the opportunity to take entrance exams at President University. Deciding to explore this potential avenue, I committed to the testing process. The revelation of the exam results brought forth a pleasant surprise an 80% scholarship from President University, a beacon of academic distinction. yet, the plot thickened. In an unexpected turn of events, I learned of a unique collaboration between the local government of Palu and President University.

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This alliance was dedicated to providing financial support, covering the remaining percentage of the scholarship pie. A symbiotic partnership that would extend the gift of education to a fortunate few. Here's where the narrative takes a fascinating twist the joint scholarship initiative wasn't a blanket offer for all. It was an exclusive opportunity limited to just 20 individuals. Miraculously, against the odds, I found myself among this privileged cohort. The implications were staggering a complete 100% scholarship bestowed over me by the combined benevolence of President University and the collaborative efforts of the Palu government. In essence, my academic journey took an unexpected and rewarding detour, transforming into a tale of dual scholarships, where the convergence of local governance and institutional support paved the way for a full-fledged educational odyssey, opening doors to knowledge and opportunity.

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Making the decision to enroll at President University was far from a simple task. Numerous factors weighed on my mind, including the financial commitment I had already made to the local Palu campus and my precarious financial situation, which is injected a dose of hesitation into the equation. The prospect of accepting the scholarship. In this moment of uncertainty, I turned to my parents for guidance. When I sharing my dilemma, their response was a beacon of clarity and encouragement. "You could just take it, then try," they advised. These simple words held profound significance. In an instant, a wave of happiness washed over me as I realized that this was the opportunity I needed to seize. With the unwavering support of my parents, I embraced the chance to pursue my dream of studying beyond the confines of Palu. The decision to accept the scholarship at President University became a pivotal moment, marking the realization of an aspiration that once seemed distant. It was a leap of faith, guided by familial wisdom and the prospect of exploring educational horizons beyond my immediate surroundings.

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