Intan Fandinny, Inspirational IPB University Student, Brings Educational Mission to Neighboring Country
Intan Fandinny, a student from the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences (IKK) at the Faculty of Human Ecology (Fema) of IPB University, has been an inspiration to many. Notably, she has made her mark as the Reading Ambassador of West Java.
However, Intan, as she is affectionately called, does not want her role to end there. She aspires to contribute further, particularly in the field of education. With strong determination and a high level of care for others, Intan continues to strive to make a positive impact on society.
In addition to her role as a reading ambassador, Intan regularly engages in humanitarian social actions. Most recently, she donated the proceeds of a fundraising campaign she organized to a patient suffering from brain cancer.
Intan received the opportunity to continue her service through the Humanitarian Program initiated by the Council of Rectors of Indonesian State Universities (MRPTNI) and INTI International University, involving 10 universities.
Intan went to Malaysia as part of the student exchange activities of the Freedom of Learning – Independence Campus (MBKM) program. However, she did not only study at the university but also had the opportunity to teach at the Indonesian Citizens Education Center (PPWNI) in Klang, Selangor, helping Indonesian immigrant children who lack access to formal education.
For Intan, education plays a very important role. “Education is the key to the future. Through my studies at IKK IPB University, I have learned about parenting styles and their impact on children. This motivates me to contribute more,” she explained. She wants Indonesian children in Malaysia to have access to a good education.
Fully supported by IPB University, Intan received assistance in the form of round-trip airfare, living expenses, and other necessary facilities. This support allows Intan to focus on her main mission, which is to provide education to children in need.
Her experience in Malaysia taught Intan the importance of adaptation and collaboration. Meeting various people, from fellow teachers to officials at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI), provided Intan with valuable lessons on the dynamics of teamwork and the importance of good communication skills.
“The most striking aspect of this activity is how IPB University delegates its students to be ready to face the working world, because the reality in the field is not the same as theory. How we are prepared to work in the field, whether in an office, in the field, or with the community,” she explained.
In addition to gaining experience, Intan also found a new family during her time in Malaysia. One memorable moment was when she was ill, and her students surprised her with gifts and words of encouragement. “It felt like a reward for everything I had done before,” she said.
Intan believes that keeping busy with positive things and always seeking the blessings and prayers of parents is the key to success. “Keep yourself occupied with positive activities so there is no room to compare yourself with others. Truly, the only comparison we should make is whether we are better today than we were yesterday,” she added. (Lintang/Rz) (IAAS/RUM)
