New students of the Faculty of Psychology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) were encouraged to use their university years as an opportunity for self-discovery and to build strong personal values. The message was delivered by Alissa Qotrunnada Munawaroh Wahid, S.Psi., M.Sc., Psychologist, during the Cerita Citta session, one of the featured programs on the second day of PIONIR Psikologi Rumah Kita (PRK) 2026, held on Thursday (August 6).
In her presentation, Alissa reminded students that achievement alone holds little meaning without a clear sense of direction. She compared life to climbing a ladder, noting that many people only realize they have leaned their ladder against the wrong wall after reaching the top. According to her, personal values serve as a compass, ensuring that every step taken has purpose and direction.
“The only way to make sure your ladder is leaning against the right wall is through the values you hold. Those values are what enable us to move forward wherever life takes us,” she said.
Using another analogy, Alissa likened human beings to a bird perched on a branch. A bird, she explained, does not rely on the branch beneath it but on its wings, which allow it to keep flying even if the branch breaks. Likewise, individuals need to develop confidence in themselves by grounding their lives in the values they believe in.
“Trust yourself, know yourself, understand the values that guide your life, because those values will become your wings,” she said.
According to Alissa, students should begin this process from the very start of their university journey. She emphasized that higher education is not merely about earning good grades, but also about developing the ability to understand and manage oneself in preparation for the many roles they will assume in the future.
“Make your time at UGM more than just a pursuit of academic excellence. Use it to sharpen your conscience, strengthen your personal skills, and develop your capacity for self-management,” she encouraged.
Following the session, Alissa remarked that students of the UGM Faculty of Psychology have a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of themselves through their academic studies. Courses on personality, character, and human psychological dynamics provide valuable opportunities not only to understand others but also to gain insight into one’s own identity and prepare for the future.
“Students of the UGM Faculty of Psychology should make the most of these learning opportunities. Although we study psychology theoretically, the knowledge can also be used to understand ourselves. Self-understanding is the key that opens the doors to growth throughout our life’s journey,” she explained.
For Alissa, self-awareness is a lifelong asset that remains valuable regardless of the career path one ultimately chooses. She therefore encouraged students to embrace every learning experience at the Faculty of Psychology UGM as an opportunity not only to understand others, but also to deepen their understanding of themselves.
“No matter where life takes you—whether you become a homemaker, a leader in a multinational company, a minister, or even the President—keep striving. I wish you all the best,” she concluded.
Author & Photographer: Erna Tri Nofiyana