The Career Center of the Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held a blended-format webinar titled “Learning Effectively and Growing as a College Student” on Friday (October 3). The event, attended by first- and third-semester undergraduate students, featured two inspiring speakers: Nadia Puti Dianesti, S.Psi. (Alumna and 2024 Outstanding Student of the Faculty and University) and Alya Nur Faiza (2025 Outstanding Student of the Faculty of Psychology UGM).
The first session was delivered by Nadia Puti Dianesti, familiarly known as Yaya. In her presentation, Yaya highlighted the importance of self-awareness and setting priorities throughout one’s college years. She emphasized that both academic and non-academic success can be achieved when students are able to maintain focus and consistency in their studies.
“Whatever activities I join, my top priority is always academics. Because academics are the main reason I’m here, and everything else is a bonus,” she stated.
In addition to emphasizing consistent learning, Yaya encouraged students to build networks across different cohorts and faculties. According to her, networking not only opens academic and competition opportunities but also fosters a collaborative learning environment. She shared her experiences achieving success through various competitions and organizations aligned with her interests, including her journey to becoming an Outstanding Student (Mapres). She also encouraged students to utilize faculty facilities such as the Career Center, entrepreneurship programs, and research grants as platforms for personal development.
For Yaya, being an outstanding student is not merely about receiving awards but about learning to adapt and continuously grow within the academic environment.
The next session, led by Alya Nur Faiza, invited students to understand their own learning styles to study more effectively.
“Everyone has a different learning style—visual, auditory, or kinesthetic. The key is to find the method that suits you best,” said Alya.
Alya shared several learning strategies, including the Feynman technique for deeper comprehension, the Pomodoro method for time management, and the role of peer tutors as learning companions. She stressed that the more senses engaged in learning, the easier it becomes to understand and retain information.
Moreover, Alya highlighted the importance of time management and maintaining balance between academic and non-academic activities.
“We don’t have to take on every opportunity. Know your own capacity and choose activities that truly matter to you,” she advised.
Through the real-life experiences of these two outstanding young speakers, participants were encouraged not only to focus on academic achievement but also to pursue holistic personal growth. The Career Center hopes this event will help new and mid-level students find their learning direction—enabling them to succeed academically, develop mindfully and purposefully, and remain resilient in facing the challenges of university life.
Writer: Fadia Hayu Godwina
Editor: Erna Tri Nofiyana