By: Yohanes Parsaoran Selano (Computer Science Teacher at Pradita Dirgantara High School)
Boyolali - Starting something new is not easy; often, we face numerous challenges right before us. Initiating a fresh endeavor demands robust determination and unwavering spirit. We frequently come across these sentiments on motivational boards in our surroundings. It's natural to feel apprehensive or even fearful when tackling something entirely uncharted or untried. This hesitancy can act as a significant stumbling block to our progress.
However, this is certainly not what we aspire to, is it?
There's an adage that asserts whatever you embark on today will inevitably influence the tomorrow you'll encounter. Another saying stresses, "the best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today" (H. Jackson Brown, Jr.). This is essential wisdom for those of us aspiring to grow and actualize our dreams. Each one of us possesses enormous untapped potential, which calls for exploration. It's crucial that we, collectively, venture into uncharted territory and attempt things we've never tried before in order to unlock this vast potential. We can begin by engaging in positive activities such as sports, embarking on scientific research, participating in spiritual pursuits, and joining extracurricular initiatives within our school.
Within our school, Pradita Dirgantara, High School there exists a unique phenomenon. Every individual in our institution is inherently distinct. Each student boasts their own unique interests and talents, underscoring the importance of recognizing and nurturing our individual potential. Engaging in competitions is one productive avenue we can explore. Numerous students eagerly partake in various competitions, be they at the district, provincial, national, or even international levels, all in pursuit of trying something new.
One such instance was the inaugural participation of our school in the Microsoft Office Specialists (MOS) competition and the Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) professional design competition back in 2019. While the competition was entirely novel for the student body, their enthusiasm knew no bounds, as they dove into the experience with unwavering vigor and determination.
In that year, our school swept the first-place positions in five out of six MOS competition categories, and one student secured the runner-up spot in the Adobe professional design competition at the national level. This achievement was indeed a source of great pride. Consequently, five students from our school represented Indonesia on the global stage, traveling all the way to New York, United States. During the interview process, these students exhibited a high level of consistency in their learning and a remarkable willingness to embrace new challenges. Achieving global recognition is no small feat; it necessitates a willingness to try, even when faced with uncertainty.
The five students were Hafizh Fawazz, Safira, Kevin Adrian, Adristi, and Hidayah. In 2021, our school once again proudly represented Indonesia in the United States, clinching the third-place spot worldwide in the Adobe Professional World Competition, courtesy of Gina Anjarisky, and securing the fifth-place position worldwide in the Microsoft Office Specialists category, thanks to Gabriel Yohan.
In 2022, one of our students clinched a bronze medal (placing third worldwide) in the Ms. Excel Microsoft Office Specialist World Competition held in the United States. This achievement is a source of immense pride for both our school and Indonesia, as it reflects a commendable display of dedication and resilience in the face of formidable challenges.
Drawing from the insights gathered, here are some tips for the next generation:
- Prepare your device (Laptop/PC)
and start now.
Nothing can begin without the necessary tools to support learning. A laptop or personal computer (PC) is crucial to enhance your learning and excel in this field. Having the right tools is essential if you want to contribute to technology-related competitions. - It starts with yourself and strong
commitment.
Begin now and keep seeking new information. Learn techniques and effective tips to achieve optimal results. It all begins with your own strong commitment, not someone else's. Having a firm commitment ignites our passion to learn and keeps our final goals in mind. - Let's practice with Gmetrix.
Gmetrix is a vital platform for learning, preparing you to face MOS and ACP competitions. It provides practice questions that are likely to appear, allowing you to practice problem-solving speed and skills required for the competition. The Gmetrix application offers various features, from theoretical question practice to simulation exercises, crucial for determining the maximum score you can achieve. This application has proven to be effective in boosting scores and preparing you to compete at the national level. - Hone your skills every day.
Yes, that's right. The more you practice, the more accustomed you become, making you ready to tackle the questions that will arise. Heero Ramadhan Sipayung, the sole bronze medalist at the global level, has been practicing since 2021 to prepare for the 2022 competition. Isn't that extraordinary? With his enthusiasm and consistency, Heero is the only high school student representing Indonesia in this year's world championship in the United States. That is certainly something to be proud of. - Share with friends.
It's important to share and consult with teachers every day. You can collaborate when studying the competition materials. You can share with older and younger peers as well as the accompanying teachers who are ready to guide you in achieving success in technology-related competitions.
Keep your spirits high in pursuing your dreams. If you don't start now, when will you?
Author : Yohanes Parsaoran Selano – (Guru Computer Science)