 |
| Arifi Isqak Nurfian, UMM Nursing Department student, at the Banyuwangi Youth Festival 2022. (Photo: Istemewah) |
The name of the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) smells good again. This time, the achievement came from the tip of East Java province, namely the Banyuwangi district. Arifi Isqak Nurfian, a UMM Nursing Department student, managed to become the 1st Representative of Thulik Banyuwangi 2022. He succeeded at the Banyuwangi Youth Festival 2022, held by the Banyuwangi Culture and Tourism Office (Disbudpar).
Arifi said it all started with his desire to explore and maximize his potential. In addition, it is also a form of service to the people of Banyuwangi.
"As a young generation, I certainly have the spirit of contributing to the region, especially increasing tourism for outsiders," he said.
He explained that the Banyuwangi Ambassador selection process was very tight and slow. Starting with registration, written test, skill test, and interview he took from May to June. After qualifying for the top ten, he was quarantined for approximately two weeks at the Banyuwangi Disbudpar to determine the top three. During the process, he also learned about the history, culture, and tourism of Banyuwangi.
During quarantine, Arifi was overwhelmed by the aspect of dancing. Moreover, the hallmark of the Banyuwangi ambassador is a good dancing ability. Moreover, all this time, he had a hobby of exercising, which made his body stiffer.
“I am still new to dancing. So, at first, my movements were robotic and stiff. I even have to practice learning dance in my spare time,” said Arifi.
He admitted that he did a lot of preparations to support his quality. Preparing mentally, physically, and materially are some of them. He even had to force himself to continue to learn many things, even though he was exhausted. It was done so that he could fluently answer the questions asked. Moreover, he must continue to attend classes as usual.
The Banyuwangi native student said that the role of UMM was huge during the selection process. "Especially the head of the study program, which provided support and dispensation permits. Friends and lecturers also provide encouragement and solutions. If dispensation is not given, maybe I will be very overwhelmed," he explained.
Finally, he advised young people not to be humble. They must assume that everything is possible as long as they keep trying and praying. He encourages youth to continue to explore themselves and use them for the good of society.
"Don't let the word inferior. Whatever the situation, you must keep trying and thinking positively and optimistically. Because actually, we walk every day like a blank paper, which we always have to write on using ink, "he concluded. (cdr/ros/wil)
.jpeg)