The journey of self-development is not always smooth, and this has been deeply experienced by Laurensia Jolie Ivanna, a student of the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM). At the Dentistry Open Day 2025 event held by FKG UGM, Jolie shared her story, illustrating how her educational journey as a dental student has shaped her character, mindset, and life goals.
Jolie began her story by recalling her school years in Solo. She was known to be actively involved in various activities such as academic olympiads, organizations, and acceleration programs. All of these experiences became valuable provisions that eventually led to her acceptance into FKG UGM through the National Selection Based on Achievement (SNBP) pathway. “I have always had clear goals from the beginning. But to get there, I learned the importance of planning, strategy, and consistency,” she said on Saturday (1/11).
She described the adaptation period in her first semester as one of the most challenging phases. A dense lecture schedule and academic pressure required her to adapt quickly. However, behind the busyness, she found meaningful lessons in building relationships and getting to know a new environment. “At first, I felt confused, but from there I learned many things. Not only about the subjects, but also about how to build relationships,” Jolie said.
The most memorable moment for Jolie was when she began to realize that the field of dentistry is not limited to theory and laboratory practice alone. She referred to this phase as a turning point in her perspective on the dental profession. “The reality in the field is far broader than I imagined. There is a strong humanitarian aspect behind every action of a dentist.”
Amid the demanding academic workload, Jolie also learned the importance of maintaining life balance. She developed the habit of creating weekly and monthly plans, setting priorities, and allocating time for rest. According to her, this approach helps maintain focus and motivation in learning. “I learned not to compare myself to others. Everyone has their own path,” she expressed.
Through her experiences, Jolie concluded that the learning process at FKG UGM not only builds academic competence, but also mental resilience and a sense of empathy. “Growing or developing is not always beautiful, but every process we go through has meaning. Consistency is more important than perfection,” she concluded.
Author: Fajar Budi Harsakti | Illustration: Laurensia Jolie Ivanna
