Fapsi Public Relations — Increasing age does not necessarily scorch the enthusiasm to gain knowledge. Hence, after completing the Undergraduate Program, the Postgraduate Program is the answer to continue studying to a higher level. However, of course there are not a few of these new Postgraduate students who already have families or are pursuing careers. On this occasion, Universitas Padjadjaran welcomed Postgraduate students by holding a New Student Orientation for the Second Postgraduate Program as a provision so that they have the ability to keep the aspects in their life in balance.
On February 16, 2023, a seminar on Family-Study Balance was held at Bale Rumawat, Padjadjaran University, Bandung. One of the lecturers at the Faculty of Psychology, Padjadjaran University, Dr. Fitri Ariyanti Abidin, M.Psi, was the speaker at the session. Becoming a husband or a wife, especially for those who already have children, of course, is not an easy thing to do while studying postgraduate education. Our identity as a student and a part of the family could never be separated, thus why we have to manage everything.
Dr. Fitri Ariyanti Abidin, M.Psi, a speaker in Family-Study Balance seminar in New Student Orientation for Postgraduate Program Batch II [Source: Kanal Media Unpad]
Balancing studies and family is essential and we, as students, must make an attempt for it. Firstly, the “SMART Planning” method which consists of Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely can be used. This planning should be done together with our family. Assertive communication should be built between every part of the family. Hopefully, children would understand more too regarding the importance of studying and alterations that would be made while their parents pursue education again.
Flexibility is also an important aspect. According to Mrs. Ariyanti herself, a win-win solution that could benefit all parties is such a rare occurrence to be seen in daily life. Thus, humans can only choose the plan which consequences are tolerable. Managing priority scale based on the most valuable thing is also an essential thing to do.
Supporting and helping each other is also crucial to do. Sometimes, we feel weak when we ask for help from other people. Negative perspectives for oneself could even appear from our own mind. However, we shall not let such thoughts affect ourselves. The other way to balance our studies and family life is to gain good and sufficient social support. It is necessary to actively seek help and help each other. When there are also too many negative shifts in ourselves such as emotions that are getting explosive, this can also be a sign that we need professional help.
The event didn’t only stop at the issue of Family-Study balance, it was also continued by the material “Becoming a Resilient Postgraduate Student”, as well as tips and tricks to graduate on time for masters and doctorals students which was delivered by a lecturer from the Faculty of Psychology, Hari Setyowibowo, Ph.D., Psikolog. It is not infrequent that students are required to sacrifice their time, energy, and costs. According to Mr. Setyowibowo, resting the brain and focusing on consistency rather than time intensity is also necessary for students to be more optimal while attending lectures. Beside that, in his material, Mr. Setyowibowo also said that students must develop their knowledge through research and solve problems with a multidisciplinary understanding.
Hari Setyowibowo, Ph.D., Psychologist who is presenting material at the New Postgraduate Student Orientation Batch II for Academic Year 2022/2023 [Source: Kanal Media Unpad]
The Head of the Padjadjaran University Career Development Center, namely Dr. Rosalia Mita Amalia, M.Hum also participated in presenting material entitled “Maximizing Postgraduate Education for Careers”. The choice of material is due to the mindset of postgraduate students which is of course more logical and structured. It is hoped that this mindset will enable postgraduate students to enter the professional world and be active in discussions with various perspectives. In addition, Ms. Rosalia said that generally postgraduate students have high research and analytical skills due to the large amount of research, analysis and field practice being carried out (H/SKN).
Adapted from the news on the UNPAD Media Channel entitled “Unpad Lecturers Give Tips on Balancing College and Family for Postgraduate Students” and “Unpad Equips New Postgraduate Students with Career and Academic Materials” by Artanti Hendriyana.