This is a matter of concern in KAMIL Postgraduate Seminar ITB 2026, which was held at the TVST C Building, ITB Ganesha Campus, Saturday (22/8/2026). Carrying the theme "Seeking Knowledge, Protecting the Soul: Preparing the Heart to Begin the Postgraduate Journey," this activity presents Devi Ulumits Tiyas, S.T., M.T., and Chandrania Estari, S.Psi., M.Psi., Psychologist.

Chair of the 2026 KAMIL Odd Semester PMB and Discussion Committee and Deputy Head of the Department of Management and Development of KAMIL Postgraduate Members of ITB 2026, Vionita, S.Si., said that the theme stems from the realization that higher education is not solely about academic achievement. Beyond the demands of producing work and contributing to science, students still have limitations, emotions, a need for relationships, and a need for rest.

"Seeking knowledge and nurturing our soul are two things that go hand in hand, like steps and direction. Knowledge guides us, while our soul ensures we know where to go," said Vionita.

^{Participant interaction during the question and answer session at the eventKAMIL Postgraduate Seminar ITB 2026, Saturday (22/8/2026). (Committee Doc.)}

In the session "Treading the Path of Knowledge: Adaptation and Integrity in Postgraduate Life," Devi encouraged students to view the opportunity to pursue education as a trust. Time, health, thinking skills, family support, and the trust of institutions and society must be accounted for through diligent study and integrity.

Students also need to prioritize completing their studies without forbidding themselves from opportunities to participate in research, conferences, organizations, community service, and academic networking. According to Vionita, balance is crucial to ensure that various activities don't neglect their studies and that students don't simply pursue graduation and miss out on opportunities for growth.

Meanwhile, through the session "Caring for the Soul: Resilience and Balance on the Postgraduate Journey," Chandrania discussed the importance of recognizing one's own psychological state. The stress experienced by students doesn't always stem from academic issues but can also be influenced by individual factors, interpersonal relationships, the environment, and institutional conditions.

Resilience, Vionita continued, doesn't mean students must always be strong or never experience failure. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from difficult experiences, learn lessons, and regain balance. Students need to recognize when they need rest, social support, a change in learning strategies, or professional assistance.

^{The excitement of participants at the 2026 ITB Postgraduate KAMIL Workshop, Saturday (August 22, 2026). (Committee Doc.)}

Participants are also encouraged to develop emotional regulation skills by recognizing and accepting emotions, calming themselves, evaluating the situation, choosing a response, and then taking action. Furthermore, adequate sleep, healthy eating, and physical activity remain essential for maintaining resilience when facing academic stress.

Through this seminar, KAMIL Pascasarjana ITB hopes that students will shift their perspective from simply completing their studies to embracing the process of growth and contribution. After all, when their studies end, they will not only retain their degrees but also the knowledge, experience, networks, and character they have built along the way.

"Students are expected not only to successfully complete their studies but also to grow into individuals who are strong, resilient, and possess integrity and are able to provide benefits to the environment and society," concluded Vionita.

Reporter: Vito Egi Nandriansyah (Geophysical Engineering, 2021)