“When little Reza was asked which college to go, I had always answer ‘Physics in ITB!’ even though I did not know what, where and how ITB is. The only thing I was thinking is that I want to be a scientist. I wanted to enter ITB,” Reza said in his valedictory speech on Saturday (19/10/2019).

Reza was the finalist of outstanding student from FMIPA in 2018. Initially, Reza did not expect he would be selected to give valedictory speech. He thought he did not stand out, and did not think he would stand on a podium to deliver a speech.

Reza said that he was hesitant to continue his study in the field of science. This was because of the common assumption that it is difficult to develop science and even more so to be a scientist in Indonesia. Fortunately, with suggestions from his high school teachers, he resolved to pick FMIPA as the first option in university entrance exam.

During his study in ITB, Reza decided to enjoy all the processes, both the ups and downs. He won silver medal in ONMIPA 2017 and 2018, the 2nd place of National Science Olympiad for students in 2017 and the finalist of Outstanding Students from FMIPA in 2018. Besides competition, he also received internship opportunity in KAIST for three months. During this internship, he felt strong research atmosphere and work ethic.

During college years, the biggest challenge was when he conduct a research. He experienced fail after doing it for three months and it almost made him surrender. However, Alexander Agustinus Iskandar as Reza’s supervisor always encouraged him. “If we are faced with problems with tons of puzzles to solve, then that is the true research. If you can tackle it, then you will feel the joy of being a physicist,” Reza said.

Reza graduated with a GPA of 3.98 and won a number of achievements. All of those was achieved with determination and perseverance. He holds the principle of not complaining and giving up on his dream despite the challenges. It is also important to keep fighting and praying. “Never think of your dream as unachievable, because when you are determined to achieve it, it is easy for God to make it real. If ever it is not achieved, believe that God’s plan is better,” he said.

Lastly, Reza encourages students to use available facilities and get updated on development of technology. “For fellow graduates, let use work together in our respective roles. We synergize in harmony and firmly hold integrity in order to develop Indonesia towards prosperity as well as maintaining the name of ITB,” he concluded.

Reporter: Indah Indah Lestari Madelin (Environmental Engineering 2016)