Undergraduate Journey [IV]: Ooo… We’re halfway there
B.Sc Mechanical Engineering ITB: A review of my 4th semester
Continuing on the lyrics from one of my father’s favorite song — considering what I went through this semester, I too, am living on a prayer :). Jokes aside, this semester, though ever increasing in workload, has been such an uplift in enjoyment ever since the campus has begun transitioning to handle more offline activities (unfortunately at the cost of having to do offline exams). By this time around I would say I’ve finally gotten the hang of university as a whole which is why it went by in a blur.
Classes taken:
Machine Element Design I ; Fluid Mechanics I ; Material Structure & Properties ; Numerical Analysis ; Electrical Drive & System ; Statistics ; System Dynamics
A significant hurdle that I had to face this semester would be when I had dengue and was hospitalized for a couple days during exam midterms season, which caused me to miss out on one of my exams. Though I was annoyed back then, it turns out that when I took the remedial exam, it was much easier than the midterms (we all had access to past papers including the recent midterms so I could compare), and because of this my grade for that class was saved. Really goes to show that everything has a silver lining — though if I had the choice, I would never sacrifice my health for a grade.
Highlight #1: Derap HMM ITB
A certain highlight that I thoroughly enjoyed would be taking part in one of my student unions traditions, that is the graduation night celebrations for our soon to be alumni. In this event, the 2nd and 3rd year students take part in performing a military walk of sorts along with its chanting called derap in front of those graduating. The graduates-to-be in return would then tell stories, poke fun at us and share some questionable wisdom. This year, since ITB has only opened its gates for academic activities, we celebrated at a villa in Lembang and there was music, food, and games to enjoy.
Highlight #2: Water Hyacinth, Water Hyacinth, Go Away
During the summer break before this semester started, my faculty organized an engineering design event alongside the University of Manchester and with the support of PT. Indonesia Power to allow for selected students to take part in creating an engineering solution towards improving Indonesia’s infamously polluted river, the Citarum River. Other than being able to join lectures from both university professors, we also joined offline programs designed by the supporting company through site visits and learning about O&M units, CSR, and existing machinery usage. Reflecting back, though I could have enjoyed my long-term break in peace and solitude — I’m glad I applied and took the risk.
Read more about our design project here: notion.com
Highlight #3: Engineering Drawing Lab Assistant
Along with a handful of colleagues, we were selected to help assist in MS1200 Engineering Drawing within the practicum sessions. Other than being able to meet and help out my juniors, being able to spend more time on campus is always a delight. I was also able (had to) sharpen up my knowledge on the class which is beneficial in the long run. Excluding the countless hours reviewing and practicing my patience with student submissions, I would highly recommend trying it out — shoutout to Kak Balqis for being an amazing head assistant as well and treating the assistants to a pleasant meal out 🙏.
