From Nervous Whispers to Roaring Applause: My Ucapan Pengukuhan Guru Besar Journey

24 Jul 2024

Selamat Atas Pengukuhan Guru Besar Jurusan PSD Prodi PGSD

So, there I was, sweating under the weight of a thousand expectant eyes, a scroll clutched in my trembling hand like a lifeline. This wasn't a scene from a particularly intense exam dream (although it felt like one). No, this was my "ucapan pengukuhan guru besar" – my inaugural lecture as a newly appointed professor.

Now, before you start picturing me as some stoic academic giant, let me assure you, the reality was far more...human. In fact, "human" might be putting it mildly. Imagine a startled penguin trying to blend in at a flamingo party, and you'd be getting closer to the picture.

You see, the journey to becoming a professor, particularly in Indonesian academia, is no walk in the park. It's more like a marathon through a jungle gym – challenging, exhausting, and occasionally, you find yourself hanging upside down wondering how you got there. And the "ucapan pengukuhan guru besar"? That's the grand finale, the fireworks display after you've conquered the obstacle course.

But like any good fireworks display, it requires meticulous planning, careful orchestration, and a healthy dose of prayer that everything goes off without a hitch (especially the metaphorical kind, because tripping over the podium in front of the entire faculty is not a good look).

The "ucapan pengukuhan guru besar," for the uninitiated, is more than just a lecture. It's a rite of passage, a formal address where you present your academic journey, your research findings, and basically, your intellectual "A-game," to a room full of your peers, superiors, and occasionally, your bewildered family members wondering when you became so eloquent.

And let me tell you, the pressure is real. You're not just delivering a lecture; you're establishing your expertise, your contribution to your field, your legacy (yes, legacy, no pressure!).

But amidst the nerves and the formality, there's also an undeniable thrill. It's the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and countless late nights fueled by instant coffee and the sheer force of will. It's a chance to share your passion, your insights, and hopefully, inspire the next generation of thinkers and dreamers.

So, as I stood there, blinking into the bright lights, the weight of the occasion finally hit me. But then, something magical happened. I looked out at the audience – my colleagues, my mentors, my students – and I saw not just a sea of faces, but a reflection of my own journey, a testament to the power of education, of perseverance, of the unwavering belief in the pursuit of knowledge.

And suddenly, the nerves melted away, replaced by a surge of exhilaration. This wasn't just a lecture; it was a conversation, a sharing of ideas, a celebration of the academic spirit. And as I launched into my speech, I knew that this was just the beginning. The journey of a professor is a lifelong pursuit, a constant exploration of new frontiers, and I, for one, couldn't wait to see where it would take me next.