Sharing Session of the 10 Pillars of Motivation: Strengthening Student Character Development Through the International Office of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon
Cirebon, July 22, 2025 — The International Office of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon (UINSSC) once again demonstrated its commitment to student development by organizing an inspiring sharing session with Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., attended by all current trainees. The event, held at the International Office meeting hall, focused on The 10 Pillars of Motivation, a personal framework introduced by Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., to encourage consistency, ambition, and meaningful growth among young professionals. This session was not only a space for intellectual reflection but also an opportunity for each trainee to explore personal development values that align with the mission of UINSSC as a forward-thinking Islamic higher education institution.
During the session, Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., emphasized that success is built through consistent positive habits, starting with small steps each day. "Successful people do not wait for the right moment they create it. Begin your day with something good: 15 minutes of exercise, big dreams, and long-term thinking," he said with conviction. He also pointed out the importance of direct human interaction, expressing gratitude, and maintaining strong communication, all of which contribute to healthy and productive relationships. His insights were warmly received by the trainees, who actively engaged in the discussion and connected these motivational pillars to their personal and academic experiences.
Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., elaborated on the ten pillars as follows: (1) Start your day with a positive habit, (2) Stay consistent, (3) Be grateful, (4) Dream big, (5) Think long-term, (6) Build social connections, (7) Embrace challenges, (8) Focus on the process, (9) Learn from failure, and (10) Commit to personal growth. Each point was delivered with relatable real-life examples, helping students better understand how motivation can be a practical tool in everyday life. These pillars have now become a guiding compass for the International Office trainees as they embark on their professional journeys.
The session also gave room for reflection from the trainees themselves. Several expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to gain firsthand experience at the International Office. “I’ve learned how to write news, take minutes, edit videos, design content, and even become an LO for the first time. It’s been a valuable journey,” said one participant. Their stories reflected a transformation that went beyond technical skills, touching on communication, teamwork, and leadership as well.
Many trainees highlighted how the guidance from senior staff helped them grow in confidence. From drafting technical guidelines and crafting captions to designing and managing events, they felt increasingly capable of handling real-world challenges. The International Office has played a crucial role in not only equipping them with practical tools but also in fostering a culture of creativity and professionalism.
As a center for international collaboration and development, the International Office of UINSSC remains committed to holistic student transformation. This sharing session is part of a larger roadmap aimed at preparing students to be global citizens grounded in Islamic values. Through consistent mentorship, exposure to real projects, and sessions like this one, the office strengthens students' ability to contribute meaningfully in both local and international arenas.
Going forward, the International Office plans to hold more events of this nature, continuing to involve mentors, experts, and alumni to inspire future cohorts. The success of this session highlights the value of integrating personal motivation with structured training, bridging internal growth with global readiness. With initiatives like this, UINSSC continues to move toward its vision of becoming a leading Islamic university that produces graduates with both spiritual integrity and international competence.
Authors: Bilqis Syifa Shoraya, Laily Dwi Islami Azzahra