UKDW Empowers Student Ambassadors of SMA BOSA through Public Speaking and Personality Development Training
Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana (UKDW) continues to strengthen its role as a strategic partner in the education sector by providing mentoring support to 31 students from SMA Bopkri 1 Yogyakarta (BOSA), selected as this year’s Student Ambassadors.
Held on Friday, April 11, 2025, at Villa Hanna in Kaliurang, the training program was titled “Public Speaking and Personality: Speak Up, Stand Out – Becoming a Student Ambassador”, focusing on equipping students with essential soft skills to excel as school representatives.
Equipping Students with Communication Skills and Positive Character
In an increasingly fast-paced and distraction-heavy educational landscape, effective communication has become a core competency for students. Today, academic excellence must be complemented by the ability to articulate ideas clearly, confidently, and persuasively—especially for those taking on leadership and representative roles within their school communities.
To support this, UKDW guided the student ambassadors of SMA BOSA through a focused session on public speaking, confidence building, and personality development. The session was led by Veronica Tiara, S.Kom., CPS, Head of UKDW’s Admissions and Promotions Office, who brings experience in mentoring UKDW student staff involved in school outreach programs.
For nearly two hours, students enthusiastically participated in the interactive and practical session. “It’s truly fulfilling to engage directly with these young changemakers. Student ambassadors are not just the ‘faces’ of their schools—they’re also role models and small agents of change who inspire those around them,” said Veronica. She emphasized that communication skills, interpersonal ethics, and a strong sense of identity are foundational tools for students preparing to thrive in the future.
A Collaborative Approach to Holistic Student Development
Prasetyo Susanto, Vice Principal for Public Relations at SMA Bopkri 1 Yogyakarta, expressed strong appreciation for the ongoing partnership with UKDW. “This is our second year working with UKDW, and the impact has been clear. Many of last year’s participants gained significant confidence, improved communication abilities, and actively supported school events. This collaboration exemplifies the kind of constructive synergy we need in education.”
During the session, students also received practical insights on the do’s and don’ts of being a student ambassador, how to create a strong first impression, and tips for delivering engaging presentations.
Looking ahead, UKDW is committed to delivering more tailored mentoring programs as part of its ongoing contribution to preparing resilient, confident, and globally competitive young leaders. Future training topics will include leadership, time management, teamwork, and personal branding—adapted to each school’s specific needs. [tiara/trans.drr]
