Jadi ceritanya saya diundang untuk menjadi narasumber dalam acara Pembekalan Dosen Baru Politeknik Negeri Bandung (Polban). Dan saya masih heran dengan undangan tersebut, karena saya belum pernah diminta menyampaikan hal yang sama di kampus saya sendiri.

Introduction

Welcome, new faculty members. Today, we’re going to draw inspiration from the world of running shoes to navigate our academic journey. Each of these mantras offers valuable lessons that can guide us in making our academic careers fulfilling and impactful. Thank you.

Nike “Just Do It”

Let’s start with Nike’s iconic mantra, “Just Do It.” This phrase encourages us to address challenges head-on, engage proactively in both research and teaching, and overcome procrastination to make steady progress. It’s about taking action and moving forward, no matter the obstacles.

• Address challenges directly: Address challenges directly by identifying the core issues and developing effective strategies to overcome them, ensuring that obstacles are managed efficiently.
• Proactively engage in research and teaching: Proactively engage in research and teaching by consistently seeking out new opportunities for learning and sharing knowledge, fostering an environment of continuous improvement and intellectual growth.
• Tackle procrastination and make steady progress: Tackle procrastination by setting clear goals and deadlines, breaking tasks into manageable steps, and making steady progress through consistent effort and commitment to achieving objectives.

Adidas “Impossible is Nothing”

Next is Adidas with “Impossible is Nothing.” This mantra pushes us to confront the seemingly insurmountable challenges in our academic fields. It encourages us to aim for practical and effective solutions and to have confidence in our abilities to overcome obstacles.

• Address challenges in your academic field: Address the various challenges and complexities that arise in your academic field, considering both longstanding issues and emerging problems.
• Aim for practical and effective solutions and discoveries: Aim for practical and effective solutions as well as groundbreaking discoveries that can advance knowledge and provide tangible benefits to society.
• Have confidence in your ability to tackle obstacles:
• Have confidence in your ability to tackle obstacles, drawing on your skills, knowledge, and determination to overcome any barriers you may encounter.

New Balance “Fearlessly Independent”

New Balance’s “Fearlessly Independent” reminds us to find our unique academic voice and conduct research confidently on our own terms. It’s about staying true to our academic beliefs and navigating our paths with confidence.

• Find your own academic voice: Find your own academic voice by exploring various perspectives and developing a unique approach to your studies. This involves not just understanding existing theories but also contributing your own insights and interpretations.
• Do your research confidently on your own: Do your own research confidently by investigating your topic, using reliable sources, and thinking critically about the information. Explore areas of interest and build a strong base of knowledge.
• Stick to your academic beliefs: Stick to your academic beliefs by standing firm in your conclusions and arguments, even when faced with contrary opinions. Defend your viewpoints with well-supported evidence and reasoned analysis, ensuring that your academic integrity remains intact.

Brooks “Run Happy”

Brooks’ “Run Happy” emphasizes the importance of enjoying our academic journey. Creating a positive work environment and balancing hard work with personal happiness is crucial for sustained success.

• Enjoy your academic journey: Enjoy your academic journey by embracing all the learning opportunities that come your way, engaging actively in classes, and building lasting connections with your peers and professors.
• Create a positive work environment: Create a positive work environment by fostering open communication, encouraging teamwork, and showing appreciation for your colleagues’ efforts, which will contribute to a more productive and harmonious workplace.
• Balance hard work with personal happiness: Balance hard work with personal happiness by setting aside time for relaxation and hobbies, prioritizing self-care, and maintaining healthy relationships with friends and family to ensure overall well-being.

Saucony “Find Your Strong”

Saucony’s “Find Your Strong” encourages us to identify and leverage our strengths. Continuous learning and resilience are essential, as is supporting ourselves and our students to become stronger and more capable.

• Find and use your strengths: Identify and harness your personal strengths, utilizing them to their fullest potential in various aspects of your professional and personal life.
• Keep learning to become tougher: Continuously seek opportunities for learning and growth, which will help you build resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges.
• Support yourself and your students: Provide unwavering support for both yourself and your students, ensuring a nurturing and encouraging environment that fosters development and well-being.

ASICS “Sound Mind, Sound Body”

ASICS’ “Sound Mind, Sound Body” highlights the need to take care of our mental and physical health. Promoting a healthy lifestyle for ourselves and our students ensures that we can balance rigorous academic work with necessary self-care.

• Take care of your mental and physical health: Take care of your mental and physical health by engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a nutritious diet, and ensuring you get enough sleep each night.
• Promote a healthy lifestyle for students: Promote a healthy lifestyle for students by encouraging them to participate in physical activities, providing them with healthy meal options, and educating them on the importance of mental well-being.
• Balance hard academic work with self-care: Balance hard academic work with self-care by scheduling regular breaks, practicing stress-relief techniques such as meditation or yoga, and setting aside time for hobbies and socializing with friends and family.

Hoka One One “Time to Fly”

Hoka One One’s “Time to Fly” inspires us to aim high and tackle big projects. Making bold moves in our academic careers and helping our students achieve their best are key aspects of this mantra.

• Aim high and take on big projects: Aim high and take on big projects that challenge you and push your limits. Strive for goals that seem ambitious and daunting, as they will drive you to achieve greatness.
• Make bold moves in your academic career: Make bold moves in your academic career by taking risks and stepping out of your comfort zone. Pursue opportunities that may seem difficult or unconventional, as these can lead to significant growth and success.
• Help students do their best: Help students do their best by providing guidance, support, and encouragement. Create an environment where they feel motivated and empowered to reach their full potential.

Puma “Forever Faster”

Puma’s “Forever Faster” is a call to keep learning and stay ahead in our fields. Embracing new academic trends and technologies quickly ensures we foster a culture of efficiency and progress.

• Keep learning to stay ahead in your field: Continuously keep learning and expanding your knowledge base to stay ahead and remain competitive in your field.
• Quickly adjust to new academic trends and technologies: Swiftly and effectively adjust to new academic trends, emerging technologies, and innovative practices to stay relevant.
• Encourage a culture of efficiency and progress: Actively encourage and foster a culture of efficiency, productivity, and progress within your team or organization to achieve collective goals.

Reebok “Be More Human”

Finally, Reebok’s “Be More Human” reminds us to be kind and understanding in our interactions, support inclusivity and diversity, and help our students grow holistically.

• Be kind and understanding in your interactions: Be kind and understanding in your interactions with others, always striving to show empathy and compassion in every situation.
• Support inclusivity and diversity in academia: Actively support inclusivity and diversity in academia by promoting an environment where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their background or identity.
• Help your students grow in all aspects: Help your students grow in all aspects by providing guidance, encouragement, and resources that foster their intellectual, emotional, and social development.