More than Just a Degree, College is a Space to Grow and Know Yourself

UPH Festival 2026 / DOK PHOTO: Pelita Harapan University

JAKARTA - Entering the world of lectures is one of the important phases in the life journey of the younger generation. More than just studying the material according to the major, college is also a moment to get to know yourself, build character, expand social contacts, to find direction and purpose in life.

In the midst of rapid technological and social changes, students are required to not only have academic ability. Critical thinking, communication, cooperation, and sensitivity to the social environment are important parts of preparing for the future.

This spirit was introduced by Pelita Harapan University (UPH) to nearly 7,000 new students for the 2026/2027 Academic Year through the UPH Festival 2026. This activity was held on August 13-15, 2026 at the UPH Lippo Village Main Campus, Tangerang, and on August 10-12, 2026 at the UPH Medan Campus.

Carrying the theme "Imago Dei: Created by God, Restored in Christ, Called to Transform", UPH Festival 2026 invites students to see the life of lectures from a broader perspective. Not only about pursuing values and degrees, but also understanding who they are, what their life goals are, and how the knowledge and talents they have can benefit others.

UPH Festival 2026 / DOK PHOTO: Pelita Harapan University

Dr. (H.C.) James T. Riady, Founder and Trustee Chair UPH, assessed that universities have an important role in helping young generations grow and discover their potential.

"At UPH, we believe that the younger generation is not here to be destroyed, but to be built. Not to be silenced, but to be equipped. Not to be dictated about what to think, but to learn how to think," he said, quoted from the official statement of Pelita Harapan University (UPH) on Saturday, August 15, 2026.

According to him, the experience during his student days is expected to help young people have a better understanding of themselves and the goals they want to achieve.

"When this UPH Festival is over, I hope that students will step out with a deeper understanding of themselves, clarity about the purpose of life, and a commitment to using their lives to have an impact on others and glorify God," added Dr. James.

For some people, campus life may be synonymous with class schedules, assignments, exams, organizations, and preparations for entering the workforce. However, this phase actually offers a much wider space to grow.

This is one of the ideas raised in the UPH Festival 2026. Students are invited to reflect on five basic questions, namely "Who am I?", "What is wrong with the world?", "What is the answer?", "Why am I here?", and "What will I do with my life?".

The five questions are a space for reflection for students to recognize their own identity, understand the various problems around them, find answers to life challenges, and determine how they want to live their future.

Dr. Stephanie Riady, B.A., M.Ed., President of UPH, explained that education should not stop at the process of acquiring knowledge.

"UPH believes that education is not merely a tool to acquire knowledge. Education is about being ourselves as we were created, and using what we have learned to love God, serve others, and transform society," he said.

This view makes the student experience not only take place in the classroom. Campus life can also be a place to learn to make decisions, interact with others, hone leadership, and understand various social issues more closely.

The period of study is also an opportunity to explore interests and abilities that may not have been discovered before. Therefore, organizational experience, social activities, mentoring, and activities outside the academic environment can be part of the process of self-formation.

UPH Festival 2026 / DOK PHOTO: Pelita Harapan University

Dr. (Hon.) Jonathan L. Parapak, M.Eng.Sc., Rector of UPH, emphasized that the journey of students is not only directed to obtain a degree.

"We are committed to fostering holistic self-development, both intellectually, spiritually, emotionally, and socially. Every student will be equipped not only for a career, but for a calling," he concluded.

"At UPH, faith and learning are united, excellence is pursued with humility, and knowledge is used to serve others. This is what makes UPH a home for every student," he continued.

This commitment is realized through various activities, ranging from Mentoring, Leadership Journey, Service Learning Community (SLC), student organizations, social activities, to professional experience. These various activities provide space for students to develop their interests, talents, skills, as well as build relationships with the surrounding environment.

College is not just about choosing a major, attending lectures, doing assignments, and getting a degree. More than that, this time is an opportunity to get to know yourself better, build character, find purpose, and learn to use the knowledge you have to make a positive contribution.

Through the UPH Festival 2026, new students are invited to see the journey of education as part of the process of finding the meaning of life. A journey that not only prepares them to enter the professional world, but also encourages them to become individuals who are able to bring change to the environment and society.