A Journey of Learning beyond Books

by Khizer Hayat

My name is Khizer Hayat, and I come from Pakistan. For me, learning is not confined to books—it can be  found in every experience and every moment we live. As Albert Einstein once said, “The only source of  knowledge is experience.” From October 16-17, 2024, I had the privilege of participating in a study  excursion organized by the Faculty of Education at UIII, Depok, which proved to be a truly transformative  journey. 

Our adventure began as we departed from the dorms, leaving behind the familiar streets of Depok and  Jakarta, and heading toward the serene, nature-rich city of Bandung. As we traveled through the vibrant  cities, I felt like I was entering a whole new world, full of excitement and possibilities. As Confucius once  said, “Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” This quote perfectly captured my mindset as we  embarked on this journey. 

Our first day was packed with exhilarating activities, including rafting and off-road adventures that got  our adrenaline rushing. Every moment was captured on camera, preserving the memories forever. It  reminded me of the quote by Susan Sontag: “I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.” 

The night at Eco Park Hotel was an experience to remember. The cabins were cozy and charming, but  what made the evening truly special was the live performance by the music band “9 Outbound Ciwidey.”  Their energy filled the air with music, adding magic to the chilly weather. We gathered around a roaring  fire, wrapped in our jackets, enjoying a barbecue, and sharing laughs. The warmth of the fire was matched  only by the warmth of the company, as students and faculty danced, sang, and bonded over the joy of the  night. As Henry David Thoreau said, “Friends… they are the sunshine of life.” This quote beautifully sums  up the warmth of the evening. 

The following day took us to 13 Junior High School in Bandung, where we participated in a vibrant cultural  exchange with students from diverse backgrounds—Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkey, Afghanistan, Nigeria,  Tanzania, the Philippines, Gambia, and Indonesia. The enthusiasm of the junior high students was  infectious, and their warm welcome, combined with their traditional dances, was heartwarming. “The  beauty of the world lies in the diversity of its people,” as Maya Angelou so eloquently said, and we truly  experienced that beauty through this cultural exchange.

Throughout the journey, we were accompanied by the esteemed Dean, Nina Nurmila, PhD, along with  professors and staff, who made every moment enjoyable. From the delightful snacks to the delicious  meals at the hotel, everything was wonderfully planned. Even the bus rides were filled with non-stop  singing, adding to the lively atmosphere. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Life is a journey, not a  destination,” and the joy in the journey was palpable. 

The highlight of our trip was the visit to Telkom University. We were greeted with an atmosphere of  innovation and inspiration. The student presentations were simply remarkable. These young minds were  not just students—they were scientists in the making, innovators ready to shape the future. The  university’s vision and mission were shared with us, filling us with admiration. As Steve Jobs once said,  “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” The spirit of innovation was alive at Telkom  University. 

A memorable moment was the insightful lecture on management by Professor Dr. Djadja of Telkom  University. His words about leadership and innovation left a lasting impression on me, inspiring new ideas  for my own academic journey. As he said, “True leadership is about managing not just systems, but the  hearts and minds of people.” This idea resonated deeply, reminding me that education is not only about  gaining knowledge but also about becoming a compassionate leader. 

As we made our way back to Depok, the sense of fulfillment was profound. The two-day experience felt  like it carried the weight of two months of study. The lessons learned, the memories made, and the  friendships formed will remain with me forever. 

This study excursion was more than just a trip—it was a journey of discovery, learning, and cultural  exchange. It reminded me that education goes beyond textbooks, and sometimes, as Oscar Wilde said,  “Experience is the hardest kind of teacher. It gives you the test first and the lesson afterward.” Indeed,  the best lessons are the ones we learn outside the classroom.