Alfi, the Champion in Chemistry Friday 09, January 2015
Betty Alfirizky Kustiana, a girl born in Bangkalan Madura 22 years ago, won the second place for chemistry in the National Olympic of Math and Natural Science (ON MIPA), 21-22 April 2014 in Semarang. Her love of Chemical Theory has led to her success in winning several awards in a number of chemistry olympiads since attending high school (SMA).
Alfi, casually so called, described the stages of participating in the prestigious event, starting from an internal selection at IPB level up to the regional level. Next, she competed with other participants at the national level. "The materials tested covers Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry," said the girl with glasses.
Alfi told little of her experience in solving the problems in the Olympics. "If I forget a formula or concept theory, I use logics," she said.
The student who was active in the Rohis management in 2010-2014 told that her motivation in taking part in the ON MIPA was because she felt challenged to solve complex types of problems in the Olympics. Additionally, ON MIPA is one of the prestigious Olympic events. "I want to make mother and father happy, who have always supported my step until now," she added.
Studying in IPB has been her dream since Alfi was in high school. "During the childhood I dreamed of becoming an architect. But in high school I tried to participate in the Chemistry Olympiad. Since then, I began to aspire to be a chemist," said the female student who likes reading comics and novels.
Alfi choose the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science (MIPA) because she prefer the basics like the concept or theory, rather than the applied like techniques.
"In the Department of Chemistry I can learn more about chemistry. Moreover, the lecturers in the Department of Chemistry IPB was nice to have discussion with," she added cheerfully.
When she was in the high school, she managed to be in the third rank of the Chemistry Challenge in the Science Festival of IPB. The student who was also active in the Division of Studies and Strategies of BEM-MIPA in 2012 also grabbed the second rank in the National Science Olympiad of Pertamina for Chemistry in West Java in 2013. Alfi revealed that her achievement cannot be separated from the full support of the lecturers who are members of the guiding team for the ON MIPA of the Chemistry Department. Further, the support of fellow participants of ON MIPA also helped give the motivation. "And of course, my family, father and mother always reminded me to maintain health and worship," Alfi said.
Upon graduation, the student who loves to read books of psychology is hoping for a scholarship to take S2 (Master degree) abroad. "I also hope that future students at the Faculty can continue to work hard participating in the national and international arena. Hopefully ON MIPA is also still held every year as it is very positive and beneficial to the development of the potential and abilities of students. Moreover, this prestigious event is also useful for the birth of qualified human resources, especially in the field of science," said the student who is currently writing her script (scientific paper) on the topic Precursor Synthesis of Naproxen. (Mtd)
