By : WINSEN OLANDO

Lecturer : Irene Teresa Rebecca Hutabarat, S.MB., M.M.

This semester felt very different from any other I’ve experienced before. As a Computer Science student, I’m used to thinking logically—working with code, systems, and structured solutions. Most of the time, I build things based on what I believe makes sense. However, this project pushed me out of that comfort zone. For the first time, I had to test my ideas with real people instead of relying solely on my own assumptions.

At first, it felt uncomfortable. Hearing opinions that were different from mine made me realize how limited my perspective could be. But that discomfort quickly turned into an important lesson. I learned that an idea can sound perfect in my head, but it only becomes meaningful when it resonates with others. Listening to real feedback forced me to rethink, adjust, and grow. It was humbling, but also eye-opening.

Choosing to build an application instead of something more straightforward like a food or beverage product was another big decision. We wanted to stay true to who we are and what we study, even if that meant choosing a more challenging path. And it truly was challenging. Debugging problems, unclear feedback, and constant revisions were all part of the process. There were moments when it felt like we intentionally chose the harder road—but looking back, I’m glad we did.

Those challenges taught me the value of persistence, adaptability, and teamwork. I learned that progress doesn’t always come from getting things right the first time, but from being willing to revise, improve, and keep moving forward. Working through uncertainty helped me become more patient and more open to collaboration.

Looking back, this semester was about more than just building an application. It was about understanding myself—how I respond to challenges, how I grow through feedback, and how stepping outside my comfort zone can lead to meaningful development. I walk away from this experience not only with new skills, but also with greater confidence, awareness, and appreciation for the learning process itself. Sometimes, the harder path truly is the one that teaches us the most.