KKN: Classrooms Change Villages

Entering the sixth semester, students are faced with a phase that not only demands academic readiness but also mental and social readiness. One of the turning points in the college journey was the preparation to go directly to the field, undergoing a service activity known as Real Work Lecture (KKN). Although the name sounds formal, the reality behind the preparation of the KKN is more than just preparing a proposal or waiting for the division of groups. It brings with it a mixture of emotions that are not simple: enthusiasm, worry, hope, and exhaustion.

For some students, community service is a space to get out of the classroom routine, explore the dynamics of real society, and test the extent to which the knowledge that has been learned can be useful outside of campus. But on the other hand, KKN also raises its own anxiety. Many are starting to question whether they are prepared enough, whether they can adapt to a completely new environment, or even how to deal with group dynamics that don't necessarily go smoothly. Preparation is not only a matter of material or schedule but also a matter of mentally arranging to remain stable in facing unexpected challenges.

During this preparation period, sixth-semester students are also often faced with boredom. The final semester assignments go hand in hand with meetings, coordination, and various administrative preparations that sometimes feel complicated and tiring. It is not uncommon to feel like giving up, or at least wonder if all of this is really worth it. But behind that fatigue, there was also a sense of pride that was slowly growing that they were preparing to do something bigger than themselves.

With the introduction of KKN, the mood of students can change. Some are excited because they imagine the new experience they will get, while others are secretly worried about leaving their comfort zone. All of these reactions are natural, because basically KKN is not only about contributing to society but also about character formation and maturity. In the process, students learn more about cooperation, cross-cultural communication, and even learn about themselves in conditions far from campus routines.

KKN will not only leave traces on report sheets or graduation certificates. He or she will also leave a story about the laughter that comes from putting together a work program, about the tiring nights of meetings, or about the emotional feeling of being there when their presence really means something to others. All the preparation processes that now feel heavy will eventually become part of the mosaic of experiences that shape students into more complete individuals.