Trying something new is not an easy decision. However, for Salwa Chairunnisa, a student from the Agricultural Engineering Study Program class of 2025, the courage to step out of her comfort zone became the initial step that led her to achieve the title of Miss FTIP Unpad 2026 Winner and also the Most Photogenic Delegate 2026.
For Salwa, Putra Putri FTIP is not just a student selection event. She sees it as a platform to develop her potential, convey ideas, and advocate for issues she is passionate about. Through this opportunity, Salwa aims to combine the knowledge she gained in Agricultural Engineering with her interest in the arts through an advocacy movement she wishes to develop.
With this mission, Salwa never made winning her primary goal. For her, the process she underwent during Putra Putri FTIP was an opportunity to learn, challenge herself, and step out of her comfort zone.
“For me, winning is not the main goal, but rather how I can maximize this opportunity to grow,” she said.
Preparing Herself Through a Long Process
For Salwa, preparations for Putra Putri FTIP began long before the Grand Final night. She delved into various issues, ranging from digital literacy, environment, to student mental health. In addition, she also trained her public speaking skills, articulation, and built mental readiness to be able to convey ideas effectively.
She did not go through these preparations alone. Salwa actively discussed with previous Putra Putri FTIP participants and exchanged experiences with contestants from various faculties. According to her, this process made her more confident and opened up many new perspectives.
Amidst all the preparation series, Salwa still had to fulfill her role as a student and staff member of the Ministry of Social and Environment BEM Kema FTIP. The overlapping schedules of lectures, organization, and Putra Putri FTIP activities became the biggest challenge she had to face.
Salwa believes her success was not determined by just one factor. She mentioned consistency throughout the process, self-confidence, and the ability to manage nervousness as assets that helped her face each selection stage. On the other hand, support from family, friends, and her surroundings also served as encouragement during Putra Putri FTIP 2026.
“Support from my surroundings was also a major driving force that enabled me to endure every challenge,” she stated.
Salwa Chairunnisa interprets the title of Miss FTIP Unpad 2026 Winner as a beginning to continue learning and growing. (Photo: Personal Doc.).
Winning Is Not the End of the Journey
During Putra Putri FTIP 2026, the quarantine period was the most memorable experience for Salwa. She gained many new insights and learned from other participants with different backgrounds and experiences. Meanwhile, the Grand Final night was the moment when she felt all the processes she had undergone paid off.
Although she successfully brought home the title of Miss FTIP 2026 Winner, Salwa does not consider this achievement as the ultimate goal. For her, winning is merely a bonus from the process she has undertaken since the beginning.
For Salwa, the title of Miss FTIP 2026 Winner is not the end of the process she has undergone. Instead, she sees this achievement as a beginning to continue learning and realizing the advocacy movement she has planned.
“This achievement is not the end of my growth journey,” she remarked.
The experience of participating in Putra Putri FTIP also taught Salwa to better manage her mental state and nervousness. She realized that calmness is one of the keys for every plan to run smoothly.
Moving forward, Salwa wants to realize the advocacy movement she has planned and continue to develop herself to be able to benefit her community.
Concluding the interview, Salwa encouraged students not to be afraid to try new opportunities. According to her, there is no perfect time to start something. “Trust your own pace. It’s better to fail after trying than to live with curiosity because you never dared to take a step,” she concluded. Zahra Ardea Oktaviola (210310250010) [email protected]
