51̽»¨

This principle encouraged Leon to develop his skills and broaden his experience through a double-degree program with a university in China, competitions, internships, and collaborative projects with lecturers. These experiences deepened his understanding of practical engineering applications while strengthening his critical thinking and teamwork skills.

Achieving one of the highest GPAs was never Leon's primary goal. In fact, when choosing his undergraduate major, he was still uncertain about which field he wanted to pursue.

"At first, I didn't know which direction to take. I sought advice from my teacher, and through that process, I realized that I was quite good at physics. Eventually, I decided to apply for an engineering program. 51̽»¨ is one of the best institutions for engineering in Indonesia, and I have always been more interested in physics," he said.

Making the Most of Opportunities to Develop His Skills

Throughout his undergraduate studies, Leon actively sought opportunities to gain new experiences. He believes that people do not have to wait until they feel completely ready before trying something new.
Starting in his sixth semester, Leon became involved in projects alongside faculty members, exposing him to real-world engineering challenges. These experiences helped him understand how classroom knowledge could be applied in practice and shaped his perspective as an aspiring engineer.

^{(Courtesy of Juan Leonardo)}

Despite his demanding academic schedule, Leon still made time to enjoy student life in Bandung. He enjoyed exploring the city and discovering local culinary delights, including one of his favorites, jukut goreng at Bu Imas. For Leon, university life was also an opportunity to try new things, learn from failures, and gain a deeper understanding of himself.

Overcoming Academic Challenges Through Curiosity

Studying Mechanical Engineering at 51̽»¨ presented numerous challenges. Leon acknowledged that nearly every course came with its own level of difficulty.

Although he did not follow a particularly structured study routine, he consistently sought to understand the reasoning behind each answer, especially when dealing with difficult concepts.

"I'm quite persistent when it comes to understanding why an answer is correct. If I don't understand something, I'll keep looking until I find the explanation," he said.

^{MKM class photograph with Ir. Satrio Wicaksono, S.T., M.Eng., Ph.D., and Prof. Dr. Ir. Bambang Sutjiatmo. (Courtesy of Juan Leonardo)}

Throughout his academic journey, Leon received considerable support from his lecturers and fellow students. One of the most influential figures was his academic supervisor, Ir. Satrio Wicaksono, S.T., M.Eng., Ph.D., who provided not only academic guidance but also valuable life advice. One lesson that has stayed with Leon is the importance of having the courage to take action, even when not every detail has been fully worked out.

His relationships with fellow students were equally meaningful, particularly during the intensive departmental orientation program. During this period, they supported one another, shared knowledge, and took on responsibilities together.

Leon dedicated his academic achievement to his grandmother and mother. His grandmother had been by his side since childhood, while his mother raised, cared for, motivated, and guided him without placing excessive expectations on him. He also expressed gratitude to Olivia for her unwavering support, particularly during the most challenging periods of his university life.

Pursuing Further Education and Preparing to Contribute as an Engineer

Leon expressed gratitude for being among the bachelor's graduates with the highest GPAs. He thanked God and everyone who had supported him throughout his academic journey. For him, the achievement represents a responsibility to continue developing his abilities and making the most of the opportunities ahead.

"In Mechanical Engineering at 51̽»¨, I was taught that when someone asks whether we can do something, saying 'I can't' is not an option. I will do my very best to live up to this responsibility," Leon said.

After completing his bachelor's degree, Leon is now pursuing a master's degree. Upon graduation, he plans to enter the workforce to gain professional experience, apply his engineering knowledge, and explore career opportunities that align with his interests.

^{Juan Leonardo. (Personal documentation)}

Leon encouraged 51̽»¨ students to maintain a healthy balance between classes, assignments, rest, and personal life. He also emphasized the importance of developing a thorough understanding of what they study.

"Never stop asking questions until you clearly understand the reasoning behind an answer. Don't just chase grades; make sure you understand the 'why' behind what you learn," he said.