Regarding this pandemic, Thomas Lickona (1992) stated that corruption had become the most demoralizing tool in society. This is because corruption doesn't only harm individuals but, more than that, it creates problems in society and with social norms. It infringes the law.

This demoralization has a long-term effect: the vanishing of our character as a society. One thing that can solve the problem is by re-moralizing society through a good education system to create a new (and better) character for our society.

As we know, education functions to give society diverse points of view toward life. It is a tool to create educated people. We have to protect our youth through good education.

Instead of squealing at each case of corruption, the government should make quality education its highest priority. It should shape people's attitudes about whether corruption is acceptable or not. Moreover, education should be expected to give perspective on the concepts of truth and falsehood, and introduce and emphasize the habit of doing something well.

Having good customs and norms reflect the character of a society, and that society will always respect one's rights. The demoralization, like that caused by corruption, will no longer exist because corruption is something that the young will refuse to engage in. This should be the new character of our society: educated and respectful people.

Guk Sueb

State University of Malang

Tourism Ambassador of Sidoarjo

suebeus@yahoo.com

Coming across turning

points in campus life

Three years ago, two tough questions bothered me: "Where will you be pursuing your degree?" and "What major will you take up at university?"

I admit that back then, I was terribly worried. I only had little idea of where I wanted my future to head. I had thought of pursuing medicine in Singapore, but my mother who was trained as a doctor, was not very supportive of my plan. I became sick in 2004, so as a mother and a doctor, she was worried that I could not endure the pressure of studying medicine.

My cousin living in the US suggested that I consider pharmacy as an option, since my strong points were in biology and chemistry. I though it would be good to establish my own pharmacy. Unlike food, medicines usually have longer shelf lives. Apart from that, my mother could also get learn about the latest medicines to keep herself updated with the latest healthcare products.

After many enquiries, I chose to pursue food technology. I would have pursued a degree in pharmacy if I had not been informed about this fascinating study program, which focuses on developing new food products that will benefit us. I found this field promising, and that is how I eventually found the answer to my anxiety.

To my surprise, I faced another turning point when I was undertaking practical training during the 3rd semester of my study. One day, my father asked me, "Would you like to study animation instead?" Well, I am keen on animated pictures, such as cartoons and anime. I also like to draw my own characters and write stories, two good reasons to join the animation industry. Having a job that suited my hobby might be fun, I thought. But I have made up my mind to dedicate myself to food technology, hoping to achieve success. I should be the one choosing what is best for me.

"Where there's a will, there's a way," so the saying goes. The road to accomplishing one's dreams might be tough and bumpy. But as long as you have determination, nothing is impossible.

Yamin Thwin

Life sciences - food technology

Swiss German University, Banten

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