METIC: The Place You Can Express Whatever Your Passion

In the past 2 years, I’ve been involved in an organization called METIC, which is the abbreviation of Moklet Education Technology & Informatics Club, (basically an IT Club) at my school SMK Telkom Malang, but have you ever imagined an IT Club in IT School. This is the story about how METIC has shaped me and all members inside of it.

The story began in the first year, when I actually had a plan to join the student council. I had no reason to join, but with some complications and conflicts of interest, I got kicked out in the interview with no reason at all. (I had good background at that time)

After all of my hopes are gone, I’m a bit confused about what to do, but I still remember the reason I’m going to this school, with a bigger dream and vision, and I think that the student council is just another way to chase my dream. Moreover, this rejection got me a bigger opportunity to become who I am.

Because of that reason, I need to find an environment that can support this, which is an IT Club, the one and only METIC, but this is far from my expectation of what an organization should be; most of the programs are not effective, and not all members want to be involved. Most of the students and teachers call this organization a dead organization with low engagement and impact.

Some of people just gave up and choose another organization, but i have a friends that same feeling of betrayed of bad system, people who are fed up with seniority and rule that actually not relevant with spirit of innovation and learning. The combination of students with enthusiasm and starting from the same concerns, we together made a dead organization to revolutionize what the organization of the IT Club should be.

We are shaping this organization so that everyone can express their ability and passion to collaborate across sectors.

The revolution that became the game changer of METIC, in my opinion:

1. Vision

Have you ever thought what if a country changes its goals every time the president changes?

This analogy I want to avoid, an organization should have the same vision even if the leaders change or regeneration, how to achieve that vision, called mission, is based on the condition, need, and human resources of each batch.

“Menciptakan generasi pemimpin muda yang inovatif, kolaboratif, dan berorientasi solusi di bidang teknologi untuk masa depan digital yang inklusif dan berkelanjutan.”

This vision was not created based on what I personally want, but time created this vision: what we do over time, the concerns of each member, and the passions of each person shape this vision.

2. Make an environment for the place experiments

In high school, this is the safest place and time to make mistakes.
There’s no pressure, but rather a spirit of learning together with a shared vision.

Everyone can express their ideas and implement them. Metic is a supportive environment.

Whatever your idea, it’s discussed together.
An environment where you can compete with peers and support each other.

A place to discover and explore all your passions with experts in their fields.

Lastly, feeling confident in different, you have a mentor that will support you in whatever it is, while what you’re doing is a good thing and supports our vision

3. We do not create moments, but stepping stones

It is kinda weird that the output after regeneration is only a moment that can only be remembered after graduation. What you do in high school does not support what you do for work or even in university.

What you're doing in high school just feels like useless. Becoming an expert in your passion is the key to achieving your dream.

TBC…