From the president
Syakira Wijaya, a Berea College junior and Bonner Scholar, pursuing a double major in Psychology and Computer and Information Science, is a stellar model of Berea’s commitment to “Learning, Labor, and Service.” Syakira holds a labor (work-study) position focused on promoting community-engaged teaching and learning and is passionate about exploring connections between technology and human learning. Syakira is particularly interested in developing and implementing research-based strategies for promoting literacy and education. Syakira grounds her desire to promote literacy within a global context and is committed to exploring the possibility of addressing public issues through research. From her previous experiences initiating a student-led mentorship program in her home country of Indonesia to her current involvement in research about human language development, she is actively engaged in creating and advocating for practical, culturally-relevant, and research-informed solutions. Syakira demonstrates that research can be a powerful tool for positive social change.
Personal Statement
Raised in Indonesia’s ‘city of education,’ I learned that quality education is a privilege for a few. Recognizing this gap, I dedicated myself to a local community library initiative, promoting literacy through books and organizing weekly activities such as storytelling, English lessons, and writing workshops. In high school, I received a scholarship to study in the United States. I extended my advocacy for literacy through volunteering at a local public library, where I led programs for K-12 students. These initiatives included cultural awareness activities, family literacy training, and ESL (English as a Second Language) courses, catering to the needs of the community. With the rise of technology and the digital world, literacy skills have become more important than ever. Today, literacy goes beyond just the ability to read and write. It includes critical thinking, communication, argumentation, information access, and meaning-creation. At Berea College, my engagement with literature continues through my involvement with the Center for Excellence in Learning Through Service (CELTS) and the Bonner Scholars Programs. My commitment to literacy is further reflected in my interest in research advocacy, where I hope to use evidence-based insights to shape public policy and influence the decisions of key stakeholders.