Yohanna Simanjuntak, a student from the Master’s Program in Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies at UGM’s Graduate School, was selected as UGM’s Favorite Mental Health Ambassador 2024 on Sunday, September 8, 2024. This program was initiated by the Ministry of Mental Health of UGM’s Student Executive Board (BEM KM UGM). Before the final day of selecting UGM’s Mental Health Ambassadors, after a long selection process, 10 finalists for UGM’s Mental Health Ambassador 2024 were chosen.
The 10 finalists participated in a training session from Sunday, September 1, 2024, to Wednesday, September 4, 2024. This training was designed to prepare the selected students to become UGM’s Mental Health Ambassadors 2024, serving as mascots who promote a friendly and warm lifestyle, and foster an environment that supports mental well-being. It also served as a means to expand their understanding of mental health, equipping them to represent and campaign for mental health awareness.
After completing the training, the finalists still had to compete for the attention of UGM students through profile videos posted on each finalist’s Instagram account. The content included personal introductions, academic backgrounds, and mental health education. The finalist whose post received the most likes would be named UGM’s Favorite Mental Health Ambassador 2024.
On the final day of the selection for UGM’s Mental Health Ambassador 2024, the event consisted of a profile video screening and short speeches, talent showcases, the presentation of vision and mission, and a Q&A session. Each finalist performed admirably throughout the event, resulting in the selection of four Mental Health Ambassadors for UGM 2024: Agus Mahendra Saputra from UGM’s Master of Psychology program was named UGM’s Mental Health Ambassador 2024, Galuh Guntur Saputro from UGM’s Department of Economics and Business was named the second Mental Health Ambassador, Putri Nurdamayanti from the same department was named the third Mental Health Ambassador, and Yohanna Simanjuntak from UGM’s Master of Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies was named UGM’s Favorite Mental Health Ambassador 2024. The four Ambassadors signed contracts and are ready to contribute to the programs of UGM’s Ministry of Mental Health for the next six months.
Throughout the selection process, Yohanna Simanjuntak consistently emphasized that “Art is not just for artists, but for everyone. It doesn’t matter if someone can perform like a maestro; art is still a powerful remedy for healing, strengthening, and reviving our spirit. Let us support art as a means of maintaining mental health because, in the end, art teaches us one important lesson: every soul is precious, and every soul deserves to be cared for properly.” This exemplifies the commitment of the Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies Program at UGM to support its students’ efforts to apply the knowledge they have gained and play an active role in society, aligning with SDGs no. 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). (YS)
