Source: Untar Public Relations – VC
The Education and Training Center (Pusdiklat) of Tarumanagara University (Untar) held a self-development seminar titled “When Life Gives You Brotowali,” delivering a reflective message on how to face life’s challenges in a healthy and productive way. The seminar was open to all students from various faculties at Untar as well as the general public, as part of Untar’s ongoing commitment to support mental health and personal growth within its academic community.
Inspired by brotowali—a bitter plant known for its health benefits—the seminar encouraged participants to accept that life is not always sweet, yet still holds goodness when approached with awareness and mental readiness.
Head of Untar’s Pusdiklat, Dr. Arlends Chris, M.Si., opened the seminar by emphasizing the importance of seeing the positive side of difficult experiences. “The bitter moments in life are often the most valuable lessons that shape us into better individuals,” he stated.
The seminar featured Untung Subroto, S.Psi., M.Psi., a psychologist and lecturer at the Faculty of Psychology, Untar, as the keynote speaker. He presented insights on psychosocial development and the challenges faced by young adults, including building stable relationships, living independently, and managing a career. “Learning to make peace with life is the first step toward becoming a mentally healthy adult,” he explained.
During the session, participants were also introduced to the Color Code Personality Test by Taylor Hartman—a psychological tool designed to help individuals understand their personality traits and core motivations. Through 45 questions, attendees were guided to explore how they respond to life’s challenges, marking an essential step in self-discovery.
Untung also shared ten practical ways to navigate life, emphasizing the importance of having the courage to ask for help, maintaining an active routine, building healthy relationships, practicing self-acceptance, and trying new things.
Through this seminar, Untar’s Pusdiklat hopes participants will develop deeper self-awareness, embrace life’s ups and downs with wisdom, and continue to grow amid all challenges. Just like brotowali, bitterness can be the beginning of healing and strength. (VC/AJ)