Azka Agisna, From Black Belt to Outstanding GPA
Azka Agisna Alivia, A student in the Public Relations Program at Padjadjaran University, class of 2023, who is also a taekwondo student athlete. Despite her busy schedule of classes and organizational activities, Azka maintains her passion for sports, which she has been pursuing since childhood. Born in Bandung on August 10, 2004, and raised in the same city, Azka grew up in a physically active environment.
From Athlete to Coach: A Journey in the World of Taekwondo
Since first grade, Azka has been familiar with the world of taekwondo. It all started with his curiosity after seeing his cousin practicing in a taekwondo uniform, which he thought was cool, and doing activities that looked exciting. “I saw my cousin joining the taekwondo club, his uniform was cool, and the training looked like sparring, kicking and punching… I immediately thought, ‘I have to join,’” he said with a laugh. Since then, taekwondo has become an integral part of his life. It’s not just a hobby but also a part of his identity.
Azka used to actively compete in various championships until he eventually became a coach. He now spends most of his time coaching at the taekwondo club that he and his friends founded, namely Dragon Eight Taekwondo Club. A club born out of a shared desire to create a training ground more in line with their values and spirit.
Maintaining Balance: Students and Athletes
Balancing the roles of student and athlete is no easy feat. Azka carefully manages his time, attending classes from morning to afternoon and then training in the evenings. “If I don’t have classes, I go straight from home to the training venue. The key is to be smart about managing my time, because both are important to me,” he explains.
However, behind all that routine, there were extraordinary moments that left a lasting impression on him. One of them was when he took the black belt third-degree exam. The exam was not only about technique and strength, but also mental fortitude. “At that time, we were told to jump into a mud pool early in the morning, then crawl around, get wet, and immediately climb a hill in Lembang. It was extremely cold, but the sense of camaraderie was palpable. That’s an experience I’ll never forget.”
Outside of taekwondo and college, Azka is also active in organizations and committees. He wants his resume to be filled with diverse experiences. One of his most memorable experiences was being part of the FIKOM Student Executive Board in the KPSDM division. “My friends are very supportive, like family. It’s where I go when I’m tired.”
Azka’s Spirit Rises from Injury and Mental Fatigue
For Azka, his passion remains strong not only because he wants to win, but because he truly enjoys the process. Despite suffering an injury to his hand and fingers, as well as feeling exhausted from the third semester of university, Azka was able to bounce back thanks to the support of his loved ones and the little things that bring him joy. “I usually spend time with friends, enjoy delicious food, and sleep all day. That’s what gets me motivated again,” he shared.
Dreams and Plans for the Future
Although he no longer competes, Azka still considers taekwondo to be part of his future. He hopes that the club he founded will continue to grow and become widely known. On the other hand, Azka also wants to pursue a career in public relations and aspires to become a professional social media specialist.
“Whatever you do, don’t let it become an obstacle for others. As long as you can balance and manage your time, you can do everything.” That sentence was the closing remark from someone who proved that dreams can be pursued from two different fields: the sports field and the lecture hall. (ARJ)
