Beating 96 participants, the Thursina IIBS Team stands on the 2025 BET Champion Podium
Outstanding achievement was accomplished by a group of students from Thursina International Islamic Boarding School (IIBS). They are Achmad Mecca Cahya Sisworo, Yusuf Raihan, and Ahmad Reza Anugrah, gaining the 3rd place (2nd Runner Up) in the national-level Brawijaya English Tournament (BET) 2025 held by English Student Forum of Brawijaya University (02/06)
Mecca, one of the team members explained the competition took place from mid-May to early June and was attended by 96 participants from 24 teams throughout Indonesia. Their journey began with the pre-elimination round conducted online in mid-May, attaining three rounds of debate with determined topics by the committee. "Alhamdulillah, we didn't expect it, hard work, togetherness and self-confidence led us to win two of the three, so that we passed to the quarter-finals (top 8) and semi-finals (top 4)," said Mecca.
Although they did not pass to the final round for the 1st and 2nd place, their remarkable performance had crowned as the 3rd Place in the semifinal round.
Furthermore, Reza said the reason why he and his team actively participated in the competition was as a means to hone their skills and build wider relationships. "In addition, to make parents proud, build a great portfolio, and improve public speaking and critical thinking skills as well," he added.
Meanwhile, Yusuf added, the main keys to participate in a debate championship include understanding of grammar and coherent argument structure, general knowledge of logical thinking skills, consistent practice, and of course, determination.
They would not stop there, further, they would accomplish more in other events by participating and achieving in the National Schools Debating Championship (NSDC) in July.
The Thursina debate team hopes the experience would inspire other students to learn without worrying of making mistake, because it is part of the process towards success.
"Don't be afraid of making mistakes. All will be useful for yourself. Every failure is a process that strengthens our next move," concluded Mecca, representing the team. (hel/lil)