UMM’s Octavision concluded the “Honey Get Wild” project with “Bee Thankful” at Petik Madu. The warm closing event featured shared meals, video screenings, awards, and heartfelt reflections, celebrating emotional connections and collaborative learning.
Goodnewsfromstudent.com – A heartwarming atmosphere of unity and gratitude marked the closing ceremony of the “Honey Get Wild” event series, initiated by the Octavision practicum group from the Communication Science Department of Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM).
Held on July 12, 2025, at the scenic Petik Madu Agro-Tourism Site in Lawang, Malang Regency, the final event titled “Bee Thankful” served as both a celebration and a reflection of the collaborative journey shared by students, staff, and the venue’s management.
“Bee Thankful” followed the successful execution of the two preceding events: “Bee Pro” and “Bee Explorer.” While the earlier sessions focused on skill development and exploration, the final gathering shifted toward emotional connection and shared appreciation, emphasizing the bonds formed throughout the semester-long engagement.
The event began with a communal meal served in a traditional ‘lesehan’ style, fostering a relaxed and intimate environment. Seated on mats in an open space, participants exchanged stories, memories, and laughter rekindling moments from the project’s inception to its conclusion.
A particularly engaging segment featured the screening of video content created by the Petik Madu staff during the social media challenge introduced in the Bee Explorer event. The videos, filled with creativity and local charm, sparked enthusiastic applause, laughter, and genuine admiration from attendees.
One of the most anticipated moments was the announcement of the winners of the best content challenge. The staff, many of whom had previously undergone training in Bee Pro, accepted their awards with pride and visible excitement. This gesture underscored the transformative experience they had undergone, from skill acquisition to creative expression.
Adding to the spirit of gratitude, the Octavision team also presented souvenirs to the Petik Madu management. These tokens symbolized appreciation for the unwavering support, mentorship, and collaboration provided by the hosts throughout the semester.
As the event neared its end, participants were invited to write down their personal reflections and messages on colorful sticky notes. These were then affixed to a designated memory board, which stood as both a visual archive and a symbolic tribute to the shared journey. The board, now adorned with heartfelt messages, represents not just the memories of “Honey Get Wild” but also the emotional bonds that were cultivated.
Speaking on behalf of Octavision, one of the students shared,
“This wasn’t just about completing a project. We’ve built real relationships, learned from each other, and created memories that will stay with us long after this program ends.”
The final note of “Bee Thankful” reinforces a valuable lesson: successful events are not solely about meticulous planning and execution, but also about nurturing meaningful human connections. Octavision’s commitment to building trust and emotional engagement set a high standard for future community-centered academic projects.
By closing “Honey Get Wild” on such a sincere and reflective tone, the students of UMM demonstrated the impact of experiential learning that goes beyond the classroom. They not only enhanced the media literacy and content creation skills of the local tourism staff but also created a lasting bond grounded in mutual respect and gratitude.
Author: Dias Sulistiani | Communication Science, University of Muhammadiyah Malang
