Electrician’s Legacy: A Flame That Will Never Fade

In the corridors of the Faculty of Engineering at Manado State University (UNIMA), amidst the hustle and bustle of students and the whir of machinery, stood a figure of great respect: Dra. Kristine A.D., M.T. Her age might not be young, and her hair was adorned with strands of silver, but her spirit to acquire knowledge and share it with the next generation never waned. She was the personification of dedication, a tireless senior lecturer in the electrical engineering department.

When her colleagues began to enjoy their twilight years, Enci Tin—as she was affectionately called—became even more passionate. The master’s degree she had earned was not enough to quench her thirst for knowledge. She continued to strive to complete her doctoral studies, even at a well-known university abroad. It was not personal ambition that drove her, but a calling to continuously update her knowledge in the rapidly developing field of electrical engineering. For her, age was no barrier to continuous learning and self-improvement. She believed that knowledge was an endless spring, and she was thirsty to keep drinking from it. Enci Tin wanted to ensure her students were not left behind, had an up-to-date perspective, and could compete globally.

The electrical lab hummed with a tangible energy, a vibrant testament to her unyielding passion. Here, Enci Tin’s brilliance wasn’t confined to silent observation; it was a force that breathed life into cutting-edge renewable energy systems and intricate smart grids. She saw firsthand the transformative power of these technologies, not just as abstract concepts, but as tangible tools to illuminate lives. Her research wasn’t just for a publication—it was about bringing the flickering glow of electricity to remote, hard-to-reach communities, a sight that brought a palpable relief to those who had long lived in the dark. Just like her first daughter who Residing, working, and serving the people in interior of Papuan highlands as a doctor.

She taught with a love that felt as real as the static that could be felt in the air. Her voice, a constant, reassuring hum in the lab, didn’t just explain formulas and theories; it shared a vision. She instilled in her students the critical truth that mastering these technologies—from the quiet whir of a wind turbine to the intricate data flow of a smart grid—was no longer a choice but a necessity. In today’s fast-paced world, students must not only see the circuits but understand their societal impact, hearing the silent stories of progress and feeling the immense potential for change at their fingertips.

Enci Tin’s office was a sanctuary, its door always open. The soft, worn feel of her leather chair offered comfort, a place where students could confide in her about more than just their academic struggles. She believed that an engineer’s work was to serve humanity, and her guidance went beyond textbooks, touching upon the very essence of life itself. She was a mentor, a confidante, and a friend, proving that the brightest minds are also the ones with the biggest hearts.

Enci Tin always encouraged her students to think critically and creatively. She did not want them to be just ‘followers’ but ‘innovators’ who could create new things and solve problems in society. She was always ready to help and support her students, even to the point of sacrificing her own time and energy to ensure they could complete their studies on time. She did not want any of her students to have their graduation delayed because of her condition.

On Christmas Eve in 2021, after the church bells rang at midnight to welcome the birth of the Savior, surrounded by her children, in-laws, grandchildren, husband, and some members of her church congregation, accompanied by the melodious chanting of religious songs, Enci Tin took her last breath. She left peacefully, leaving a legacy of immeasurable value.

She never once bothered her students or sought personal gain beyond what she was entitled to. She truly dedicated her life to education, inspiring by example in the pursuit of knowledge and its application in daily life for a better generation. Enci Tin’s passing left a deep sorrow for her family, colleagues, and especially her students. 

However, the flame of spirit she ignited will never be extinguished. She had planted the seeds of dedication and exemplary behaviour that will continue to grow and bear fruit in the hearts of her successors. Her story will become a legend that will continue to be told, an inspiration for the educators who follow her and the young generation she taught to keep fighting and giving their best for the nation and the country.

Enci Tin, The Electrician, has passed, but her legacy will live on, illuminating the path for the next generation of the nation. Her dedication is a flame that will never fade, an eternal inspiration.

Kreator : Vidya D’CharV