Thursina International Islamic Boarding School (IIBS) has once again achieved proudly through one of its top students, Arya Mahbub Al Qudsy, a 12th-grade student who was officially elected as the Deputy of the National Student Council Forum (FON) for the 2025–2026 period. The appointment was not a simple process. Mahbub had to go through a rigorous selection process, including submitting essays, CVs, certificates of achievement, and a personal statement video.
Afterward, the student from Kudus, Central Java, had to pass a Leaderless Group Discussion (LGD) and a national selection process to finally be chosen as one of the leaders of Indonesian largest student council, comprising of 100 students selected across the archipelago.
Mahbub explained that his initial decision to participate in the FON selection process was due to recommendation from Ustaz Febryan Yustiadi, S.Pd., the VP of Student Affairs, who recognized his leadership potential and organizational experience. "Ustaz Bryan recommended me directly, and it encouraged me to take the challenge seriously," said he, who participated in the Enrichment Book Writing program.
Interestingly, Mahbub became the first student from Thursina IIBS to successfully occupy a daily management position in the National Student Council Forum, a historic achievement for the school.
Mahbub, previously, served as the Chair of the Thursina Student Association (TSA) 2024-2025, a student organization of Thursina, the center for leadership development. He admitted he never imagined reaching this far.
"I'm truly happy, I couldn't have imagined it. TSA is a very influential platform, a place where I've learned so much and upgraded my organizational skills," said Mahbub.
"My experience of leading TSA has provided a basic crucial foundation that matured my managerial and leadership skills," he continued.
During his time in TSA, Mahbub received intensive coaching from Ustaz Syihabuddin Al-Anshori, who taught him a great deal about organizational management, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Furthermore, during the FON selection process, he was guided on his essay writing by Ustaz Ahmad Mustaqim, the Thursina IIBS Enrichment Book Writing mentor.
"The support of asatidz (Islamic teachers) at Thursina IIBS has been immense. They have helped build my character and leadership. Their supervision has truly supported me to develop," said the student who won a Silver Medal at the 2024 English Funtastic event.
As the Deputy of FON, Mahbub brings a grand vision that he calls the spirit of equitable infrastructure in Indonesia. He wants Indonesian students to have more equitable access to information, organizational opportunities, and chances for personal development, which is not concentrated solely in large cities. He believes that student organizations must be bridges of change that have a real impact on their surrounding communities.
Mahbub conveyed a special message to the TSA members and all Thursina students: "Don't limit yourself. Great opportunities often come from the courage to try. I hope that my role can one day be continued by my juniors in TSA," Mahbub said. (Iz/lil)
