A Decade of Growth: From Social Media to Academic Friendship

Authors

  • Dr. Yeyentimalla, S.Kep., Ns., M.Si. Department of Nursing, Poltekkes Kemenkes Palangka Raya, Palangka Raya, Indonesia, 73111. https://orcid.org/0009-0009-4807-3798
  • Yuyun Christyanni, S.Kep., Ns., M.Kep. Department of Nursing, Poltekkes Kemenkes Palangka Raya, Palangka Raya, Indonesia, 73111. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9428-5956
  • Prof. Dr. Sri Suryawati, Apt. Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, 55281. image/svg+xml https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3127-2493

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35898/ghmj-821256

Keywords:

Friendship, Emotional communication, Emotional animation, Emotional simulation, Emotional crescendo

Abstract

Background: Friendship is a safe relationship in which individuals can express various facets of themselves. A true friend allows another to be fully themselves in their presence, resulting in personal growth and progress -- not only for individuals, but also for institutions, society, and the nation. A friendship that began as a student-teacher relationship and has lasted a decade (2015-2025) was lived, observed, and reflected upon.

Aims: This photo essay aims to explore how an intially asymmetric relationship between student and teacher gradually grew into an academic friendship. It is intended to inspire readers to nurture safe and trusting connections within their own circles.

Methods: This case study investigates a student-teacher friendship relationship, highlighting learning points worth sharing publicly. The relationship consciously incorporated emotional communication -- emotional intelligent interaction that engages feeling-based expression and empathetic simulation.

Results: A bond that began between two strangers on Facebook evolved into an academic friendship, then into a student-examiner relationship during doctoral study. After the doctoral journey ended, the connection reverted to a stronger friendship. This relationship yielded collaborative works and programs that have benefited both Indonesian and global communities.

Conclusion: This case study offers several takeaways on building meaningful friendship that foster personal growth and benefit the wider environment.

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Author Biographies

  • Dr. Yeyentimalla, S.Kep., Ns., M.Si., Department of Nursing, Poltekkes Kemenkes Palangka Raya, Palangka Raya, Indonesia, 73111.

    A lecturer at the Department of Nursing, Poltekkes Kemenkes Palangka Raya (2012–present). Her research interests include emotional intelligence, emotional communication, and family communication. She also serves as a campus counselor at her institution (2019–present). A reflection on her doctoral journey, presenting a heart-smart communication formula, is published in the book Pede Bersama Professor Rajawali: Jurus Jitu Menyelesaikan Studi (Gramedia, 2020). Since early 2024, she has been invited as a research reviewer for the Indonesian Ministry of Health. In November 2024, she began serving the public as an Anti-Corruption Instructor under the Corruption Eradication Commission of the Republic of Indonesia. Her life motto is A Love Worth Giving.

    Sinta ID: 6725314.

  • Yuyun Christyanni, S.Kep., Ns., M.Kep. , Department of Nursing, Poltekkes Kemenkes Palangka Raya, Palangka Raya, Indonesia, 73111.

    Lecturer and researcher in maternal nursing at Poltekkes Kemenkes Palangka Raya, Indonesia, with expertise in reproductive health, antenatal care, and contraceptive education, especially within rural and plantation communities. She has authored educational resources such as a booklet on long-term contraceptive methods and the book Second Trimester Pregnancy Disorders: Clinical Insights for Nursing Practice. Her research—focusing on adolescent reproductive health and family planning among women workers—demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing maternal care and evidence-based nursing practice in underserved areas.

    SINTA ID: 6200416.

  • Prof. Dr. Sri Suryawati, Apt., Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, 55281.

    Professor of clinical pharmacology and pharmaceutical policy at Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia, with over 30 years of experience as a national and international consultant for the WHO and other global health organizations. She pioneered the Master’s Program in Pharmaceutical Policy and Management, has supervised more than 200 master's and doctoral students, and has held strategic positions in national and global committees, including serving as a member and Vice President of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB). Her expertise includes pharmaceutical policy, pharmaceutical management, drug evaluation, and rational use of medicines, with extensive contributions to scientific publications and international training programs.

    SINTA ID: 260062.

References

Maslow, A.H. (1975). Some educational implication of the Humanistic Psychologies. In Four Psychologies Applied to Education: Freudian, Behavioral, Humanistic, Transpersonal. Schenkman Publishing Company: New York.

Hershberger, M. (1999). A Christian View of Hospitality. Expecting Surprises. A Christian View of Hospitality: Expecting Surprises (The Giving Project Series): Michele Hershberger: 9780836191097: Amazon.com: Books

Yeyentimalla, Y. (2020). Confidence with Professor Rajawali: The ultimate trick to completing your studies. Jakarta: Gramedia Pustaka Utama. Pede Bersama Professor Rajawali Karya Yeyentimalla

Yeyentimalla, Y., & Suryawati, S. (2021). Educational Module. Digital Communication to connect the hearts of mentors and prospective mentors with families of drug survivors. Yogyakarta: Prima Print.

Yeyentimalla, Y., & Halajur, U. (2020) Pelatihan Komunikasi Emosi Bagi Petugas Panti Rehabilitasi Narkoba (Riset Aksi Partisipatoris). Laporan Penelitian. Poltekkes Kemenkes Palangka Raya, Perpustakaan Poltekkes Kemenkes Palangka Raya. http://repo.polkesraya.ac.id/2730/

Yeyentimalla, Y., Sera, A.C., & Sinaga, D.M. (2022). The First International Seminar Poltekkes Kemenkes Palangka Raya: The Journey full of meaning. Global Health Management Journal (GHMJ) Vol. 5 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.35898/ghmj-52945

Yeyentimalla, Y., & Suryawati, S. (2022). A New Drug-Free Life: The essence of professional’s presence in drug survivor’s family. Global Health Management Journal (GHMJ) Vol. 5 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.35898/ghmj-52940

Yeyentimalla, Y. (2022). Emotional awareness for fun digital communication. Global Health Management Journal (GHMJ) Vol. 5 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.35898/ghmj-52931

Yeyentimalla, Y. (2025). Professor Rajawali: Soaring High Together. In Let Me Hold my Own Soul. Antologi. Yogyakarta: Alineaku.

Published

2025-07-22

How to Cite

Yeyentimalla, Y., Christyanni, Y., & Suryawati, S. (2025). A Decade of Growth: From Social Media to Academic Friendship. GHMJ (Global Health Management Journal), 8(2), 236–244. https://doi.org/10.35898/ghmj-821256

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