A Year of Adventure and Growth: My Journey on My Birthday in the Land of Opportunity

 Happy birthday to me! 

Today marks a special milestone as I celebrate my birthday in the United States, far from my homeland, the beautiful island of Sumba in Indonesia. It's been a year since I embarked on this thrilling journey to pursue my master's degree in Arizona, and oh, what an incredible ride it has been! The Land of the Free has embraced me with open arms, and I've had the opportunity to explore several states, including Las Vegas, California, and New York.

Leaving behind the familiarity of my homeland was both daunting and exhilarating. As the saying goes, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." When I boarded that plane, I knew I was stepping into the unknown, but I was determined to make the most of this adventure. Little did I know that the US would become my second home, filled with countless experiences that have shaped me in ways I could never have imagined.

Living in the US, I quickly learned that "every cloud has a silver lining." While I faced challenges such as adapting to a new culture and being away from my loved ones, these hurdles only strengthened me. The diversity of people I encountered in Arizona and other states helped me break out of my comfort zone and embrace new perspectives. Embracing change, I discovered, is like a breath of fresh air, invigorating and inspiring.

During my stay, I had the opportunity to explore various states, each with its unique charm. Las Vegas, known for its vibrant nightlife, taught me to "live life to the fullest." It was a whirlwind of lights, sounds, and excitement, leaving me with unforgettable memories and thrills like never before.

In California, I experienced the iconic phrase "Golden State of Mind." The beaches, the sunsets, and the laid-back atmosphere nurtured a sense of tranquillity within me. I learned to appreciate the beauty of nature and the importance of taking time to relax and rejuvenate.

New York, the city that never sleeps, had me "in a New York minute." The fast-paced lifestyle taught me the value of time and the rewards of hard work. The towering skyscrapers and the bustling streets made me determined to chase my dreams relentlessly.

As for my academic journey, pursuing a master's degree in the US has been a "whole new ball game." The rigorous coursework and interactive learning environment challenged me to "think outside the box" and pushed me to achieve academic excellence. The experience has been nothing short of transformative, helping me intellectually and personally grow.

I learned the importance of "hitting the books" and collaborating with diverse peers in the classroom. The professors encouraged us to "put our thinking caps on," fostering an environment where critical thinking and creativity flourished. From lively debates to hands-on projects, each day was an opportunity to learn something new.

Adjusting to the education system in the US required "rolling with the punches." Sometimes I felt overwhelmed, but I reminded myself, "Rome wasn't built in a day." I overcame academic challenges with determination and perseverance and enthusiastically embraced the learning process.

Throughout this journey, I have understood that "home is where the heart is." While I miss my family and the warm embrace of my homeland, the US has become a place where I've forged lasting friendships and unforgettable memories. I am grateful for this extraordinary experience that has shaped me into a more confident, adaptable, and culturally enriched individual.

In conclusion, my year in the US has been a rollercoaster ride of adventure, growth, and resilience. I've learned to embrace change, cherish new experiences, and never stop chasing my dreams. As I continue my academic pursuit and exploration of this vast land, I carry the lessons I've learned and the friendships I've made. To all those who embark on a similar journey, I leave you with this: "The world is your oyster," so go out and make the most of every opportunity that comes your way. 

Happy birthday to me, and cheers to a bright future ahead!

A Journey of Persistence: From 7 Rejections to Fulfilling Dreams Abroad

Have you heard the saying, "When one door closes, another one opens"? Well, I can certainly attest to its truth. My pursuit of international education has been a rollercoaster ride filled with countless ups and downs. Since 2015, I have been rejected seven times while applying for prestigious scholarships such as the Australia Awards Scholarship (AAS), the Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan (LPDP), and the Fulbright. The dream of studying abroad seemed elusive, but I refused to let go of my aspirations.

 

When the first rejection letter arrived, I was disheartened and discouraged. The idiom "back to the drawing board" echoed as I returned to refine my applications. With renewed determination, I tackled the challenges head-on, determined to leave no stone unturned in my pursuit of excellence.

 

Each rejection served as a stepping stone, not a stumbling block. As they say, "Failure is the mother of success." I gleaned valuable lessons from each experience, learning from my mistakes and embracing constructive criticism. These moments of self-reflection and improvement were the catalysts for my growth as a person and a candidate for these esteemed scholarships.

 

In adversity, I remembered the idiom "Keep your chin up." I refused to let disappointment dictate my future. Instead, I broadened my horizons, exploring alternative avenues to achieve my goals. I sought guidance from mentors and alums who had experienced similar journeys, seeking inspiration from their triumphs over adversity. Their support and encouragement fueled my perseverance, reminding me that determination and hard work are the keys to success.

 

"Rome wasn't built in a day," and neither was my journey to studying abroad. Patience became my closest companion as I continued to apply year after year. I reminded myself that good things take time and focused on honing my skills and expanding my knowledge while waiting for the right opportunity to come knocking.

 

However, the most challenging part was not the rejection but managing my self-doubt. "The only limit is yourself," echoed in my mind whenever I began to doubt my abilities. I had to believe in myself, acknowledging that my worth was not defined solely by these outcomes. My passion for education and determination to positively impact the world drove me forward, giving me the strength to push through the darkest moments.

 

Then, like a bolt from the blue, in 2022, my unwavering dedication bore fruit. The Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan (LPDP) awarded me the scholarship to change my life forever. It felt like "winning the lottery" after investing so much effort and resilience into my dream. The joy and gratitude I felt were indescribable, and I knew I was one step closer to making my aspirations a reality.

 

As I embarked on my journey to Arizona State University, I couldn't help but reflect on the idiom "Every cloud has a silver lining." The rejections that once seemed like insurmountable obstacles now served as a reminder of my strength and determination. They were essential chapters in my story, making my triumph more meaningful.

 

To those who dream of pursuing education abroad, I say, "Don't count your chickens before they hatch." The road may be arduous, and the path may be filled with obstacles, but keep faith in your abilities and aspirations. Instead, embrace the challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." Keep pushing forward, refining your skills, and seeking support from mentors and peers. Your journey may take longer than expected, but remember, "slow and steady wins the race."

 

Above all, "keep your eye on the prize." Let your passion and determination shine through, guiding you toward your ultimate goal. The path to success may be unpredictable, but your unwavering commitment will be your compass, leading you to a brighter future.

 

My journey from seven rejections to fulfilling my dream of studying abroad at Arizona State University has taught me invaluable lessons. Embrace the setbacks, believe in yourself, and keep striving for excellence. Let your resilience, not your rejections, define your path. Remember, "Where there's a will, there's a way," with unwavering determination and perseverance, your dreams are well within reach. Dream big, never lose hope. One day, you'll live the reality you once thought was a distant dream.

Fear of Abandonment

Age is unpredictable.

Who would have thought that now we are still breathing but in a minute the breath will no longer be ours?

All of us in this world are just travelers who must be aware that our final destination is not here, we are just hitchhiking and being given a ride by the Owner of life.

That's an ideal thought. However, nothing ideal is destined to happen in this world. The people we care about will leave one by one from our presence, either choosing to leave to love others or going back to the lap of the Owner of the breath of life. But the opportunity for each traveler is different. Therefore, every second that is still owned, use it as if we already know that the next minute will not be ours anymore.

Carpe diem!

For the travelers who left this wandering first, tell the Owner of the breath how much we also miss our time with Him. However, if we can choose, may we decide when to return to Him? That time was when we were the first to be summoned among those we cared about. The reason is just because we hate shedding tears and we are afraid of being left behind.

Indeed, it seems selfish, but it's just a request that should be allowed if it pleases.

But even if not, give us full awareness that we too will leave this world one day, because we still lack such awareness and even the fear of loss is greater than the awareness of loss itself.