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.

Dear My Past,

Thank you for everything. 

Being nice to me, please me every time, being rude, always be by my side when I needed help. 

Thank you for taking me to the places I never been.

Thank you for teaching me how to think sharper. 

Thank you for showing me what love was along with what hurt was. 

Thank you for being my partner in reading book. 

Thank you for sharing food and drink with me. 

Thank you for being my fighting partner. 

Thank you for being my motorbike rider. 

Thank you for being my kinda Go-Jek. 

Thank you for being my adviser. 

Thank you for being my story teller. 

Thank you for being my partner in crime. 

Thank you for being my best listener. 

Thank you for being my trouble maker and problem solver. 

Thank you for the surprise you ever made. 

Thank you for your joke that sometimes offended me. 

Thank you for your lying (no matter what was the reason).

Thank you for being foolish just to make me look smart in front of you (I knew you are the smartest person I admire).

Thank you for sharing me the other part of the world that I didn't know before. 

Thank you for treating me chocolate. 

Thank you for sharing your ice cream. 

Thank you for taking my pictures (even though not as good as I expected). 

Thank you for debating with me about everything. 

Thank you for fighting just because of little matter. 

So many thanks that I can only remember of our journey of being friend (I believe still have more thanks that might be you can add).

Yeey, finally!!!

It is the time I can realize and pull out myself little bit away from you.

To be honest, it was hard at the beginning. 

But, it is even harder if I choose to stay this way. 

You may say I am not a fighter. 

I agree if you say so. 

But I knew that I will never win in this battle, so I think why should I spend (not waste) time to be in this arena?

After sitting here and thinking about everything, all I have left to say is "thank you". Thank you for not loving me. Thank you for breaking my heart time and time again. Thank you for letting me go. Thank you for not realizing my worth. Thank you for taking all of my love for granted. 

Once again, thank you for everything. You will always have a special place in my heart. 

Cheers, 

Crying Out Loud

Apa arti tangisan itu?

Aku menangis. Kamu menangis.

Kita sama-sama menangis.

Tapi, apa yang kita tangisi?

Aku menangis karena kebodohanku bersamamu.

Kamu menangis karena kebodohanmu bersamanya.

Untuk apa kita menangisi kebodohan itu?

Maukah kita berjanji untuk tidak menangis lagi?

Aku tau caranya.

Kita sudahi saja kebodohan ini.

Kebodohan mengajarkan kita untuk belajar, bukan menangis.

Aku capek menangis. Bukankah kamu juga?

Ayo berjanji untuk berjumpa kembali ketika kita sudah tidak bodoh lagi.

Unforgettable Summer in Australia

Melakukan perjalanan wisata di era modern seperti sekarang ini, bukan menjadi hal yang sulit untuk dilakukan. Berwisata bahkan sudah menjadi salah satu kebutuhan pokok manusia di era ini dan menjadi cara bagi mereka untuk menghabiskan waktu yang mereka miliki selain bekerja. Orang berlomba-lomba mengumpulkan pundi-pundi rejekinya untuk bisa menginjakkan kaki dan merasakan atmosfer yang berbeda dari tempat asalnya. Luar negeri menjadi salah satu pilihan lokasi wisata bagi kebanyakan orang. Paket-paket wisata ke luar negeri semakin hari semakin banyak ditawarkan oleh travel agent dengan berbagai promosi sehingga menarik bagi calon wisatawan.

Salah satu travel agent terkenal yang menawarkan wisata ke luar negeri yaitu H.I.S, yang mana memiliki 5 keunggulan dibandingkan travel agent lainnya. Keunggulan yang dimaksud adalah :
Pertama, kenyamanan servis, dimana mereka mendukung kebutuhan perjalanan pelanggannya, mulai dari tahap reservasi sampai kembali ke rumah. Kedua, H.I.S juga memiliki jaringan global yang memudahkan pelanggan mengakses sistem informasi dengan baik. Ketiga, menawarkan harga terbaik untuk hotel di manapun dan kapanpun diperlukan. Keempat, unggul dalam individual tour dimana mereka mampu mengatur perjalanan mulai dari akomodasi sampai transportasi, bahkan pemilihan tour dan pengurusan visa. Kelima, H.I.S unggul untuk perjalanan ke Jepang, karena memiliki 273 cabang di Jepang.

Ada pepatah menyatakan 'banyak jalan menuju Roma'. Kini dapat dikatakan bahwa ada banyak jalan juga untuk berwisata ke luar negeri, terutama bagi sebagian orang yang masih merasa bahwa bepergian ke luar negeri dengan modal sendiri masih hanya sebatas mimpi. Contohnya saya sendiri. Tahun 2015 merupakan tahun penuh rahmat bagi saya, karena untuk pertama kalinya dalam hidup, saya menginjakkan kaki di luar negeri. Bagi saya, luar negeri hanya berada dalam mimpi saya belaka yang pada saat itu baru menyelesaikan pendidikan strata 1 dan belum mempunyai penghasilan sendiri. Seolah mimpi yang menjadi kenyataan, menjelang akhir tahun 2015, saya mendapat kesempatan untuk pergi ke Australia selama 3 minggu dalam rangka mengikuti kursus singkat yang bertajuk 'Pariwisata Berkelanjutan' di Universitas Griffith, Gold Coast yang mana kursus ini dibiayai penuh oleh pemerintah Australia. Ketika itu, saya berangkat ke Australia bersama 26 teman lainnya yang juga mendapat kesempatan yang sama. Oleh karena kursus ini bertema pariwisata, maka dapat dikatakan bahwa kami belajar sambil wisata ke Australia.

Pendaratan pertama kami di Benua Australia adalah di Cairns yang terletak di timur laut Australia, tepatnya di negara bagian Queensland. Kami menghabiskan waktu seminggu di tempat ini, kemudian kami melanjutkan perjalanan dan menghabiskan sisa waktu selama 2 minggu di Gold Coast. Menjalani kehidupan di luar negeri membuat saya belajar banyak hal, salah satunya adalah budaya, dimana penduduk Australia sangat santai dalam hal menyapa seseorang, yaitu cukup dengan memanggil nama depan seseorang tanpa mempedulikan apakah usianya lebih tua atau tidak. Selain itu, penduduk Australia yang saya temui selalu menggunakan 3 kata ajaib maaf, tolong dan terima kasih dalam budaya percakapannya setiap hari.

Hal lain yang menakjubkan bagi saya ketika menginjakkan kaki di Asutralia, khususnya di Gold Coast yaitu sistem transportasi dan tata terib penduduk Australia dalam menggunakan akses jalan raya. Sistem transportasi di Gold Coast begitu tertata dengan baik dan mudah diakses oleh masyarakat bahkan untuk kami sebagai pendatang. Penggunaan transportasi umum seperti tram cukup mudah diakses, yaitu dengan registrasi kartu perjalanan sebagai tiket penggunaan tram yang akan diperpanjang setiap minggunya. Penggunaan kartu inipun sangat mudah,yaitu cukup menempelkan kartu tersebut pada mesin yang tersedia di setiap halte pemberhentian tram, ketika akan naik dan turun dari tram.

Kartu tanda penggunaan tram

Keselamatan dan kenyamanan pejalan kaki di Australia sangat terjamin, dimana pejalan kaki selalu dinomor satukan ketika hendak menyebrang jalan dan tersedia jalan khusus bagi pejalan kaki dan juga bagi pengguna sepeda.

Pejalan kaki diutamakan

Ketika berkunjung ke suatu tempat, kurang lengkap rasanya jika tidak mencoba makanan khas dari tempat tersebut. Begitupun yang saya alami ketika berada di Australia. Sejujurnya, perut saya sudah terbiasa dengan nasi, jadi mencari nasi di Asutralia adalah salah satu kegiatan wajib yang saya lakukan, bahkan teman-teman lain juga melakukan hal yang sama. Tapi, tidak ada salahnya mencoba hal lain yang tidak bisa kita temui di daerah kita sendiri. Makanan khas yang bisa ditemukan di Gold Coast adalah menu sarapan roti panggang yang dioleskan dengan vegemite dan sedikit mentega, telur atau lembaran keju. Yang menjadikan menu sarapan pagi ini spesial adalah vegemite yang tampak seperti selai coklat, tapi memiliki rasa asin dan agak pahit karena terbuat dari ragi, garam dan mineral. Siapapun yang ke Australia, wajib mencoba menu ini, karena memiliki sensasi yang sangat khas di lidah.

Vegemite

Makanan khas lain yang tentunya akan sulit ditemukan di daerah asal kita adalah steak kanguru. Sebagian besar masyarakat Australia mengkonsumsi daging kanguru. Daging ini biasanya dibakar setengah matang, kemudian ditaburi dengan saus manis dan dapat dikonsumsi dengan salad atau kentang goreng sebagai pelengkapnya. Makanan ini akan dengan mudah ditemukan di restoran-restoran yang ada di Gold Coast.

Steak kangguru

Gold Coast merupakan salah satu pusat pariwisata Australia, sehingga tidak heran jika terdapat banyak tempat menarik yang menjadi objek wisata. Dengan garis pantai sepanjang 57 kilometer, Gold Coast memiliki objek wisata yang terkenal yaitu Surfers Paradise, dimana itu merupakan dunia bagi para peselancar. Di tempat itu, saya mendapat kesempatan untuk belajar surfing yang diajarkan langsung oleh pengajar dari Get Wet Surf School, salah satu sekolah surfing di Gold Coast.

Kelas surfing

Salah satu pengalaman menarik yang tidak terlupakan selama di Gold Coast adalah kesempatan makan malam sambil menonton kehidupan ala pedesaan Australia dan pertunjukan berkuda di High Country Legends. Sebelum pertunjukan dimulai, kami menikmati para penyanyi membawakan lagu-lagu country. Selain itu, kami juga bisa berkeliling arena dan melihat berbagai macam souvenir yang dijual, serta mengunjungi kandang yang terdapat kuda-kuda perkasa di dalamnya. Ketika pertunjukan dimulai, kami diberikan topi ala penunggang kuda dan kami tidak diperkenankan merekam pertunjukan tersebut.

High Country Legends

Bagi para pecinta aktivitas yang memacu adrenalin, Skypoint Observation Deck dapat dicoba selama berada di Gold Coast. Petualangan yang memacu adrenalin selama 90 menit memanjat bangunan setinggi 270 meter itu akan terbayar lunas ketika sampai di puncak dan menikmati pemandangan Gold Coast 360 derajat dari udara.

Skypoint

Menikmati dunia bawah laut Australia dapat dilakukan juga di Sea World Gold Coast, dimana merupakan salah satu tempat wisata yang menarik di Gold Coast. Di tempat ini kita dapat menikmati pertunjungan mamalia laut dan juga bagus untuk edukasi tentang penyelamatan dan rehabilitasi mamlia laut yang terluka atau sakit.

Atraksi mamalia laut

Gold Coast juga menyuguhkan wisata alam seperti di taman, yaitu Gold Coast Botanical Garden. Di taman ini, pengunjung bisa masuk secara gratis untuk melihat bermacam tanaman lokal, bunga, bahkan taman kupu-kupu. Selain itu, di taman ini juga menyediakan fasilitas bagi pengunjung terutama bagi yang ingin bertamasya bersama keluarga, tersedia picnic area termasuk perlengkapan memanggang.

Gold Coast Botanical Garden

Melewati 3 minggu musim panas di Australia begitu berarti bagi saya dan teman-teman yang mendapat kesempatan itu. Secara iklim, kita dengan mudah bisa beradaptasi karena temperatur yang sama dengan Indonesia. Selain itu, makanan yang sesuai dengan perut dan lidah kami orang Asia, cukup mudah ditemukan di Gold Coast. Rasanya 3 minggu berada di sana masih kurang untuk mengeksplor Australia, khususnya Gold Coast lebih lagi. Berharap suatu saat bisa memiliki kesempatan untuk menikmati liburan musim panas di Gold Coast lagi.

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ENJOY YOUR SUMMER IN AUSTRALIA

#HISAustraliaTrip 

Finding My Biggest "WHY"

There are six well known question words in linguistic field. There is a formula as well to call them, that is 5W+1H which are consisted by What, When, Where, Who, Why and How. All of those question words need an answer. But which one the hardest question? Talk about difficulty, i think it’s relative, depends on situation and person who get that question. If you are a learner in an education institute, that question maybe around something that you learn and the answer is around you as well. But, what if the question is about something that you can’t imagine? I mean, it will take a lot of time to get the correct answer or even the right answer. Personally, i have a question that i think hard to find the answer. It’s about FUTURE or other people called DREAM...

Talk about future or dream is not easy, but it still interesting to talk because people can build a beautiful imagination about their future. They create their own life and it’s always more beautiful than their real life of course, because nobody wants a bad future. It’s okay, it’s their own authorities. Actually, nobody knows what will happen in the future even in a second later. However, everyone has planned every single things of their future and doesn’t care whether it will come true or not. Whether something is reached or not depends on what people do for that. There are two types of person based on the way of reaching their dream. First type is person who dream and still sleep on their beatiful dreaming. People like this are enjoy their beautiful dream and don’t want to leave their bed. They make their dream more and more beautiful and they forget their real life. The last type is person who dream and never forget to wake up and make their dreams come real. People like this live in two worlds, they live in their dream and they living their dreams as well. Which type are you?

Normally, people have ever become both of those types and it’s natural. For you who is the first type (talk to myself), you have to answer a question. For me personally, this question is the hardest question that i have ever gotten.

WHY DO YOU WANT TO REACH YOUR DREAM?

It looks simple. That’s true. It’s a simple question. How about its answer? Is it simple as well? Unfortunately, it is not. Factually, almost all questions that are started with question word ‘WHY’ always hard to find the answer, because that question needs a long answer which is followed by some reasons and explanation. Everyone has their own style to answer that question, so do i.

I try to crosscheck myself why am I reaching my dream, and I found that i want to make people who I love proud of me, those are my father, mother, brothers and sister. No more than that. I believe, when people who i love proud of me, it is the real achievement that I can reach. Believe it or not, they can be our reason to stand up when the world knocks us down and they can be our alarm to remind us for wake up from our beautiful dream and make it real immediately.

That’s my biggest WHY. What’s yours?

Find your biggest WHY and wake up from your dream!