He who gracefully navigates the delicate balance of life, avoiding the extremes and embracing the subtle art of moderation

By: Nicayla Biura Lapane Caeiro Freitas

From a backdrop where literacy eluded his parents, emerges the vibrant story of protagonist's rise to staggering success. Born into a world where the written word was a mystery to his family, hero defied the odds, orchestrating a symphony of triumph. In the tapestry of his life, each hurdle became a brushstroke, painting a vivid picture of resilience and determination. As a beacon of hope, he navigated the uncharted waters of illiteracy, guiding himself toward the shores of knowledge, with a heart ablaze with ambition he embarked on an educational odyssey, transforming the limitations of his upbringing into stepping stones to greatness. His journey became a canvas, splashed with hues of grit, passion, and an unyielding spirit to transcend barriers.

Today, against the backdrop of his humble beginnings, protagonist stands tall in the hallways of success, a testament to the transformative power of education. His narrative is a kaleidoscope of inspiration, proving that one's origin doesn't define the destination, and success can emerge as a masterpiece from the canvas of adversity.

In the intricate tapestry of his life, spanning from the minutest challenges to the grandiose trials, he navigated the labyrinth of emotions with an artistry that transcended mere existence. Amidst the swirling tempests of sorrow, he stood as a resilient figure, not untouched by the melancholy, but rather adorned with the pigments of life's vibrant palette. He was a soul that found poetry in the shadows of sadness, it was through this dance that he discovered the profound beauty residing not only in the highs of joy but also in the lows of sorrow. For him, the true essence of depth emerged from a willingness to immerse oneself completely in the rich nuanced experience.

"I am an individual characterized by a quiet sense of confidence, deriving happiness from life's simple pleasures, resilient in the face of challenges, and inclined towards a restrained and elegant demeanor, this essence is represented by a soothing shade of teal."

Striving for his desires, he embarked on a battle, the prerequisite for claiming what he sought. This is his narrative, woven in the fabric of resilience. Born and raised in the crucible of economic challenges, the narrative of his existence unfolds within the cozy dimensions of a small 4x12 meter abode, a space that encapsulates the dichotomy of affection and tribulations. This chronicle is a canvas on, which the brushstrokes of love create a backdrop, contrasting against the vivid hues of life's challenges. Within the intimate quarters of his humble beginnings, the story weaves a rich tapestry, intricately blending the warmth of affection with the dynamic shades of resilience, portraying a life marked by both the simplicity of love and the intricate complexities that shape the human experience. his story radiates a spectrum of determination, painted with the hues of unwavering optimism."

His harbor a fervent desire to step into the realm of higher education. However, the path to college unfolds as a battleground where he must first confront and overcome challenges. The genesis of his struggle emanates from when he triumphantly completed senior high school, the prospect of joining prestigious programs like Primagama or Ganesa eluded him due to financial constraints. The allure of ‘Soal UMPTN (Ujian masuk perguruan tinggi Negeri)’ books remained distant, as he found himself unable to afford them. Undeterred, he sought guidance from a counseling teacher, a pivotal decision that opened new avenues. In a twist of fate, he not only gained valuable insights but also borrowed two enlightening books, setting the stage for dedicated self-study. This narrative highlights the resilience born out of adversity and the resourcefulness in overcoming obstacles on the path to knowledge.

Navigating the potential pitfalls of UMPTN failure, the prospect of withholding the borrowed books became a contemplative strategy. The looming specter of the teacher's inevitable inquiry into the results coupled with an aversion to conceding exam outcomes led him to an unconventional plan. Conceivably refusing to return the books unless success graced his efforts, he cautiously traversed the uncertain terrain of academic evaluation. Fate, however, favored his endeavors, and with a swell of pride, he ceremoniously returned the borrowed times to the counseling teacher, marking a triumphant chapter in his academic odyssey.

The process to accept is an unfolding journey, In the soft glow of dawn, the revelation of UMPTN results unfolded within the pages of morning newspapers. Following a heartfelt prayer, he embarked on a quest to acquire the newspaper, anticipating building as he returned home to decipher the unfolding destiny. The meticulous search for his name and number turned into a poignant interlude when, unexpectedly, his sought-after details eluded him. A moment of stunned disappointment washed over him, causing a brief hiatus in his pursuit. It was during this disheartening pause that his sister, attuned to his emotions, discerned his melancholy. Concern etched on her face, she gently probed, "What happened? Why do you look so crestfallen?" In response, he confessed, "I was not accepted; I couldn't find my number." Sensing his despair, his sister, a beacon of support, encouraged him to revisit the search with renewed diligence, injecting a glimmer of optimism into a seemingly gloomy moment, In the soft hues of unfolding dawn, the narrative of his quest for UMPTN results continued.

In the aftermath of a hurried initial search, a revelation surfaced a lack of meticulous attention had led him astray. A second inspection revealed a crucial oversight: he had been meticulously scanning the Natural science section (IPA), oblivious to the fact that his chosen realm of study, International Relations (IR), lay nestled within the Social science (IPS). The realization sparked a renewed vigor, injecting a dose of hope into the narrative. An ardent redirection of his search towards the IPS section ensued, but it wasn’t devoid of mixed emotions. While optimism pulsated through his veins, the underlying fear of potential non-acceptance cast a poignant shadow. Each scrutinized detail, accompanied by a palpable nervous energy, carried the weight of uncertainty. As he delved into the labyrinth of the IPS section, a symphony of conflicting emotions played out. The prospect of not discovering his number and name lingered ominously, symbolizing a potential roadblock in his academic journey. Trepidation hung in the air as he meticulously combed through the details, his heart pounding in rhythm with the unfolding drama. Finally, amidst the tapestry of anticipation, a moment of resounding relief materialized. His eyes, tracing the lines of numbers and names, alighted on the coveted digits. The fusion of joy and relief painted a vivid tableau, etching a memorable chapter into the intricate narrative of his academic endeavors.

In the heart of Surabaya, a Madurese spirit named Achmad Supardi emerged into the world on November 20, 1977. Known affectionately as Sir Pardi by his students, his journey is a vibrant mosaic of educational triumphs. Against the lively backdrop of Surabaya, he sculpted the early chapters of his life, completing all primary and secondary education with an undeniable zest for learning. The bustling city, with its streets echoing stories of resilience, became the canvas on which his dreams took shape.

Graduating from the International Relations Department at Airlangga University, Surabaya, he found himself yearning for horizons beyond. His ambitions soared, fueled by the desire to broaden his academic palette. Enter a scholarship, a beacon lighting his path to the University of Westminster in London, UK. There, amid the eclectic tapestry of the city, his delved into the nuances of Communications Policy, earning a prestigious MA. The colors of London painted themselves onto the canvas of his academic journey.

Today, the story continues to unfold in the vibrant city of Brisbane, Australia, as he passionately pursues his Ph.D. at the University of Queensland. Brisbane’s lively atmosphere adds new hues to his narrative, making each chapter a vibrant celebration of knowledge, ambition, and the indomitable spirit of a Madurese scholar.

In the bustling world of journalism, he emerged as a maestro of words, orchestrating narratives for an impressive 13.5 years at the Surabaya Post Daily. His journey reached a crescendo when he earned a nomination for the esteemed Anugerah Prapanca in 2010, a badge of honor celebrating exceptional journalism in East Java. Before embarking on a transformative quest for a master’s degree in the UK, he held the baton as the managing editor of the evening newspaper, crafting stories that resonated with the pulse of the city.

As the managing editor of the evening newspaper, he orchestrated the symphony of news before embarking on a transformative journey to the UK for a master’s degree. His passion for media, journalism, audience dynamics, and the evolving landscape of social media became the compass guiding his scholarly pursuits. Delving into the intricacies of his favorite realms, he carved his niche in academia, presenting compelling papers at esteemed conferences hosted by Brawijaya University (Malang), Indonesia University (Depok), Pancasila University (Jakarta), the Ministry of CIT, and the prestigious University of Westminster in London, UK.

In a crescendo of academic achievements, he set his sights on the international stage, presenting his cutting-edge research at the International Association of Media and Communication Research Conference in Cartagena, Colombia, in July 2017. His intellectual footprint also extends to co-authoring a book, ‘Meretas Jalan Internasionalisasi: 40 tahun Universitas Surabaya,’ and contributing as a ghostwriter for several publications. As the ink continues to flow, now he channels his creativity into a novel, weaving yet another captivating chapter into the rich tapestry of his literary endeavors. His journey is a vibrant palette of journalistic prowess, academic brilliance, and a boundless passion for storytelling.

As an avid explorer of both culinary delights and uncharted territories, he zest for food and travel finds its expression in the written word. His pen dances across the page, weaving tales of new places, vibrant communities, and thought-provoking social issues. The echo of his narratives has found a home in esteemed publications such as Surabaya post, Duta Masyarakat, The President post, and Madura post, showcasing his ability to capture the essence of diverse experiences with every stroke of his pen.

At the core of his being lies a profound affinity for the written word, and the pursuit of writing serves as a dynamic and immersive outlet for his creative energies. Engaging with the art of crafting narratives is not merely a hobby for he it is a passion that intertwines with the very fabric of his existence. In the realm of writing, he find a sanctuary where ideas metamorphose into eloquent expressions, and every stroke of the pen or keystroke on the keyboard is a deliberate step into a vast and uncharted landscape of imagination. The written word becomes a medium through which is he explore the nuances of human experience, articulate the complexities of emotions, and give life to the fantastical realms of his imagination.

It’s a journey that transcends the ordinary, a journey where he navigated the labyrinth of language to convey the profound, the whimsical, and the profound intricacies of the human spirit. In the tapestry of his life, the hobby of writing is not just a pastime it is an ongoing conversation with the vast expanse of literary possibilities. Through this medium, he immerse himself in the symphony of words, orchestrating them into narratives that resonate with the essence of his thoughts and the depth of the creativity.

In the intricate tapestry of life, the philosophy of trusting in the reciprocal nature of goodness finds resonance. It posits that the positive energy we invest in our actions has a way of reverberating back to us, within this philosophical framework, the narrative unfurls around the protagonist’s parents, who, despite their humble financial circumstances, chose to embody a wealth of compassion and love that transcended the constraints of poverty.

Their home emerged as a sanctuary, a place where the currency of kindness held immeasurable value. Through seemingly miraculous turns, their benevolence extended beyond familial ties to embrace anyone seeking solace within their walls. The small haven became a beacon of generosity, a testament to the belief that no act of kindness is too modest to shape the fabric of destiny. Now, as the protagonist navigates the currents of his own journey, the threads of his story intertwine with the legacy left by his parents. The present unfolds as a testament to the enduring power of their goodwill, as if the universe conspired to repay their altruism in kind. The invisible hands of karma weave a narrative where the protagonist finds himself enveloped in the warmth of positive circumstances, a tangible return on the investment of his parents’ selfless attitudes and boundless kindness.