Starting with 'WHY': How One Question Turned My Study Abroad Dreams into Reality

If people say “start everything with WHY,” that is obviously NOT a very simple thing to ask and yet this is exactly the beginning of my ‘visionary’ study abroad quest.

During my final senior high school days, I had a lot of questions in mind while preparing for college. With ambition, diving into the down side–regretting moments of the past few years of someone’s experience, has taught me powerful lessons and each point gives me the urge to hardly take it in mind and thinking someday I might run to chase the list. And one of the frequent things came out is:

"I wish I had studied abroad.”

"I wish I had spent more time to truly immerse myself in the experience.”

When I reflect on their reasons, it usually comes down to two things:

• The need for a fresh perspective–you absolutely cannot grasp the full essence of your own culture until you step outside of it.
• The realization that the opportunity to study abroad isn’t as easy to come by as it might seem. Coordinating class credits, schedules, and other logistics can make studying abroad feel overwhelming. But here’s the thing—there will always be obstacles to going abroad. As a college student, you’re in one of the most flexible and independent phases of your life. If you want to explore the world, now is the time before your career, relationships, and family obligations make it harder.?

Why not take advantage of this moment when your university is not only encouraging you but also offering support to step outside your comfort zone?        

As I embarked on a new chapter as a college student, the most exciting part was the endless opportunities to explore. However, I quickly realized it felt like walking a very thin line—every decision had to be made with great care. Then, IISMA, held by Kementerian Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan (Ministry of Education and Culture Republic of Indonesia) , came into the picture, making it feel like my dream was within reach. It was just a matter of how strong my desire was to turn this dream of studying abroad into reality.

The idea of chasing dreams sounds simple—something I’ve rarely heard, and it almost seemed impossible at times. The long journey to earning the “awardee” title taught me the true meaning of perseverance. After facing multiple rejection, I endured countless moments of doubt, and there were times when the challenges seemed daunting, with the odds stacked against me. But through it all, I’ve learned that perseverance can turn the impossible into possible.

Your Story, Your Way: Writing from Within

The moment I started work on my essay, the moment I finally got a chance to really ask and get to know myself from the start. Sometimes I wished someone was telling me that you don’t have to put so much time in looking at someone's essay since everything will get easier when you start with asking only you and yourself. To reflect and to really capture you as a whole, is when inner communication happened.

The inspiration comes, when you finally realise every step you have taken, every win and every loss has given you so many different feelings and outcomes, you’ll find the threads that connect these experiences. At that moment, grab your pen, because you’re ready to write your own story!

Persevere with Passion and Purpose is Essential!

For me, it was the desire to expand my education and experience the world. This purpose kept me focused and determined, especially during difficult times. I faced rejection twice before finally securing the IISMA 2024 scholarship. Instead of letting these setbacks discourage me, I used them as opportunities to refine my approach and strengthen my resolve. Remember, every obstacle is a chance to grow.

Create My Own Opportunities!

Preparing for IISMA wasn’t just about academic qualifications. I proactively sought to understand what the program truly valued and tailored my application accordingly. This meant going beyond the basics—crafting a personal narrative that aligned with IISMA’s mission and showcasing how I could contribute to their goals.

Finally, today, I am beyond thrilled to announce that I have been awarded the IISMA 2024 scholarship at the 英国约克大学 . This achievement represents not just a milestone, but a journey of perseverance, resilience, and the invaluable guidance I received along the way. As I step into this new chapter, I carry with me the lessons learned from this journey: It’s about trusting that hard work, coupled with determination, will eventually open doors.

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to IISMA 2024, Kementerian Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan (Ministry of Education and Culture Republic of Indonesia) , my mentor from the IISMA 2024 Mentorship Program, Kak Schalke Anindya Putri . Your guidance has been invaluable in helping me plan to maximise my growth during the IISMA program and have equipped me with the strategies to make the most of this incredible opportunity.?

To anyone who is facing their own challenges, I want to say—keep going. The road may be tough, but the rewards are worth it.

Here’s to new beginnings, lifelong learning, and making the most of every opportunity that comes our way!

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