A Morning in Melbourne

Melbourne is unbelievable! When I left my house last Monday the day was bright and sunny. I felt a little bit warm when I woke up so I took a cold shower and dressed up in light “summer” clothes when I left for school. Several minutes later I had caught the bus to the train station.

I was sitting in a very good morning mood because the weather finally got better after some cold and sleepless nights, things were looking up. But my happiness lasted no longer than half an hour. When I got off the bus and walked to the train station, the wind started blowing. I hastened my steps to the station terminal and stayed inside until only one minute was left for the train to depart.

I felt better when I caught the train and was surrounded by many people. Coming from a tropical country with hot weather all along the year, I always appreciate getting some heat regardless of where it is from – nature or a group of human beings like that. However, the trip was still not so convenient, every time the train stopped, the door opened and let in some South-Pole-like wind. Both of my hands, which was holding the pillar tightly, became very very cold, the pink colour of their nails had turned into a pale purple. Where was the comfy summer?

When I got off the train, I put on the only cardigan I carried, it did not help much but it was better than a measly T-shirt. Then, I ran all the way from the train station to my school, hoping to increase my body temperature by producing a little bit of kinetic energy. People told me this city could have four seasons in one day, I had already had two that morning!

Try Again

Well, a friend shared it on my wall and it sure reminded me of the moment when I had issue with self confidence, or self actualization, like what one of my professors used to call it. She worked really hard to encourage me to ask more questions to her, other professors, administration staffs or anyone I meet. I always remember her saying "It's not hurt to ask!" every time I feel a doubt to ask.

She doesn't only want me to ask questions, she wants me to try every opportunity I find. I had to keep her updated because most of the time I asked her for a recommendation letter. Most of the time I failed and had to share the news. In that case, she would reply with an email that went like ".. you've got to keep trying for these kinds of things throughout your life. You'll hear NO sometimes, but eventually you'll hear YES...".

A Friend Indeed

A month after my arrival in the States, I went to the international student orientation day where new coming international students gathered for some activities. The difference between them and me is that most of them had just arrived a week or several days before while I had been there for a month. Anyway, one of the new students introduced himself and shared his story in front of all the new students, he just arrived a day before and still felt a bit confused! What made me wonder was that he didn't look tired at all, and his story was kinda funny. Thus, after the orientation I introduced myself to him, "Hey, I'm Winnie from Indonesia!" I found out that he is also from Indonesia.

There were very very few Indonesians at my campus so I was more than happy to meet another one. We went to the library and I tried to help my new friend to use the campus facilities and some students' resources.  I introduced him to all my friends, especially my fellow Indonesian scholars.

My new friend adjusted quickly to the life in the States, he made many friends, he participated at almost every event held by the international student program. Sometimes we joined the same team, working and volunteering on and off campus. At the end of the academic year, I went to an event where he received a prestigious award. He was nominated by the faculties not only because he performs very well in class but also because he always helps his classmates patiently.

We then met up again on my graduation day when he gave me a ride. He dropped my friend and I at the front gate of the commencement center so we could go to the registration, then he left to find parking. It wasn't allowed to bring any bags to the venue so I left all my belongings in the car. Several minutes later I regretted, I was standing in the middle of a long queue and talking to other graduates when I realized something was missing, I needed a camera to perpetuate the moment! Too bad I didn't have my pocket camera and my cell-phone, they were all in my big bag - in the car.

After the commencement, I rushed out to find my friend but I couldn't - there were too many people at that place. A friend called his number so we could find him. We met, he handed me my cell phone and my camera, "found them in your bag," he said. Finally I had some memories from this lifetime event! He even carried some folders and many things I got on that day because I didn't have a pocket on the graduation costume I wore that day.

There was a party for all the grantee students where we could also invite our friends and family. I tried to make my friend go but unfortunately he had another plan, he had an appointment. He gave me a ride from the commencement center to the house where the party would be held. On the way there, I looked at some pictures on my camera and found so many pictures from the beginning of the ceremony. My friends didn't only take my camera, he also took many pictures of the event, from the very beginning moment!

We arrived. It was Thursday evening, I couldn't believe it was the last time I saw him. On Friday and Saturday he had a trip to Portland, Oregon - probably he would come back very late on Saturday. I initially planned to join the trip but I couldn't make it because on the same day I had to pack my things and clean the apartment, I was moving out. I did go to the campus on Saturday night but the international students hadn't come back from their trip yet, there were really late.

My flight departed on Sunday morning. Only few friends and mentor families accompanied my Indonesian scholars and me at the airport. It was always hard to say goodbye but all my sadness disappeared when I saw my friend again. When I walked to the gate, I knew I had the strength to move on.

To cut a long story short, this morning I got a message from him. He was like "How is life in Melbourne? Wonderful? Has the school started? By the way I wanna introduce my high school friend to you so on weekends you can hang out or have dinner together! She's very very nice and friendly and she has been in Melbourne for 2 years so she knows a lot of delicious restaurants! Have fun!! "

My school in Melbourne has started and I could find no Indonesian at the campus. Most of my classmates came from Europe and Southern America. I live in a sharing house with people from Russia, Japan, China and Greece - no Indonesian. I haven't told my friend of this, but I arranged a meeting with his high school bestie. Last year I have made a best friend, this year I made another with my best friend's best friend, I can't be more grateful of how it has turned out to be.

Melbourne, VIC ~ Summer, 2012

My Blog Award

Recently, I got a blog award from Mayya! (Thanks Mayya!) Actually this is my second blog award. I got one from Nadiafriza long time ago. (Thanks Nadia!)
What's fun from thing like this is that you have to answer the questions from the award giver. So, here is my answer:


1. Who is your favorite teacher(s)?
My Data Forensics teacher. He has to work from Monday to Friday at a corporation, then on Saturday he comes to college to teach. He always teach us something enthusiastically, he makes us love what we learn. I love to hear his stories too, like how his family migrated from the U.K. Every year, he invites international students to spend Thanksgiving with his family. He is sooooo kind. 

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My Mandarin teacher. Learning new language can get tough sometimes but my teacher's sense of humor always eases the way. He never translates, always tries to explain or define new words. He makes me really talk a lot in class (thing I don't usually do) and write those complicated characters. He has thousands of Chinese learning tips and Confusious-like quotes. 


2. What is your favorite food? 
I hope it's not Ramen Noodles.

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And what’s not?
I don't eat seafood other than fish. My little bro is really happy with this fact, cause I always give him the shrimp, squid, crab, turtle, frog (is it seafood?), etc. I don't know why, I don't eat them since childhood. 


3.  Tell your memorable experience!
Missed my flight during a transit in Denver and lost more than $300 to buy a new ticket (I promise I won't do it again!!!)


4. Who is your first love? 
Michael Moscovitz in Princess Diaries, Jesse in the Mediator, Shinichi Kudo in Detective Conan, the knight in Mulan, Prince William of England. 


5. Who is your best friend?
My little bro, my college-mates, my school-mates,  and you! Yes you! So if this is the time to share the Award, I would like to award it to you! Feel free to answer the questions and share them with friends.

Harvard and MIT

Wow, it's been 2012 already! Hope it's not too late to wish you a very happy new year!
I used to count my blessings at the end of the year, but this time I was busy with some moving and studying again preparation. Anyway, one of many things I'm so thankful of in 2011 was the trip to Boston, Massachusetts, one of the oldest city in the U.S. From Boston, I took the train to Cambridge, a neighbor city where I got the chance to see my dream universities in person.

I was kinda lost when I arrived. But I was so sure that I was in Harvard because there were some groups of tourists there. I just kept walking and asked a passer by that dressed in a very cool - intelligent outfit, "Where is Harvard Law School?" She smiled and said: all of these buildings. 

During my first months in my college, I always got lost. So I had no idea about direction in this big university complex. Every time I felt enough with taking pictures, I asked whoever I saw. Some were tidy-dressed faculty members, some were cleaning service and construction workers who still had to work during holiday season. 

Not far from Harvard is another dream school: MIT. Unlike serene Harvard, MIT was busy, some offices were open and many students walked in and out, probably it's about courses registration or consultation. I walked to one of the open buildings. On the boards, there was a long list of events which were happening there. At one side of the campus, there is a big yard with the view to the city. It must be a great place to study during the summer.

There are many gift stores and bookstores near the two universities. They sell merchandises of the universities and of the city of Boston. They're pretty expensive, one hoodie can cost around $50 while a pen with Harvard name on it can cost around $10. Some shops are packed with books, most are about how to write winning personal statements or essays, especially if you want to get in to Harvard or MIT. 

Some people told me that Harvard, MIT, and other ivy league schools in the U.S. have 'need blind admission'. So if you can get in, you can afford it. And because of the reputation of the schools, the competition is tight! 

I didn't buy any of the books, there are too many to choose. But a trip like this kindles a spark of hope inside me, that one day I'll come back as a student.

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