Sweeter Joy

Hello, Mabuhay!

They say, love is sweeter the second time around, and I can't agree more with that, for I have experienced that sweeter love here in UPI.

Three to four months ago, I was also here in this building with the other SEA Teachers of Regular Batch 9, silently wishing and hoping that I can still go back here again in UPI.

That's why when the application for SEA teacher Project for Pilot Batch 3 started in CLSU, I didn't hesitate to apply hoping in my heart that I can still come back here in UPI. And I think God hears my prayers, for once again, I have accepted to be part of the SEA Teacher Project, though we are not the one who will choose what country or university we are going to, but you know what the exciting part here? I got chosen to go to Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia for the second time around. So coming here, being here  is not really intentional, for it was a pure destiny for me to be here in UPI.

For almost a month of stay, UPI, Indonesia never fails to amaze me every single day. From the buildings, environment, facilities, laboratories, scenery, events, foods - UPI is the best! I really love this place, so much. Being a comprehensive university that offers diverse fields in educational sciences, education-based disciplines, up to their enhanced scientific learning process, and methodology, we're really lucky to witness and experience it on our own, one of the best universities not just in Indonesia, but in the whole world. Again, UPI is the best!

Aside from the university itself, one of the reasons for our great stay here in Indonesia  are the warm smiles of the people around us. So I take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt gratitude to them.

First, to Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) for implementing programs like this in promoting educational, scientific, and cultural leadership through learning around Southeast Asia. It was truly an opportunity and honor to participate in this project as an aspiring educator of the future generation. That despite the diversity and cultural differences, you always find a way to promote and empower inclusivity, commitment, professionalism, and excellence when it comes to organizational development.

Second, to the UPI - International Affairs Office people, thank you for accepting me once again. I am kind of nervous during the application if you'll still accept me or not, so thank you. 

Third, of course to my beloved university, Central Luzon State University, spearheaded by the CLSU- International Affairs Office, for giving me an opportunity to once again experience one of the best unforgettable moments a student-teacher like me will ever have.

Fourth, to the UPI-Labschool that became our school for the past days, to the teachers, students, that even though there is a barrier in communication, it didn't hinder us to create a relationship with each other, so thank you so much, particularly to Ibu Lia, for warmly accommodating me all the way from my first to last day of my stay.

To our mentors, for guiding us with our subject matter, thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.

To the Labschool students who are actively participating and cooperating during discussions, thank you so much too.

Also to our buddies thank you for the patience and care you have given us all throughout our trips.

To our Indonesian friends, who warmly welcome and treat us in exploring Bandung.

Of course, last but not the least, to our new found friends, the SEA Teacher Pilot Batch 3 Participants. In a short period of time, we are grateful and happy that we met and got along with you. The laughter, the snacks, souvenirs, the good times that we shared will always be remembered and cherished. Thank you Lisa, Yui, Yam, and Selena.

In a few months, I will be graduating with my bachelor's degree, Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Science. I thought studying education would be plain, but because of this program, SEA teacher, hosted by UPI, I am more than satisfied with choosing this career path as an educator. It's my second time to be part of the SEA Teacher Project, and blissfully it is my second time to be in Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, and as an educator, this is the best thing that ever happened to me as a student. I'm still a student-teacher but I am already experiencing this amazing world of teaching.

Thank you for the memories, moments, and opportunities you have given me, for the second time around. Thank you for making it possible to have a Joy in Bandung version 2.0 again. For that, UPI, Indonesia will always have a big part in my heart, in my whole being, as you have now become my second home. Again, from the bottom of my heart, TERIMAKASIH!!