Opening Story

The Power of Dream

Dream. Don’t be afraid to dream too high, because of dreams action will occur.

I am a little girl who had never felt what it was like on an airplane. Maybe for some people, it is a very common thing. But not for me. Incidentally, I have a few targets towards the end of 2017, one of which is a plane ride free with achievement. I just write whatever I want without thinking about how it can happen.

A few months before 2017 ended, I found a broadcast in WhatsApp group force regarding PPL in Southeast Asia, with some details of the requirements to become participants. I only read it once and not thinking whether I could or not to follow it. Obviously, I just convince myself that I should try and run for the selected by the Padang State University.

After receiving the blessing of the parents, through the selection smoothly and take care of my arrival with great enthusiasm, finally, God answered one of my year-end targets in early 2018. It really becomes an atom bomb to blow up my spirit that ever faded some time ever. A young girl for the first time on a plane to fly overseas to become one of the cultural ambassador, tourism ambassador and education ambassador abroad. It's very interesting for me.

To take care of this departure is also not easy for me. I have to commute Bukittinggi Padang at least 2-3 times in a week because I was in college at the branch campus located in Bukittingi, while the central campus is in Padang. But for the sake of a great dream, there's nothing that can beat my spirit at that time.

First Flight to The Foreign
The Philippines, I'm coming

My first flights will begin. Precisely on January 20th, 2018. Touched, happiness and excitement mixed together. That day God will realize a big dream of a young girl. No kidding, I was given the responsibility to carry out fieldwork in the other country. The country with cultures and languages that are clearly different from Indonesia.

That morning I was escorted by the family to the airport. The journey from home to the airport takes about 2 hours. I just spend the time to sleep, because the day before departure I did not sleep more than 24 hours.

I departed from Minangkabau International Airport at 08.00 am and transit in Kuala Lumpur at 10:00 am until 21:00 pm, then resume flights to Ninoy Aquino, Manila. For me, this is really a spectacular trip. Being in the country for the first time is an incredible experience. I really feel the magic of a dream.

I arrived in Manila around 1 am, on January 21th, 2018. Upon completion of all administrations, I headed for the airport exit. I've been waiting outside by two men who hold the nameplate with my name and my friend's name on it. Having met and exchanged pleasantries, it turns out their name is William and Von. They immediately picked up all my luggage and Feni toward a waiting car in the airport parking lot.

Our road trip begins. I did not much know the way because I only spend the time to sleep. After some time I was waked by William while in front of a fast food restaurant of Philippines. It's named Jollibee. William says this is the most well-known fast food in the Philippines. Indeed, I immediately went down and ordered food. I tried to try to adjust my tongue taste because it is rather different from those in Indonesia. But it was not a big problem. I still enjoy the food until they run out. And after the meal, we resumed the trip to Tarlac Province where the university that will accept me to be, Tarlac Agricultural University.

My Lazy and Relax Day
January 21th, 2018 in Tarlac Agricultural University

The trip from Manila to Tarlac was quite far. We departed from Manila around 1:30 am on January 21th, 2018, and arrived at the hostel after Subuh prayer. Wiliam and Von immediately raised my stuff and Feni's out of the car to the room. From inside the hostel, we were greeted by Ma'am Delia and delivered to the room. In the room was already some friends from Indonesia and Thailand who arrived early. I and Feni immediately introduced ourself and immediately clean up the items. After the talk, Oca a student from Jakarta invited us to choose a bed that will be occupied. Of the four empty beds were still available, I finally decided to take a place upstairs of the bed. Incidentally, Hostel has some double mattress.

After performing the ritual cleaning and morning prayers, I decided to go back to sleep because very tired after such a long journey. Moreover, other friends also continue her interrupted because of my arrival and Feni.

The first day in Tarlac was not so busy. In fact, I could wake up at 10 am. My friends had been busy cleaning up and clean the room because Ms. Michelle one of our coordinators in Hostel invites us to shop after 13:00 pm to SM Mall, supermarkets in Tarlac province. I immediately got out of bed and get on with the clean-up activities as well. All had to be done early because we had to take to queue for the shower and toilet. But it was not a big problem. Because I think if the hostel is very comfortable and clean.

Awaited time had arrived. Around 14:00 pm, the campus bus already waiting for us in front of the hostel. Eleven students, including two men, went to the SM mall, was accompanied by Ms. Michelle and Nanay (Mother calls in the Philippines). We look for some things, but there's not much we bought, we think to save our money because we still have a long time to stay here. Me and my friends just to buy groceries and snack potluck for the next few days. After that Ms. Michelle took us back bus to go back to the hostel.