Life After College

By: Deisha Tamar

 

It’s been two years since I graduated from Binus University and life’s been amazing and interesting ever since. I kept myself super busy during my college years. I was the head of HIMSI for 2009-2010 period, while also doing part-time jobs ever since I started college, and one of them I sat The Jakarta Post newspaper for two years (up until my graduation in 2011) – while still making sure I got a 3-point-something GPA. Call me ambitious, but two years later, I’ve seen that “ambitiousness” is definitely fruitful.

 

The Himsiers and I
The Himsiers and I

After college, I landed a job a one of Jakarta’s magazine called JJK (Jakarta Java Kini) as an assistant editor. Although the job only lasted three months, but all because I had to move to the US for one year after receiving a Fulbright CCIP (Community College Initiative Program) scholarship to study journalism in Everett Community College (EvCC), Everett, Washington state. Previously in 2010, when I was still in college, I received a one-month scholarship by US State Department studying New Media at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, US.

 

My US Family
My US Family

What I like about the CCI program is that it required the participants to do community service and internship. During my time, I did two internships, one at a local radio station, KSER FM, in Everett, and another one is at an international NGO called Mercy Corps in Seattle. I was also actively involved in the EvCC student club called Black Student Union, as I was very fascinated with the African-American culture.

 

In front of CNN office building
In front of CNN office building
A different angle of CNN building
A different angle of CNN building

I’ve had an incredible time in the US, where I personally truly grow as a person and being an independent person I’ve always want to be. I’ve made friends and families from all over the world from the program.

 

A paradise on earth : my current residence
A paradise on earth : my current residence

I returned to Jakarta in June 2013 and six days after, I moved to Bali to fulfill my position as an editor for Hellobali magazine. I am still here a year later, andcurrently enjoying the sun, beach and Bali’s nature as much as I can, while wandering around Bali with my motorbike (which I learned how to ride when I moved here). Plus, trying to understand the complex yet distinctive Balinese culture and way of life.

 

I can always find family and friends anywhere I go
I can always find family and friends anywhere I go

My point here is try to get as actively involved as you can in college – get out of your comfort zone, join that student club you always wanted to, join as many seminars or workshops, work part-time, meet as many new people as you can and make friends – but make sure you’re also keeping good GPA. University years are the time for you to explore, especially if you don’t know what you want to be in life yet (it’s okay to be lost and confused sometimes, as long as you’re working to get the answers).

 

Embrace that four years, because you won’t have it back once you’re done. Sure, life might look tough and busy now when you’re still in college, but once you graduate, you will definitely miss those moments and you will be thankful for having the time to explore. Plus, it will look good on your work/scholarship resume J