1.

Discuss your academic and non-academic achievements including the process and
skills involved in your previous or current degree program! (349 Words)

Life has existed on Earth for a few thousand years, whereas Earth appeared billions of years ago.
Nature itself has made life possible on Earth since its emergence. My interest in the Earth and the
processes that occur in it made me decide to major in Geological Engineering at Universitas
Hasanuddin. As a penultimate-year student, my major is immensely challenging. Starting from
field trips, laboratory analysis, and working on reports.

Moreover, I handle coupled organizational activities, and off-campus events require good time
management skills. Eventually, I was chosen to be an exhibitor representing my department at The
Annual Scientific Convention and Exhibition of the Association of Indonesian Geologists (PIT
IAGI) 2022. This event was attended by various groups ranging from geologist experts to students.
At this event, I was required to introduce the geological engineering of Universitas Hasanuddin to
visitors, especially students who wanted to study petrology from the rock samples we displayed.
Of course, I needed the skills in communication, adaptability, and knowledge related to my major.
Besides academic activities, I am still determined to develop myself and participate in various non-
academic activities.

Especially in the creative industry sector, as a content writer at several educational start-ups
focusing on mining and renewable energy. One of my accomplishments is my article, "PLTB
Jeneponto, The 2nd Largest In Indonesia With Beautiful Scenery ", published by Good News From
Indonesia. I was doing direct research from Makassar to Jeneponto to experience this area's
atmosphere and conditions. Then I set it in an article with the hope that the Indonesian people and
outsiders will get new knowledge related to technology in Indonesia and experience the
atmosphere of PLTB Jeneponto virtually. It is incredible how my achievements have led to many
other career opportunities. I became the MC and moderator at several webinars and other events
with speakers from various backgrounds, such as Pertamina Geothermal Energy and Carbon
Ethics. I have grown so much as an individual. With big ambitions of studying abroad, the skills
and experience I have gained can help me adapt overseas and make the most of my time there.

2. Please outline your plans to engage with local and international communities during
IISMA program using clear examples! (269 words)

On the importance of taking advantage in every opportunity IISMA presents, I have put together
a balanced outline to enhance my studies while building connections and familiarity with the
community. To get started, I plan to spend my pre-departure days conducting extensive research
and discussions to enrich myself with everything related to my chosen host university.

As a geological engineering student, I plan to get involved with student clubs focused on the earth
discipline, such as the Geology Club at the Middle East Technical University and the Geography
Club at Universiti Sains Malaysia. I will take a cultural approach by introducing the Geoheritage
of Indonesia, Geotourism, and geographical conditions in Indonesia that influence the people's
way of life and habits. Doing this activity will be fascinating because apart from exchanging
knowledge, I also invite and encourage them to visit and see our wonderful Indonesia.

Regardless of my educational background, since childhood, I have started to be involved in the

world of singing by participating in and winning various singing competitions, whether solo singing,
vocal group, or choir. Of course, I will use this talent to take part in introducing Indonesian culture
and traditional songs to the international community through cultural festivals or other art
performances organized by the student club there.

Following the expectations of IISMA, we must gain a broader experience, engage with people
from various academic, cultural, and racial backgrounds, and become citizens of the world. So it
is my great hope to participate in introducing Indonesian culture to the international community
through this program. My time there will benefit many people, including my home country,
Indonesia.

3. Discuss a time when you faced difficult challenge or hurdle during your study and how
you navigated through it! (337 words)

In order to achieve my goals, I have to be productive during my studies. However, it takes work
to go through. At the end of 2020, many factors prevented me from being productive. One of them
is self-sabotage. I was in an environment where achievements were not valued, and there needed
to be more support. I am mentally and physically dried. It got to the point where I lost my identity
and got caught up in self-sabotaging behavior—conditions where I have two conflicting desires. I
know how to move my life forward, but I am still, for some reason, stuck.

I have been practicing all the skills for a long time, like singing, speaking English, and writing.
Nevertheless, this trapped situation makes me feel that my potential is wasted. One day, I started
to think that it is not okay to be constantly stressed, panicked, and unhappy. Something was
wrong, and the more I tried to "love myself" without realizing it, the longer I suffered. Then the
way I navigate through this difficulty is first by doing self-reflection. Clarify what happened, validate
my feelings, and then determine course correction. Some of the most powerful emotions
associated with self-sabotaging behavior are important for us to understand better, so I learned
how to interpret my negative emotions. In my case, I started looking for volunteer activities by
becoming an English tutor at one of the elementary schools in Yogyakarta, which had limited
English teaching. Interact with other humans, cheerful children, always enthusiastic and positive
outlook. It made me realize that I could find inner peace by doing volunteer activities like this, so
I finally thought that if I wanted to control my life, I had to learn to manage my feelings. By
becoming aware of it, I can trace it back to the thought process that drove it, and from there, I can
decide whether or not the idea is a matter of an actual threat or a creation of my reptilian mind
just trying to keep me alive.

4. Explain about your physical and mental health condition (i.e., dental and oral
treatment/medical treatment/Covid-19 medication/mental health therapy/counseling)! (329
words)

I have never had a health problem that significantly affects my way of life—growing up in a family
environment that has adopted a healthy lifestyle, from eating healthy food to exercising regularly.
However, my health was disturbed when I entered university because I often stayed up late doing
laboratory tasks and reports. My academic schedule is so tight that I rarely exercise again. In mid-
2021, I tested positive for Covid-19, and the doctor asked me to isolate myself for two weeks. The
symptoms that I experienced were headaches, sore throat, and loss of sense of smell.
Fortunately, these symptoms only last a few days, and all I need to do is consume enough
vitamins and get enough rest to recover. I have also received the third dose of the Covid-19
vaccine after the incident.
Entering the 5th semester, we conducted a twenty-one-day field lecture at Barru Regency, South
Sulawesi. My health decreased dramatically, mainly because I worked too much from morning
until the sun was almost setting in the middle of the forest, river, and hills to collect the data
needed to map the area. The food provided can be more hygienic. Long story short, after a series
of twenty-one days passed. I returned to my hometown in Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi, and got
a fever for three consecutive days, with a temperature of 39 degrees Celsius, which made me
rush to the hospital. A doctor diagnosed me with enteritis because the food I consumed while in
there was not hygienic. Since then, I have been very aware of food requirements and always
ensure I consume clean and well-prepared food only.

As for my mental health condition, I have experienced burnout. Nevertheless, I am fortunate

enough never to have needed mental health counseling. Plus, overcoming burnout and stress is
no longer a problem, thanks to regular exercise, books, and my support system. I am in good
condition now, and I am sure my health will not interfere when studying abroad.