Public Relations
What has your journey revealed to you about yourself?
My time at Northeastern has underscored my innate work ethic and tenacity. It has reinforced my understanding of myself as a uniquely driven and responsible individual. From a young age, starting at 15, I began working in Indonesia to support my family. Among my peers, I stood out as the one who abstained from alcohol while working as a DJ—a role that harmonized with my abilities to sing, dance, and host events simultaneously. This multi-talented nature set me apart and posed the challenging question of excelling in multiple disciplines at once. At Northeastern, my uniqueness was evident as I was consistently the student who not only showed up with questions but also actively participated in every class. I was the only one who recorded all my presentations, a practice others found peculiar. However, this approach paid off when these recordings contributed to earning me the top recognition of the year based on my portfolio. My sense of responsibility at Northeastern was not just to myself but to the university’s prestigious reputation. I felt a profound duty to honor the name of Northeastern by striving for excellence in every task, whether it was homework or collaborative projects. This commitment to quality and constant pursuit of excellence are priorities that define my student life and continue to shape my professional ethos.
What have been some of the opportunities and challenges you have experienced as a member of the Northeastern community?
I was drawn to the Public Relations program and the co-op program. The co-op program enabled me to work at TikTok. Furthermore, the projects I undertook at Northeastern have paved the way for me not only to be a well-known Social Media Manager but also to establish my own small business in Boston. Initially, my limited English skills posed significant hurdles. Overcoming these difficulties involved extensive tutoring sessions. Northeastern also provided me with an extraordinary platform to become the first Indonesian Commencement Speaker, an achievement that once seemed nearly impossible given my limited English proficiency. This opportunity exemplifies the university’s encouragement of diverse voices and perspectives, reinforcing the importance of perseverance. Despite the daunting language barrier, I never gave up. This experience not only marked a significant personal milestone but also highlighted the supportive and inclusive environment that Northeastern fosters.
Whjat advice do you have for others?
For anyone considering higher education, whether at Northeastern or elsewhere, centers on two key principles: planning and focus. It’s essential to have a clear plan in place before you even begin to consider your academic and career goals. Without a well-thought-out plan, it can be challenging to define what you want to achieve. This is why understanding your syllabus is crucial. It provides a roadmap for your studies, detailing the requirements needed to excel. By understanding my syllabus, I was able to strategically plan my efforts to not only achieve an ‘A’ but also maintain it, ultimately graduating cum laude. Additionally, prioritize your responsibilities; complete your assignments before engaging in leisure activities. There’s a saying in Indonesia, “Bersakit-sakit dahulu, bersenang-senang kemudian,” which translates to “endure pain first, enjoy later.” This philosophy emphasizes the importance of hard work and discipline before enjoying the fruits of your labor. This approach has proven effective for me and I believe it can be beneficial for others as well. Trust in this method—it works!
We know you are more than the person who shows up at Northeastern. What are some of your hobbies and other passions? Where do you find your joy?
My passion is helping people. It stems from my own experiences growing up in a financially challenged household. The happiness I felt from small acts of kindness during those tough times inspired me to make a positive impact on the lives of others, especially my family. Seeing their joy brings me immense satisfaction, and I extend this same spirit of support to students from Indonesia looking to study in America, sharing insights and encouragement to help them succeed and pay it forward. I find joy not only in service to others but also through my hobbies, which include singing and dancing. These activities allow me to spread happiness by sharing my talents. Additionally, swimming offers me not just physical exercise but also a sense of peace and mental therapy. Through these passions, I experience profound fulfillment and joy, enriching both my life and the lives of those around me.
