Month: May 2021

Categories
Current News

Book Launching “Plymouth, I’m coming” by Alumunus English Letters of Sanata Dharma, Niken Purwani

 

 

Cilacap (29/04/ 2021) — “This book has the uniqueness of a non-fiction story that looks like a fictional story”. Inspiring e-book titled “Plymouth, I’m coming” by Niken Purwani was officially launched. The launching and book talk was held by Gramedia Cilacap through Zoom platform. This book is about the journey of a honorary teacher, Niken, that has reached her dream to be in the land of Big Ben without paying a dime.

“Plymouth, I’m coming” is Niken’s second book that was successfully published after her first book titled “Inspiring Classroom Stories”. Her second book has its own identity compares to Niken’s first book. This book is in the form of a memoir that is packed with light language.  “I want my message to be deliver easily that’s why I didn’t use hard dictions. Moreover I want to tell my story to reader as a friend”, said Niken.

The events consisted of testimonial, impression, and background story of the book. The event was attended by many of people from the principal of SMAN 1 Cilacap until the BIP (Bhuana Ilmu Populer) Publisher manager.  The launching was held by Gramedia Cilacap’s team in collaboration with BIP publisher.

“There are so many mixed emotions from humorous until touched when I’m reading this book, just like reading a fictional story” said Rika Setiati as a project manager in one of NGO. The story is not only on the fun side, but also contains the struggle of Niken as teacher accompanying her 2 students in an exchange program at other parts of the world. The book has become an inspiration, not only to her friends and students, but also to readers in general.

Harris Setiajid as the writer of foreword in this book said, ”This book is not only easy to read, but also has several crucial issues such as her role of a wife in east culture, as muslimah and as a non-civil servant teacher”. He also added that the book is represented three magic words: dream, believe and make it happen. Niken is brave enough to have a big dream even though she has many obstacles. However she is also believe that someday it will come true with perseverance. Then eventually her dream is come true.

Niken hopes that people who read her book can help themselves to achieve their dream, especially for people who want to study abroad as “Plymouth, I’m Coming” can give you some new insight. Lastly, she leave a message to her reader, “Don’t be afraid to have a high dream, just do your best and pray, there will always be a way”.

 

Reporter: Fatimah Fauziah

Author: Sara Immaculata Terra I

Editor: Michael Tan

Categories
People

Julieth Amanda: Joining many organizations without feeling burdened

Even though she’s just entering new campus life, it doesn’t stop Julieth Amanda from joining many organizations.

In her first year, she joined 4 organizations. At the university level, she joins Jalinan Kasih Mahasiswa Katolik (JKMK) and Grisada, which is a dance club, as well as HMPS and English Debate Society (EDS) in English Letters.

She also joins several communities outside the campus and often participates in church’s events. In addition, she mentioned joining several other communities outside the church and campus, but because she is not the caretaker, she is just there for the ride.

There is a reason why she wants to join many organizations. Back when she was in high school, she was quite the opposite. “When I was in high school, I only joined one or two organizations, and it was not as big as now,” she said.

However, she changed when she entered university. Now she tends to be more active in finding activities such as those organizations. She said that she is grateful to be given the confidence to join and participate in many organizations. In fact, by joining many of them, she has gotten a lot of benefits. One of them is that she can learn from her friends and seniors not only in class but also in those organizations, either for study material or university student’s life, especially as an English Letter student.

Because of her organizations, she is aware that she is very busy. She said that even though she is not perfect, she tries to manage her time. But, her schedule is quite flexible. “It’s not like my busy schedule is so stressful, but it’s more like if organization A has an agenda and is not as urgent as A, I take priority,” She said. “Yes it is busy, but it is manageable,” she continued.

During this era, she said that she had thought about whether or not she could carry out all of her activities. However, she manages to keep up with her activities. According to her, so far there is no big complaint, but sometimes she takes a break for a meeting. However, in the end, she is glad and thankful because she can do her activities. Even her friends are surprised that she is able to manage her time despite joining many organizations.

She concludes by saying: “I know this is really tiring, but it is fun. I like to get together and to join organizations, that’s what makes me not feel burdened.”

 


Journalist: Michael Surya Dikdaya Pradipta 

Editor: Alma Anindita 

Categories
Poem

SERENDIPITY

We think that life is all

About those which only meet our eyes.

However, you might be enthralled

To discover life’s prize.

Just like flowers that spring

Among the paving’s cracks.

You might find lovely things

Along the passing tracks.

O’ what is a blessing

To discover

An unexpected thing

That makes our life a little brighter.

 

Author: Alvita Utomo Putri 

Editor: Ulfah Rizqiningtias 

Illustrator: Maria Angelica Chrysanti 

Categories
Current News

The Exchange Course in Universitas Padjajaran

Yogyakarta (18/03/2021) –   Felisita Angelique Novena (194214189) shared with us her interesting student exchange experience in Universitas Padjajaran, which is currently still going fully online. In an online program by the public university based in Jatinangor, West Java, Vena is taking the course “Film & Literature” to enrich her references and expand her perspective as the particular course is also established in our home department. Vena elaborated that her impetus to join the exchange program is to experience a new academic atmosphere and gain connections since she believes that a mere academic pursuit would never be enough. “I suppose that a high GPA is not the utmost condition. To be accepted in this program, it is more on your (motivational) essays and portfolios, instead.” She told the reporters.

The most prominent benefit which is obtained through this opportunity, as Vena implied, is a perspective of comparison between the academic dynamic in the home department and the external institution. Positively, she added, that by being a representative in other campuses, we might as well promote English Letters Department USD as a whole. She also points out, again, that the ability to socialize and build connection is a key for personal development.

Vena further explained that she found the program initially from the information distributed in her class’ WhatsApp group. She, then decided to apply for the program called “Merdeka Belajar” through the link https://nuni.mobi/merdeka-belajar/. The documents which needed to be prepared include a passport photo, grades transcript, a copy of ID Card, and a motivation essay (in 250 words). All of the processes were conducted fully online, and Vena was assisted by the Head of Department and the Secretariat Office. As additional information, since last year, English Letters Department has sent some fellows to study online in Unpad. Before Vena, there are Terra Istinara, Tirza Kanya, and Nathaniel from batch 2018 who took “Gender & Literature” and “Theatre and Performance” respectively in the online program by Unpad.  

Despite the challenge she encounters to manage her time between the online course in Unpad and USD, she enjoys her whole exchange experience, especially the fact that the course and lecturer truly fits her.  She hopes, in the future, that her fellow English Letters students could join her in the exchange course. “It is very important to be confident at the very start. I believe everyone has an equal chance to join this program. You don’t necessarily have to be the brightest in academics to join this opportunity.” She closed.

 

Reporter: Theresia Paskah Prastiti

Author: Nathaniel Alvino R. Prima

Editor: Michael Tan

Categories
Current News

STUDENT TALK EPS. 2: Sasing’s Job

Yogyakarta (18/04/2021) —Member of  HMPS Public Relations, Owena Zaneta said “Humas of English Letters have a new program called Sasing’s Job’’ Through the program, Humas invited and held a mini talk show with alumni and college students of English Letters to share information about their jobs, whether they were full-time or internships and the various challenges and problems they have experienced and how to deal with the problems job.

The purpose of Student Talk episode two is to provide information and an overview of the working world and the experiences from the alumni of English Letters. In other words, it aims to identify and strengthen English letters students, even during a pandemic situation where they cannot meet face to face and stay home. Thus, Student Talk is used so that the students of English literature can be dynamic and strengthen their friendship with one another, building an everlasting relationship that bemefits each other. Student Talk is also used to get information online between students of English Letters.

In taking the theme of the student talk program, it can take a theme outside of English Letters so that students of English Letters can get various topics, as well as inspiring information, as the Humas program is to educate students of English literature through the themes of the program. Owena Zaneta explained, “To carry out the Humas program, it takes one month to produce two themes’’.

The first reason why students and lecturers should watch a mini video talk show is because we should appreciate and support the hard work of Humas in English letters in implementing its work program which aims to educate students and lecturers of English literature through this Sasing talk program.

The last and most important reason why you have to watch the video mini talk show this program is because English Letters has a very interesting theme and of course can inspire, especially for English Letters students and also get very useful information, such as the theme, this time discussing different jobs. We as students of English Letters get direct knowledge from alumni about their experiences and problems in the world of work. So that after graduating from English Letters, we will at least have a little knowledge in the world of work. So what are you waiting for? Tune in to the video of this Sasing’s Job or you will miss out big time!

 

Reporter: Sara Immaculata Terra Istinara

Author: Fatimah Fauziah Gunawan

Editor: Michael Tan

Categories
Flash Fiction

One Day In My Life

Unforgettable. The thing that I’m going to tell you really is the one I couldn’t ever forget.

One day, I was walking back and forth in the hall waiting for the bell to ring. I was nervous and afraid. On that day, the whole class would be having lunch together but I only brought an empty lunch box. I was afraid that Mrs Johnson would scold me in front of the class. That morning, I did not have my breakfast. I could not help my family by working since I was only 10. So, I did what I could do and that was to eat once a day. My mother, who was working for US$10 an hour at McDonald’s, was struggling to pay for my father’s medications. Not only that, she also had to pay for me and brother’s school fees. I did not notice how long I got worried and then the bell rang and it was time for the first class to start.

When the class started, I couldn’t help but think about eating some bread. I was very hungry. But then I remembered that at the corner of Orchard Road and Scott Road, there was a Mrs Field’s*. I thought to myself, ‘During recess, I’m gonna go there. Who knows they will be giving away samples and I’m gonna get some shares then I’ll be full by the time I get back!’

When the bell of the recess rang, I immediately went out of the classroom and left the school area. I got only twenty minutes so I ran as fast as I could to the corner of Orchard Road and Scott Road. It took me five minutes to get there and I was right! I saw the owner of the bakery was giving away samples in her store.

On purpose, I walked carefully in front of the store, pretending that I was interested. With a big smile, I asked the nice lady, “May I have this?” The lady smiled and gave it away to me with pleasure. She said, “Sure! Please take it!” to which I replied, “Thank you!”

The cookie tasted very yummy! It was a mini cookie but I liked Mrs Field’s and I was very hungry! I walked past the store for a few steps and finished off the cookie in no time. But I was still hungry… so, I thought I would walk to the store again to get another cookie. I was a little embarrassed to do this but I had no choice since I was still hungry.

So, I turned and headed back to the store again. I gathered my courage and asked the nice lady, “May I have this again?” Honestly I couldn’t believe myself when I did it the second time but she smiled at me and handed me one mini cookie once more and again I thanked her.

And just like before, I walked away as I ate the cookie. When I finished it, I was still hungry. I thought to myself, ‘Maybe, I could ask for one more time and then I’d go back.’

Again I walked up to the lady that was still standing and giving away samples. This time, I didn’t dare to look at her while saying, “Ma’am.. May I?” I was too afraid she might scold me. However, she smiled at me and gave me three mini cookies! Unthinkable, she was so kind. She was really an angel. I looked at her gratefully while saying, “Thank you so much, Ma’am.”

As soon as I got the cookies, I finished them off and I ran quickly going back to the classroom.

When I got to the classroom, I was lucky to find Mr Hay had not shown up yet. So, I went to the sink and drank some water to make sure that I would not be hungry until today was over. After that, I went to the classroom and waited until Mr Hay came in.

When Mr Hay came in, my heart was pounding because when his class was finished, it would be lunch time with Mrs Johnson and my lunch box was empty. Time flew by too fast. An hour had passed and the bell rang indicating it was lunch time.

Everybody took out their own lunch box and put it on their tables. I saw everybody was chatting and laughing while they dug in what was in their lunch boxes. I was too embarrassed and scared at the same time. I was so sure Mrs Johnson would scold me in front of the whole class. I wanted to cry but I could not do that here. So, I went to the sink near the stairs. I splashed water over my face and drank a lot of water from that so that my stomach would not groan when everybody was eating their lunches. 

I saw Mrs Johnson walking to the classroom and I immediately went back to the classroom. I saw everybody was looking at me and in that instant I thought to myself, ‘they know’. Then I proceeded to sit down and opened my empty lunch box only to be surprised when there were some grapes, an egg, and a sandwich. I looked at my friends who were looking at me with smiles on their faces. I did not know who put them all in my lunch box but I was so happy. ‘Friends are indeed a family’, I thought.

 

Author: Riska Karina S

Editor: Ulfah Rizqiningtias

Categories
Book Review Features

See You In The Cosmos

See You in the Cosmos follows the story of Alex Petroski, an eleven-year-old boy who is about to set on a journey to Rocket Festival where he will launch his rocket to space. He will send his iPod, along with the rocket, to deliver a message to extraterrestrial creatures about life on earth. Being accompanied by his dog named Carl Sagan (yes! Just like that famous astronomer), Alex begins his journey from Colorado to L.A. Throughout this journey, he will discover various things. Alex will make new friends, learn new things, and even get to discover that the important fact about his father might not be entirely true. There will be joy, there will be tears, and most important of all, The Universe might prepare something special for Alex Petroski.  ​

There are so many things that I like about this book. It is heartwarming, funny, and full of delight. Alex is a sweet main character that we could not help but root for. I love Carl Sagan too! Moreover, the format of the book is unique. It takes the form of a script that Alex records along the journey. If you want to get another level of reading experience, it will be better to listen to the audiobook version. It feels like listening to a real recording of Alex’s journey.

I think this book suits the theme of serendipity. The word “serendipity” means finding something great unexpectedly. Somehow, Alex’s journey throughout this book really represents that word. He starts his journey with a firm purpose, which is to send a message to space creatures. He devastatingly fails to fulfill his dream. Yet, surprisingly, Alex gains many other good things along the way. He establishes friendships with people from the Rocket Fair. He also discovers the truth about his father. In addition, he even meets someone that he can consider as family. All those people and experiences that Alex encounters from this journey are symbols of serendipity. They show the unexpected great things that have happened to Alex, even if he did not seek for them in the first place.

We have goals, purposes, and dreams that we want to achieve. Just like Alex’s journey, our progress in life will not be easy. There will always be various obstacles during the process. However, See You in the Cosmos teaches us that something great will happen along the way. All we need to do is take one step at a time and believe in good things despite everything else.

Author: Jack Cheng

Genre: Middle Grade, Children’s Literature

Published: February 28, 2017

Publisher: Dial Book

Journalist: Alvita Utomo Putri

Editor: Alma Anindita

Categories
Features Movie Review

The Age of Adeline (2015)

Directed by Lee Toland Krieger, The Age of Adaline (2015) is an American romance fantasy movie following the story of a girl named Adaline (Blake Lively), who stops aging at the age of 29. The movie unfolds with the phenomenon of her immortality, starting from the day during a snowstorm when Adaline’s car crashed into a lake and causing her to drown and freeze to death in the cold lake. Suddenly, a lightning strike revived her and caused her body to stop aging from that moment onward.

In the world where most people search for the secret for everlasting youth, receiving the gift of immortality without looking nor wishing for it surely becomes a blessing for those who were given the rare chance. However, this is not the case for Adaline who has to live on the run, moving out every now and then and changing her identity in order to hide from the authority who longs to unveil the secret behind her immortality. 

Who wouldn’t be curious of the impossible  though, even Adaline herself dedicated an entire year to study her condition, hoping to find an answer that might help her to age again, but her effort resulted in nothing while all the life around her keeps aging. Her dog has had for many generations accompanied her and when her own daughter becomes older than her, she has to call her own daughter “mother” in public. The pain from feeling like a fugitive and the fact that she might outlive her own daughter makes her close any possibility for romance.

Using a scientific approach to narrate her condition, this documentary-like movie embarks the journey of Adaline who closed her heart decades ago to stop running away for good from making commitment and trusting people who love her. The outstanding performance, as well as the  cinematography with the shocking plot twist drives us on the edge of our seat, rooting for Adaline’s happiness.

From Adaline we learn the lesson that opening our heart to those who cared for us can turn out better than we previously imagined. If we have enough courage to face our problem, we will find ourselves in the position we never knew we actually needed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UzSekc0LoQ

Journalist: Ervina Aimee

Editor: Ulfah Rizqiningtias

Pic: Google

Categories
Features Movie Review

HOMESTAY: ‘H’ in Homestay Stands for Happiness

“Homestay” is a melodrama supernatural movie released in 2018 directed by Parkpoom Wongpoom. This movie tells the story of a boy named Min (James Teeradon) who should discover death in 100 days. The 100 days will change his life forever because he didn’t only discover what’s behind that death, but also the bigger things.

“Homestay” is a movie that maybe wouldn’t deliver a direct meaning of serendipity, but that feeling will intensely evoke through the series of events in Min – the main character – ‘s life. His story reminded us that happiness can be found anywhere and anytime in an unexpected way, even in the most critical time.The story is about a teenager – 18 years old – who was in the hospital during a rainy day and met some strangers that turn to be his guardian. They are trying to tell him that he is just a spirit who promised a new body to live in – Min’s body, for one condition. He should live in that body like he stayed in a homestay for 100 days and have to discover the reason behind the owner’s suicide.

“Homestay” might felt heavy as it contains a mixed timeline and multi-layered story. It might not be suitable to fulfill the leisure, but this movie is worth watching as it serves amazing cinematography and great execution to the plot. This movie invites us to be concentrated and pay attention to the tiniest details because it gave clues. Little things like how the character has a girlfriend, how he has a grumpy brother, and an affectionate mother – it all wrapped so well in every scene, which turns to deliver a value about little happiness around him and turns to be a piece of serendipity.

Min probably hate the fact about how complicated to live a life in this homestay, but then he realized there are so many things to be grateful for. At the end of the story, he turns himself to say, “Thank you so much for this gift.” He can find the happiness he had been looking for the rest of his life during the time in homestay though he’s not intentionally seeking it. It was serendipity for him to know those precious little things that can make him the happiest he had ever been.

“Homestay” gain more kudos as not many Asian movie productions are brave enough to take this kind of sensitive issue – mental health for teenagers. As the director himself said that this movie intentionally would like to tell how we should value all the time in this mortal life we live – our “homestay” in this world. Why? because from that time, maybe we will find something precious that we never expected to exist before, such as happiness. This movie highly recommended for the teenager, especially those who have struggled to live. But before you watch this film, make sure you pay attention to some ‘trigger warnings’ such as graphic visual of suicide, self-harm, divorce, and other disturbing contents that might be contained in this movie. If you think that you are ready enough to watch this movie, enjoy the movie!

 

Journalist: Winda Amelia 

Editor: Vincenzo Halim 

Pics: google

Categories
Poem

If

There are dreams, desires, hopes
Hidden in every human heart; our deepest hearts.
Who wants life to be forever a struggle?
Neither you nor me,
The more I encounter happy people
The more I, too.
Crave happiness.

I sometimes find myself in a valley
Yes… in a grave,
Behind clouds,
Then I wish if only I could fly,
Move to the top of the mountain
Dreams of being over the moon.

Runaway? Turn around?
I get stuck.
If I can become what I wish to be
Then what will that mean to me?

When rain is deluging down
It doesn’t mean clouds envelop the world
It doesn’t mean it will dampen my heart.

I know, if I can let go
Ambitions, worries, and fears
I became my true self
Me, just as I am.
Precious and loved by God.

While the sun shines, if you happened to realize
Love the present as you wish it to be.

 

Author: Sr. Sofiyanti 

Editor: Ivana Belinda 

Illustrator: Gigih Satrio Baskoro