Author: integrity.usd@gmail.com

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 

Categories
Features People

Andrew Carnegie: Finding Success in Failures

The man who dies thus rich, dies disgraced.

Andrew Carnegie

The quote aforementioned is one of the most popular quotes of Andrew Carnegie. Andrew Carnegie is known to have been one of the wealthiest men in the world in his final years with US$ 475 million. That would be US$372 billion in today’s dollars. That is a lot of money. But Carnegie did not reach success on a silver platter. He went through a lot of tremendous hardships even since he was a kid. In this feature, the author will share three great obstacles that led Andrew Carnegie to a very successful life.

First, in Scotland when he was a kid, his family was struggling to make ends meet. His father, William Carnegie, worked as a jobbing handloom weaver. However, a great predicament had to be faced. During this time, large weaving mills with looms powered by waterwheels were invented. These had some development that was later replaced by steam engines. The consequence of this brand-new idea resulted in massive unemployment, lowered wages for laborers, and cheaper prices for clothing production. Carnegie’s mother, Margaret Morrison Carnegie, attempted to help the family by opening a small food store. However, this could not help much. In 1848, Carnegie’s parents had to sell all of their possessions and borrow £20 from some friends so that they could move into Pennsylvania, the United States of America. By this time, Andrew Carnegie, who was born on 25 November 1835, was only twelve years old.

Second, he had to stop his formal education and began to work to help his family. In the same year he arrived in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he began to look for a job to help his family make ends meet. He applied for a bobbin boy at a cotton mill for US$1.20 seven days a week, each day for twelve hours.  This job was somewhat dangerous. Carnegie who was only 12 years old would bring bobbins to the women at the looms and collected the full bobbins of spun cotton or wool thread. Moreover, if there was a minor problem with the machine, it was his task to fix it as well. One year later, Carnegie worked as a messenger boy at the Ohio Telegraph Company for US$2 seven days a week. Carnegie was very diligent and nimble that soon he could read messages only by ear. This trusted Carnegie to a new level. He got promoted to the operator and this made him very busy. However, he kept on educating himself. He attended night school in Allegheny, Pennsylvania and he learned reading and writing.

Last but not least, Carnegie had to call off his engagement with his dream woman, Louise Whitfield, because his mother stepped in. She thought Carnegie was already very successful and there were no girls that were good enough for her beloved son. Eventually, Carnegie became engaged secretly with Whitfield in September 1883. However, Carnegie realized he could not get married when her mother was still alive. Three years later, his mother passed away after right three weeks his brother, Thomas Carnegie died of pneumonia. The loss of Carnegie’s loved ones made him grief for some time. However, the love of his life, Louise Whitfield, made him feel great again. Five months after the passing of his mother, Andrew Carnegie finally married Whitfield on April 22, 1887. Carnegie felt very lucky to be married to his wife. He often said, “I can’t imagine myself without Lou’s guardianship”. Whitfield helped Carnegie make big decisions wisely. She also supported what Carnegie did, including giving away US$350 million to help the poor and the need. Carnegie thought Whitfield was a very good woman that she did not want to marry someone already successful. Carnegie met Whitfield unexpectedly when he visited John Whitfield, a textile merchant who happened to be his father, through a mutual friend in 1880. In conclusion, Andrew Carnegie always found good things in every obstacle he encountered. Struggling with ends meet due to the industrial revolution in Scotland, he and his family had to sell everything and sailed to America. In this land, Carnegie changed his life completely. He learned to work since he was twelve years old and learn at night after work. This shaped and molded Carnegie’s skills and mindset. When he was already successful, he found a gem without looking for it. He met his perfect woman unexpectedly and she became made him feel very lucky because she was such a supportive wife.

 

Writer: Riska Karina Sari Turnip 

Editor: Ivana Belinda

Categories
Flash Fiction

Blessing of a Curse

Another dawn, another dusk, and another endless day is another thing that is bound to us. Tirelessly working every single day only to get paid by a liter of gasoline and to get fed by the scraps of iron. They are low-tier food with no guaranteed quality. The whole city does not supply and is forbidden to distribute the so-called “holy food”
The king has his own rights and anyone who defies shall be destroyed. This is an illustration of our kingdom or should I say “former” kingdom? At least, that’s what happened. I was not born, yet I was built. Strong built wrapped with golden titanium make our colony become the strongest of all beings. We are named with press machine fold on our back. But now I have changed that name. Behold humans! I am RH-1. I am not a human nor something you call a walking machine and identify them as “robot”, but I could be a combination of both. Let me take you on a short, unforgettable journey of mine.
It was on December 31st, 3090 where every place you see was covered with a thick, white powder coming down from the sky. I lived in a shantytown. Nothing was as good as the place above, the castle of the king, the floating regime. I had forgotten what color of the iron and titanium was. All places were brown colored even us. And because of that, we called ourselves The Mighty Brown. At that time, I was in thirst and was out of gasoline. I decided to sneak into the town hall to find the supplies I needed. All supplies were stored in the bottom level and the lower the level, the more dangerous the room was. Not because of the security, but the king’s subordinates always dispatched witches to curse anyone who passed a certain level. Going into the first level, I was shocked over 100 witches were guarding the second door. They were all flying and none of them were on the ground. I planned to hide, but that almost seemed impossible. All of a sudden, the alarm rang. I ran outside and headed for the customer service pretending to ask that I was lost while delivering goods. While listening to his explanation, I looked over to see what was going on. It turned out all witches went out of the room for their dinner. As soon as I thanked him, I headed for the door and ran towards the second door. Normally, it would run smoothly as I went unnoticed, but an unexpected thing happened. One witch opened the door as I was. Without any second thoughts, I pushed him, but weirdly, I just went through! I proceeded to run to the third door, but this time was different. I felt I never reached the door and the way looked farther and in just a second the door moved fast to me and I fell into some sort of abyss.
The city’s alarm woke me up. I felt tired and was confused at the same time. I remembered I was in the town hall, but now I was in my bedroom. It felt like a nightmare. I started to feel different with my body. Something peculiar and odd, but I did not know what that was. I was thinking it would be the curse everybody was talking about. I concluded that it was my last chance to live. I decided to go out of my city and find a serene place to die. While I was heading out for the gate, a striking sound deafened my ear. It was an explosion. I saw many witches flying over the town. Then I heard an announcement, “Be advised to all citizens, we are under attack. The settlement has been broken. All citizens are urged and allowed to wipe out these cowards. We must not fall behind.” However, these mighty brown did not stand a chance against fire witches. They were all pulverized into pieces. I ran as fast as I could. I could not care less what was happening around me despite seeing the other citizens tore apart and fire and explosion. On the outside of the town, I was thinking I could make it, but the drama did not end there. Humans were all waiting and captured me. If only I had consumed gasoline and iron, I would have freed myself. On my way to be brought to a nowhere place, I saw from afar that my city had completely been surrounded by fire. In a sudden moment, I felt pressure within myself. A pressure that made my iron chest hurt. I was baffled by this feeling. Also, when my other species were taken, I felt I wanted to free him. When I saw my other species were destroyed, I wanted to scream, but I did not understand what that was. For about 100 meters, I saw a huge town surrounded by walls. We all had to queue to enter the camp. In the queue, I saw a human with long hair and her small human was about to get assassinated. Again, I felt something in my chest and I unconsciously ran and grab the human and smacked him to the ground. I was sure my action would not be tolerated and this final day would come, but that fantasy was denied by a small human. “Thank you and do not worry about coming here.” “But I am not a human”, I said. She replied, “No, you are not, but you have the heart of a human.” I looked at the sky for a moment and said, “Was it a curse or a blessing?” For the first time in my life, I smiled.

Author: Nanda Kresnatara 

Editor: Ivana Belinda 

Illustrator: Wijasena Aji Pratama 

Another dawn, another dusk, and another endless day is another thing that is bound to us. Tirelessly working every single day only to get paid by a liter of gasoline and to get fed by the scraps of iron. They are low-tier food with no guaranteed quality. The whole city does not supply and is forbidden to distribute the so-called “holy food”
The king has his own rights and anyone who defies shall be destroyed. This is an illustration of our kingdom or should I say “former” kingdom? At least, that’s what happened. I was not born, yet I was built. Strong built wrapped with golden titanium make our colony become the strongest of all beings. We are named with press machine fold on our back. But now I have changed that name. Behold humans! I am RH-1. I am not a human nor something you call a walking machine and identify them as “robot”, but I could be a combination of both. Let me take you on a short, unforgettable journey of mine.
It was on December 31st, 3090 where every place you see was covered with a thick, white powder coming down from the sky. I lived in a shantytown. Nothing was as good as the place above, the castle of the king, the floating regime. I had forgotten what color of the iron and titanium was. All places were brown colored even us. And because of that, we called ourselves The Mighty Brown. At that time, I was in thirst and was out of gasoline. I decided to sneak into the town hall to find the supplies I needed. All supplies were stored in the bottom level and the lower the level, the more dangerous the room was. Not because of the security, but the king’s subordinates always dispatched witches to curse anyone who passed a certain level. Going into the first level, I was shocked over 100 witches were guarding the second door. They were all flying and none of them were on the ground. I planned to hide, but that almost seemed impossible. All of a sudden, the alarm rang. I ran outside and headed for the customer service pretending to ask that I was lost while delivering goods. While listening to his explanation, I looked over to see what was going on. It turned out all witches went out of the room for their dinner. As soon as I thanked him, I headed for the door and ran towards the second door. Normally, it would run smoothly as I went unnoticed, but an unexpected thing happened. One witch opened the door as I was. Without any second thoughts, I pushed him, but weirdly, I just went through! I proceeded to run to the third door, but this time was different. I felt I never reached the door and the way looked farther and in just a second the door moved fast to me and I fell into some sort of abyss.
The city’s alarm woke me up. I felt tired and was confused at the same time. I remembered I was in the town hall, but now I was in my bedroom. It felt like a nightmare. I started to feel different with my body. Something peculiar and odd, but I did not know what that was. I was thinking it would be the curse everybody was talking about. I concluded that it was my last chance to live. I decided to go out of my city and find a serene place to die. While I was heading out for the gate, a striking sound deafened my ear. It was an explosion. I saw many witches flying over the town. Then I heard an announcement, “Be advised to all citizens, we are under attack. The settlement has been broken. All citizens are urged and allowed to wipe out these cowards. We must not fall behind.” However, these mighty brown did not stand a chance against fire witches. They were all pulverized into pieces. I ran as fast as I could. I could not care less what was happening around me despite seeing the other citizens tore apart and fire and explosion. On the outside of the town, I was thinking I could make it, but the drama did not end there. Humans were all waiting and captured me. If only I had consumed gasoline and iron, I would have freed myself. On my way to be brought to a nowhere place, I saw from afar that my city had completely been surrounded by fire. In a sudden moment, I felt pressure within myself. A pressure that made my iron chest hurt. I was baffled by this feeling. Also, when my other species were taken, I felt I wanted to free him. When I saw my other species were destroyed, I wanted to scream, but I did not understand what that was. For about 100 meters, I saw a huge town surrounded by walls. We all had to queue to enter the camp. In the queue, I saw a human with long hair and her small human was about to get assassinated. Again, I felt something in my chest and I unconsciously ran and grab the human and smacked him to the ground. I was sure my action would not be tolerated and this final day would come, but that fantasy was denied by a small human. “Thank you and do not worry about coming here.” “But I am not a human”, I said. She replied, “No, you are not, but you have the heart of a human.” I looked at the sky for a moment and said, “Was it a curse or a blessing?” For the first time in my life, I smiled.

Author: Nanda Kresnatara 

Editor: Ivana Belinda 

Illustrator: Wijasena Aji Pratama 

Categories
Current News

English Letter Preparations for New Normal

Yogyakarta (31/03/2021) — The Head of English Letters Study Program, Hirmawan Wijanarka, M.Hum. said, “English Letters Department are ready at any time to face new normal learning.” Through the usage of new normal learning, hybrid classes will be conducted for students to join classes either through online or offline. As of right now, the exact time for the implementation of new normal learning are yet to be announced by the university.

Despite so, the preparations by English Letters to conduct new normal classes have reached its final stages. One of them being the purchase of camera for conducting hybrid classes. Hybrid classes will be used as the new method of learning during the new normal era because the method will create an opportunity for students in Jogja to be able to attend offline classes, while students outside Jogja can still join online classes.

Hirmawan also added, “However in attending the classes offline, there are certain protocols that should be noticed. One of them is the capacity of students that attend class should be no more than 50% of the class’ capacity”. He also advised that the protocols for Covid-19 such as washing hands, body temperature being under 38℃, and wearing a mask should be followed with discipline.

As for students that are not in Jogja, it is advised that they don’t come before the situation gets better in order to avoid risks of infection. If students outside Jogja still want to attend offline classes, Hirmawan explained that they will need an approval from these three components:

  • Parents (for students that are still under their parents’ parental responsibility) or self-willingness
  • Local government
  • University.

He further explained, “English Letters department still couldn’t estimate the exact implementation date for face-to-face learning. Thus, this semester, English Letters still chose to use online learning. If next semester’s condition becomes stable, the hybrid learning program will be conducted as planned.”  

Regarding English Letters’ agendas and activities, it is said that both can already be started as of now. However the execution of events will still need to be through online or hybrid.  

He also added that the protocols and other regulations for Covid-19 in the campus are based on Satgas Covid-19 USD. If there is a spread of Covid-19 during the teaching and learning activities, lockdown and further safety tests will be conducted. “This is why campus are being really cautious of face-to-face learning activity as they don’t want to make a new cluster,” said Hirmawan.

Ultimately, Hirmawan hopes that the Covid-19 pandemic can end soon as the pandemic is not only hard for students to cope with, but the lecturers also have various difficulties in getting accustomed to the environment of teaching through online classes.

 

Writer: Sara Immaculata Terra Istinara

Editor: Michael Tan