Sanata Dharma University. Getting out of our comfort zone is an intimidating feeling that we all get. Therefore, as college students, we need to push ourselves beyond our limits to reach our goals. That was what Priska Jeanny Rosanty did when she wanted to become an IISMA awardee.
“My motivation to apply for IISMA was to push myself beyond my limits,” Priska said. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but I am most grateful for what I have been taught at Sanata Dharma University, but I see IISMA as an opportunity for me to grow more, and because the campus has supported my journey, why not?”
She reminisced about the overwhelming feelings of shock running through her mind the day the IISMA announcement was released. She admitted she did not expect to be accepted, especially because the announcement was postponed from the usual evening schedule to midnight. At 11.59 p.m. She finally got the information that was about to change her life. She got accepted as an IISMA awardee in 2023.
“When I knew I was accepted, it was shocking. I could not sleep all night, and it was overwhelming,” Priska mused.
Her journey to be where she is right now was a long-winded journey. The road to reaching her goal wasn’t always smooth. There were so many steps for her to get through, and one of them was getting as much information about IISMA as possible. Priska explained, “I knew about IISMA when I was a freshman. The campus informed us about IISMA in Jaksa (Jalinan Akrab Sastra) and Potluck Party. Then, when I was in my third semester, there was a seminar that brought alums of IISMA from the English Letters Faculty and English Language Education Department. I learned a lot from the seminar, especially about what kind of documents were required.”
“I started preparing my documents in November 2022, but there were a lot of changes like the requirements of files changed and the rules from IISMA changed. So, I literally went back and forth to the secretariat office and contacted BKHI (Biro Kerjasama dan Hubungan Internasional). IISMA also requires EPT, aka English Proficient Test,” she added. Further information, IISMA provides you with multiple options for choosing between IELTS, TOEFL, and even Duolingo. As for her, she took the IELTS test short on time.
“January was when I was preparing myself for the test, and February was the test time,” Priska said. “Then the essay. I started writing in December, and I got so many revisions from a few people who were willing to help me, but I submitted my essay close to the deadline. So, more or less, you can picture how hectic it would be when preparing yourself for IISMA.”
She then shared tips and tricks on preparing for IISMA for anyone interested in applying. “The tips and tricks, first and foremost, is to prepare yourself well. Be curious about IISMA; like really dig all the information about it. The second and third semester is the perfect time to explore many things. Remember the EPT test, the essay, and the required documents, and please don’t be short on time to prepare it. Also, if you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact the other awardees. We’re actually nice people,” she smiled.
Priska added, “Most importantly, don’t hesitate to contact BKHI because, from my experience, BKHI has helped me a lot, like dealing with signature matters. The point is, if you want to join IISMA, don’t keep everything to yourself. It’s okay to seek other people’s help.”
Going abroad might be the most exciting thing to expect for some people, and Priska was one of them. She was giddy to experience new things; new friends, cultures, and views. “I can’t wait to meet the locals and get to know them. I also want to know how different the education system there, like the courses. We rarely don’t have a few courses, but they exist abroad, so I can’t wait to experience it,” she said.
There’s a popular proverb in Indonesia that can describe Priska’s journey: berakit-rakit dahulu, berenang-renang ke tepian. Every step she needed to get through will gain her much more in the future. “A lesson I learned from preparing myself for IISMA is do not expect the progress will be smooth,” Priska advised. “After all, life is unexpected. Don’t stop doing what you’re doing and keep on going. Remember, you’re going to be great, so please don’t overthink things.”
Author: Kenar Syalaisha Kanayana
Editor: Nanda Pratama Putera Tomasila, Vonna Meisya Saputra (QC)