It’s been seven months since graduation, and I’ve spent most of that time stuck in my university’s library. But here I am, writing to share bits of my story.
Back in my college-application era, I applied to seven universities abroad and one in Indonesia. The results? Four acceptances and four learning experiences. It was a whole mix of pride, joy, and tears—the feeling of being so close to my dream, yet never quite holding it in my hands.
For as long as I can remember, I dreamed of getting into University of California, Berkeley—specifically, for Engineering. But I didn’t. Did I cry? Absolutely. A lot. That rejection letter still hangs in my apartment today, a constant reminder that if I don’t push myself harder, rejections might come again—even though deep down, I know that’s not necessarily true.
So, I shifted my sights. University of California, Davis Davis came through with an offer for Environmental Engineering—my top-choice major. Not only that, but they awarded me a $53.000 tuition grant for my outstanding application. It was all within reach. But fate had other plans.
Because I received a full-ride scholarship from Indonesia’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology to study abroad, I was placed at my second-choice university. I thought I was heading toward the American dream, but instead, life gave me something else—the European dream:
Wageningen University & Research, Environmental Sciences.
I was morally conflicted. Becoming an engineer had been my dream. It was so close. So close. It was right under my nose.
“Be grateful. Not everyone gets this opportunity.”
I heard that phrase over and over again, and for a long time, it only made me angrier.
But now, I see how life had its own way of turning the page for me.
I am thriving.
Academically? Yes. Some subjects are tough, but I embrace the challenge.
Socially? Beyond my wildest dreams. I have the most supportive, loving, and caring environment.
Would I trade everything I had to keep the friendships I have now? Absolutely yes.
This world-class STEM university has given me experiences, opportunities, and a newfound sense of resilience.
I was also offered spots at The University of British Columbia (Canada) and Institut Teknologi Bandung (Indonesia). But if I could go back to that moment—when I submitted my letter of acceptance for ministry review—and if I had known my university life would turn out this way?
I wouldn’t hesitate. I would fill my 1st, 2nd, 3rd, even 4th choice with Wageningen University & Research.
The future is bright. The opportunities are endless. It’s time to rise and shine.