Shawn Mendes has always been my favorite artist, not just because of how sweet and handsome he is, but because of the authenticity of his music and lyrics. I’ve been playing his song Nobody Knows on repeat ever since he first released it. I believe it conveys a beautiful message and tells a story about questioning love after two souls split. After listening to that song countless times, I started brainstorming words I could use for my next post on Medium. Where Did the Love Go?—narrated about a love story and Shawn Mendes' song—is now available on Medium.
In this post, I reflect on the heavy burden of guilt I carried for my mistakes and the profound impact it had on my mental and emotional well-being. Despite knowing how to free myself, I struggled to move past the remorse that held me captive. I share my journey of overcoming self-doubt, embracing vulnerability, and realizing that not every fight is mine to fight. Through this process, I learned to focus on the present, find hope again, and accept myself without judgment. Ultimately, I discovered that self-compassion and faith were key to healing and reclaiming my strength. Locked in a Cage of Self-Hatred is a reflection of my journey in dealing with guilt, and you can read it on Medium.
On November 19, 2023, I reflected on the 24 lessons I’ve learned in my 24 years. From growing up in a remote village to embracing discipline, faith, and self-development, I shared the key moments and insights that have shaped who I am today. I talked about overcoming challenges, taking risks, and learning to manage my insecurities. These lessons have helped me grow stronger and more confident. It’s a journey of resilience and self-discovery that continues to guide me as I move forward. Read the full reflection on Medium.
As I turned the page to the twenty-fourth chapter of my life, I find myself reflecting deeply on the journey I’ve been through and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. Growing up in a remote village with limited language and educational resources, I once felt disconnected from broader horizons. However, my journey in education, navigating personal loss, and embracing self-reliance—has taught me invaluable lessons about resilience and faith. This reflective piece shares my 24 life lessons, in the hope that they resonate with others on similar journeys of self-discovery.
I was chosen as one of the writers of a book entitled Rumah Baru, a poetry anthology initiated by Lumiere Publishing. The title of my poem is Semenjana. It shares a story about a boy who goes through a lot in life, faces rejection, and deals with chaos but then hears a louder voice, bringing hope to live again and believe that everything will be better. This voice reminded him that, even in pain, life can still have meaning, and better days can come. Semenjana shares a journey from hardship to a place of peace and hope.
I was honored to be selected as one of the writers for the poetry anthology Pesan dari Aksara, a writing event held by Bebas Menulis and published by Ebiz Publisher. My poem in the collection is titled Sembunyi, which tells the story of a boy who returns home after facing struggles, only to find himself caught between hope and pain. The poem explores themes of self-doubt and the longing for protection. It reflects the journey of accepting one's vulnerabilities while holding onto small, comforting things, like drawing, which offer solace and peace.
In 2022, I researched the Flipped Classroom Model for my final paper. I spent two months conducting the research, revising the thesis with my supervisors, and finally completing it with a great score and just minor revisions. My thesis was published in the Undana Repository and later as a journal article on ResearchGate and in the E-Journal Undana.