the essay that helped me secure an interview for IISMA (with word count)

https://stringandspace.com/es/blogs/news/keeping-it-simple-embrace-your-minimalist-bujo

“Discuss your academic and non-academic achievements (for undergraduate and vocational student), and industrial experience (for vocational student only) including the process and skills involved in your previous or current degree program!”

It was not until I became a teaching assistant for my English class in high school that I learned how understanding English can make a huge impact on my life. It was then, too, that I became aware of social issues including racial discrimination and gender inequality, which previously seemed unfamiliar to me due to my upbringing in a conservative household. I delved into more research when I directed a school play for my art class’s final project and decided to adapt the book “This Earth of Mankind” by Pramoedya Ananta Toer, a contemporary Indonesian literature that explores the intricate dynamics of a mixed-race relationship during the Dutch colonial era. I put everything I had into leading a group of fifteen individuals with varying perspectives by honing strong leadership, communication, and teamwork skills. Our efforts paid off as we successfully converted the narrative textbook format into a screenplay and received the highest grade in our class. Subsequently, I became more involved regarding social issues by participating in international conferences, including the Asia Youth International MUN, which had a significant impact on me as it allowed me to acknowledge my gender identity in today’s society. Despite having an acceptance rate of 4,225% — whereas 20.000 people applied to attend but only 845 were accepted — I was selected as the delegate of Bulgaria in the Human Rights Council. I presented Bulgaria’s stance on the issue of “Addressing the Fragility of Women’s Rights in Afghanistan” by evaluating arguments based on its country’s political background. Through my extensive research on woman’s rights issues and analytical thinking, I was able to evaluate arguments from the Balkan viewpoint and present them convincingly to the chairs. Thus, our bloc passed the draft resolution by encouraging the creation of UN Annual Summit for Women’s Rights. These experiences motivated me to utilize my social media platform for raising awareness of issues that are rarely addressed, such as the quarter-life crisis and has gained almost 500,000 engagements on TikTok through my ability in brand awareness, project planning, and marketing strategy, which will undoubtedly be valuable in my future academic and professional pursuits. (349 words)

“Please outline your plans to engage with local and international communities during IISMA program using clear examples!”

For me, joining IISMA is all about discovering a new path outside my comfort zone, and having the opportunity to learn about life that comes in a place miles away from home. What makes the University of Colorado Boulder the perfect choice, other than the variety of courses, is the inclusiveness and diversity. There’s an inside joke about Boulder that said “There’s a cult within a stone’s throw in Boulder.” since CU Boulder is known for its diverse reputation with hundreds of clubs and organizations. If given a chance, I would be thrilled to join the Boulder Film Buffs community as I share the same passion for analyzing films. I hope to contribute to discussions surrounding the course I take, ‘Exploring Culture and Gender Through Film’, by sharing my interpretations and insights about the representation of women of color within the American film industry through my lens as a Southeast Asian woman myself. Moreover, I hope to partake in cultural exchanges by collaborating with CU International to promote Indonesia through organizing a remarkable showcase. Outside of the campus bubble, I am eager to give back to the locals by volunteering at the Boulder Shelter for the Homeless, where I would contribute to the community in a meaningful way. Meanwhile, at Palacký University Olomouc, I would love to have locals as my student buddy to help me navigate my new surroundings and enrich my experience, as well as be exposed to the Czech language and culture to provide an instant connection to international networks. I would also love to attend many events held by the Erasmus Student Network where I get the chance to learn about other countries’ cultures and landmarks. Holding the spirit of giving back to the community — during my stay — I will be sharing my IISMA journey by creating engaging content on social media platforms to inspire others to pursue international study and foster a sense of community among fellow IISMA participants. Through these, I am confident that I will grow both personally and academically, and I look forward to making meaningful connections with people around the world. (348 words)

“Discuss a time when you faced difficult challenge or hurdle during your study and how you navigated through it!”

The biggest obstacle I had during my study was when I decided to work full-time while pursuing my college degree. As I come from a middle-class family with limited financial resources, it’s quite challenging to aim for higher education knowing we don’t meet the requirements to apply for need-based programs such as The Bidikmisi Scholarship but we also can’t afford to pay 10 million rupiahs per year. After careful deliberation, I chose to attend Universitas Terbuka, a public university that provides full online classes with way more affordable fees. It helps me reduce the financial burden of obtaining a degree, particularly as a first-generation student. However, the demands of working and studying simultaneously took a significant toll on my mental health, especially when I was trapped in an unhealthy obsession where the idea of productivity was constantly stuck in my head. Regardless of how packed my schedule was, I kept looking for new opportunities by joining several volunteer programs, which ultimately led to burnout. Proven by the time when I hit rock bottom in my second semester of college as soon as my GPA fell from 3.63 to less than 3.00. I decided to take some time off to reflect and reevaluate by writing down my short-term plan for the whole semester. Since Universitas Terbuka has the flexibility of making our own schedule, I managed to maintain a healthy work-study-life balance by dividing my time wisely throughout the week, where I go to work on weekdays and I take my classes on weekends. I also made sure to participate in volunteer programs only during the semester break. This dedication has helped me to develop my time management skills, which have been invaluable throughout my academic and personal life. Along the way, I was able to keep my GPA above 3.00 and show an improvement in my work performance by successfully managing the accounting record of my office yearly fund with the amount of approximately 150 million rupiahs in an efficient manner. I am grateful for the lesson I learned and am confident that it will help me navigate future challenges. (350 words)

“Explain about your physical and mental health condition (i.e., dental and oral treatment/medical treatment/Covid-19 medication/mental health therapy/counseling)!”

I am a healthy individual who rarely gets sick. Although, managing my menstrual cycle has been a significant challenge for me in terms of both physical and mental health. I experience symptoms such as cramps, fatigue, and mood swings that can interfere with my daily life. Despite it being my biggest enemy when it comes to my productivity, I always try my best not to let it get to me. “It’s a part of womanhood.” is what my gynecologist referred to me once I went to see her. As long as I don’t have an abnormal cycle, my situation is a common experience among many women. However, she suggested that I change my lifestyle due to my lack of sleep and tight schedule, and advised me to come back if my symptoms worsen, such as experiencing nausea and vomiting, or anything else unusual. Therefore, I have developed healthy habits by limiting my intake of unhealthy foods including my caffeine addiction, and engaging in regular exercise by cycling around 3 kilometers every evening after work, which improves my mental well-being since physical activity is proven to produce endorphins. I also personally track my cycle using the Clue app to stay prepared and alert. If I do experience cramps, I carry a heating pad with me for relief. Additionally, I take iron supplements to prevent anemia, which can exacerbate my symptoms. As a result, I have seen progress in my health where I feel more energized and my intense mood swings have decreased. In terms of COVID-19, I have received all necessary vaccine doses and booster shots because I prioritize preventive measures to minimize the risk of getting sick. I understand the importance of being mindful of my health and seeking early intervention when necessary. Even if the worst were to happen, I am confident that my attention to detail and always-come-prepared approach would minimize any potential risks. At last, I believe that being a responsible citizen with a healthy lifestyle will benefit my daily interactions with lecturers, students, and locals during my participation in the IISMA program. (349 words)