The obsession to undertake study abroad has intensified in the midst of many souls in my community. It is perceived admirable if someone can arrive at a grant of a scholarship. Thanks, Allah! I have just been granted a chance to pursue my master programme in Germany if only I receive a LoA of a German university. Let me cordially tell you my story about why I am involved with those called scholarship hunters. It is not only me who is obsessed with the tantalising chance to go study overseas. Personally speaking, I am highly amazed at those successful in applying any scholarship they are targetting. Some seniors of mine are granted Australia Award scholarship, Chevening, Fulbright, USAID, StuNed, LPSDM, Kemenang, etc. To follow my allure, I invariably attend seminars talking over scholarships and their requirements held around Banda Aceh. Another response to the stunning opportunity is that my friends also asked me along to join them learning TOEFL together and to periodically take TOEFL prediction test before taking the real one. When questioned why we should do the above preparations, we would say that this is aimed at reaching abroad experience and chance to study in outstanding universities. Indeed, we do not have a hope in hell of winning. Praise Allah, after six times of attempting to apply for various scholarships, I am now blessed a chance to continue my journey of study in Germany. Prior to departing to Germany, I should take German language course in Goethe Institut Jakarta commencing from January 8 until June, yes, it is a quite long time for a mere course. I think besides learning the language until I meet the required score, I would concentrate on preparing myself for an IELTS test as of the common requirement of European universities. However, before I leave, it seems very likely that I need to mention what I feel about all the journey I have passed here with my buddies.
I came to Banda Aceh for my BA study in 2012. Since then, I knew many people, some I take as my close friends, others not so close. I befriend anyone irrespective of their personalities, what matters is we cannot live this life alone. I experienced, as a normal student, having a bunch of tasks needing finishing within a week. It was common to encounter lecturers with perfectionism. It was just normal to see illegally copied and pasted writings in assignments being presented in front of the class as if they are really authentic works by the students. Also, I knew that some said getting C for some optional courses is to make the study plan card seem more colourful. I ever dealt with growing tension between lecturers and students. Some of my friends dropped certain courses as they figured out the strictness of the ways the lecturers teach. Some flaming zest when joining youth organisation occasionally influenced me to skip some classes. Sometimes, I was involved in an argument with lecturers due to some misunderstanding yet I begged their forgiveness soon. Dealing with classes which required to always sleep super late at night for finishing a plethora of tasks became things remaining memorable. There were some other things like story about friends in the community service programme who could not get settled in rural villages, supervisor teachers in schools (place of internship) who expected us to design complete lesson plans for a year, some lucky friends who did not take midterm test yet got A, lecturers who never accepted any excuses of being absent from the class, and so on. All these are the fragments if joined would shape a very alluring image of life story. I am always grateful for every lesson I figured out from the steps of this life, as taught in my religious class.
In March 2014, I decided to take a religious class at Thalibul Huda Islamic Boarding School. I am only a student of one-and-a-half hour class every night which does not require the students to stay in the dormitory. Ever since I learn a lot of knowledge about Islamic science which I never got in college classes. Luckily, my class is so special since the teacher is the principal of the school, we addressed him as ‘Abi’ (literally father). I am highly impressed with the broad extent of his knowledge when responding to the questions of any student. He educates us to work hard and always have positive presupposition towards Allah. He protected us from uncontrolled thoughts viral nowadays that may harm our belief. More touching is that he is always open to everyone who needs his consultation. I believe none of his students missed mentioning his name in their du’a. Now, I may not attend his class for I have to go to Jakarta soon for a six-month training.
When granted scholarship, I expressed my attitude in some ways. On one hand, I can say I am delighted since it is a rare opportunity to get, yet, on the other hand, I am truly sorry that I have to say goodbye. All right, I hope I do not dramatise it too extravagantly. The hour of departure is coming. I met up with some supportive lecturers to ask their permission and du’a so that my travel would be fine. The hardest thing was when I met Abi at the end of the last class I could attend. Abi asked me ‘what’s the matter Syukri’. I told him that I have to Jakarta for six months for a training for undertaking a master degree’. He said ‘where?’. 'in Germany’ I responded. Warmly he said ‘O fine, that’s good, I will always pray for you, I wish you the best luck’. My heart was pleased hearing that. I received many words congratulating me as well as wishing my fortunate. At the moment, since I shoulder some responsibilities, I did ask permission to leave. To the staffs of Fatih Bilingual School, I said I cannot manage to give Arabic class in the next semester. To Polyglot Indonesia Chapter Aceh, I am so sorry that I need to resign from my position as the coordinator of Arabic division and English for Kids programme. To the students in my private Arabic class, I will search for the substituent for you.
It is brutally a must for me to mention some impressions I have borne in mind so far. To my fellow friends of Ulumuddin Boarding School graduates, within six years you know well the bitterness which results in sweetness. To the brothers at Dayah Thalibu Huda, thank you for always straighten my objectives in life. To all my students, you are always counted as those who lift me up as a genuine educator. For the comrades in youth organisations in Banda Aceh, you armed me with critical thoughts regarding prioritising collective needs of people in our community. To the birds of a feather, the companions of English Department UIN Ar-Raniry, you are the most admired, loyal people I ever met since I inhaled the oxygen for the first time. I expect all these compassions would green as long as the sun shines this earth.
In case I should go, I wish I had a longer time with you. In case I should leave, I wish I had stricken up the best friendship with you for the present life and the next one. In case I should say ‘farewell’, I hope our paths will cross again in the near future.
Jeulingke, 7 Januray 2018