When I started studying in senior high school

In 2007, I graduated from junior high school and I had to go to senior high school. In Surabaya, there is no test to enter senior high school. We use our national final exam’s score. SMAN 5 Surabaya is the most favorite one. I really wanted to study in there. But, unfortunately my score wasn’t good enough to enter SMAN 5 Surabaya. During my depression time, Allah gave me the way. Beside the score, there was a way for students who got medals on OSN could choose senior high school. I was very thankful, because of Allah I could study in SMAN 5 Surabaya.
When I was in year 10, Allah gave me a chance to follow students exchange program. There were several tests I had to do. In the first step, there were writing and interview in English. You know, at that time, my English was still not good enough. I got excellent in writing but not good enough in interview. After interview I just felt that I couldn’t pass this step. But Allah loved me. I passed the first step and I had to do some tests in the second step. There were IQ test and like scholastic test called TPA (Tes Potensi Akademik). And “tes minat dan bakat”. In that test I had to perform my ability. I just can dance traditional dancing. So, I performed Remo dance. You know, I hadn’t dance for a long time since I was in year 5. I had to learn to dance again. Alhamdulillah I could do it. All of us were waiting for announcement day. It took a long time until I forgot about that I followed test for student exchange program. One day, I got phone call from Surabaya Government. She said that I passed the test and I would go to Perth, Australia. I had never dreamed about that, because for me at that time, going abroad was just a dream that I could never do. But Allah made it. In the same time, I failed in OSN. I couldn’t continue to the next step. I was sad, but Allah must have planned other beautiful plans for me. And I knew it. I could go abroad!

I Miss Perth

I always dreamed about Perth recently. I don't know, may be it means that I miss Perth so much. I will tell you about my experience. I stayed in Perth for 24 days on September 2008. I'll never forget my experience during in Perth. For some people it was not too special. But for me, it was a very special moment. I don't know, perhaps because I had never gone abroad before. So, it was the first time.
Thank you God, Subhanallah. Because of You, I got this opportunity. It was unbelievable! Thank you Surabaya government, AEC and all institutions which helped us to do our duty as Surabaya delegations of education for Perth 2008. And thank you Pak Karyanto, Pak Samsul, because you trusted me to do this. You know, I found a new big family, my groups! I love them all. They are unique, with their own characteristic, their habits, their behavior, etc. We completed each other. Even though, sometimes we had a problem and then we had different ideas, we can solve the problem. it made us closer. Unfortunately, they are busy now. Because most of them are year 12, except Febby, Nadia and I. Guys, I miss you all! When do you have spare time? Bu Beauty, Bu Fitri, how are you?
About my host family. They are kind, great. I am grateful to meet them. Actually, I felt afraid at the first time, but then I enjoyed staying with them. I knew Australian people's habits, their culture. It's awesome. they asked me to go to amazing places in Perth on the weekend. They showed me kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and other Australian animals. Because of my host parents, I'm not too afraid touching animals. Sometimes, after school they asked me to go shopping! My host family like sport very much! They have a back yard. There's a swimming pool, and a field for playing badminton. I like playing badminton!
My host mother made different foods every dinner. All foods which she made were very delicious! I wish I could visit the again. Who knows!

My Study Group

This picture was taken when we had to go back to Surabaya after we stayed in Perth for three weeks on September 2008. My friends, my teachers, and Mrs. Bina Kadaba, our coordinator when we were in Perth. We like a big family, we got closer each other. I miss them so much.

I will never forget this experience. I hope we can go to somewhere together.