Greetings,
I’ve been waiting for about 4 years to get a chance on sharing the unusual idea. Many people like to share their happiness, their success, and big achievement in their life, anything related to perfection in their life.
Seldom they write about the failure they got or worse experience that has to pass through. I believe that in every achievement, there is always sacrifice we made to be the best version of ourselves. These failures I write are related to my journey on taking a postgraduate degree. It hasn’t completed yet since I have to fight to get the fund to make it complete. After that, my journey will begin for real. Okay, let’s get started.
I have been wanting to take a Master's degree since the last year of my undergraduate session. I was majoring in Forestry Engineering Bachelor batch 2012. Since I have been an academic person, I wanted to take a program related to forestry or environmental science. Several courses came up to my mind, such as Forest Policy and Society or Forest Management in Wageningen University, Forest Science in Australia National University, or Forestry program in Yale University. Yeah, that came to me while I haven’t understood about the real market place yet. What do you expect from a fresh graduate person at that time haha
To apply for a Master's program, there are few requirements to be submitted such as English Proficiency, Academic Transcript and Certificate, Motivational Letter, and Reference Letter. Woah, a lot isn’t it? Haha
My biggest afraidness was IELTS (English) proficiency test. Well, I don’t get it but since I entered Senior High School, English became one of the difficult lessons I have ever taken. Although until today, my grammar and vocabulary need to be enriched. It came to August 2020, I dared myself to book an IELTS Academic test in the 4th week. Since I haven’t familiar with the computer-based test, I took a paper-based IELTS Test in IDP Kelapa Gading, Jakarta. The test held in Santika Hotel Kelapa Gading. Well, I had an accident a few weeks before the test though, I caught a toothache. I had had an odontectomy surgery to take my wisdom teeth. Glad the process went well and I got recovery in time. It didn’t affect my test because I felt enjoy and no burden while did every part of the test. Finally, the hardest (for me) part ever, speaking test. I didn’t prepare well because my mouth was hurting a lot before the surgery! I prepared less for this part and got nervous to answered the native speaker (I think he was an Australian)!
My result came in the second week of September and I got the overall band 6 with the 5.5 in Speaking Part. Haha, as I have predicted previously. Well, I completely passed the test! Haha
It was pricey for me but I had to take a second test as for upgrading my grade. I failed to get 6.5 and still had 5.5 in the speaking part! The result didn’t sufficient enough for Wageningen admission and the others of course hehehe
Unfortunately, I can’t make the next test in the near time because it entered the busiest season in my work life for audit preparation. I have to wait until it comes to the end hehe. At least I know a thing, I can get a better mark for the English Test! I am able to defeat my afraidness of English tehee.
Here comes my second result, yay! At least I have made it to the 6.5! I have improved. The listening part helped me a lot tehee. Even though my writing has decreased, sadly :(
Gladly, my speaking has got better and I can use it to apply for some universities overseas :)
Everything needs sacrifice so does the IELTS. It’s not perfect yet but at least it can take me to the university I want :) One of the requirements has been fulfilled and now time to submit the application.
In early February, I completed all the documents to send my application for graduate study. Btw, I haven’t told you the major I want to apply to. It’s Development Studies. I determined and decided to take this after 4 years of contemplation. Wow, such a very long time! I made myself ready and confident to write the Letter of Motivation. It needs strong objectives to achieve you know :)
I have a dream to be one of the Netherlands ’ students. International Institute of Social Studies and Wageningen University have become my option. Praise the Lord, my failure has paid off! I have admitted to being one of their candidate for Development Studies in ISS and Master of Development and Rural Innovation in Wageningen University!! It took about a week to get the wonderful news for my future.
Soon, I have to start my battle for funding opportunities. Wish me luck!
