Hi everyone, my name is Pram and I come from Indonesia. In my first blog post, I will share a part of my life story. I hope that this story may help you understand the meaning of life and what “hope” means to me.

My story began when I was 18 years old and finishing high school. After I graduated high school I went directly to study at the University of Indonesia, as it is one of the best universities in the country. I chose Psychology as my major and I joined the international program there. I planned to study for 2 years in Indonesia and 2 years at university in Australia.

After I finished my 2 years of study at the University of Indonesia, it was time to continue my studies in Australia. However I met a roadblock: I couldn’t continue my studies in Australia because of the IELTS test. I failed the IELTS test many times, but kept persisting. However, in the end I failed the test many times.

It was a big hit for me. I had already spent 4 years studying for the IELTS and I needed to pass in order to finish my degree.

At that point in my life, I felt very down and hopeless. Then, I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder Type II. That was the dark ages of my life.

My turning point occurred when I commenced study at Griffith University. When I was 22 years old, my dad and I discussed the future of my study. He prompted me to decide if I wanted to study back in Indonesia, or if I wanted to study overseas. I decided to study at Griffith University in Australia because I wanted to see the world.

Griffith provided me with a new sense of hope. I started my new life and immersed myself in everything at university. I entered Griffith University through the Direct Entry Program – Griffith English Language Institute pathway. Studying English through the DEP has been one of the best experiences in my life and I have improved my English a lot. Through GELI, I have learnt how to lead a formal discussion group, improved my critical thinking, learnt research techniques, and how to write in formal English. DEP has helped me to strengthen my English skills which resulted in me being able to continue my studies in Psychology at Griffith University.

I have had so much support during my time here at Griffith and have also made many great friends from many different countries, especially through Griffith Mates . Until this time, I am still in contact with my DEP friends and DEP teachers.

Griffith Mates has also given me many opportunities to improve my leadership skills and communication skills. In addition, my lecturers have given me a lot of support with my assignments and with explaining the course materials to me. One of the greatest supports I have received has been my counsellor at Griffith ; I have learnt a lot from her. She has helped me to change my attitude and my mindset.

Since being at Griffith, I have learnt a lot and received a lot of support. I believe everything happens for a reason and I now have a stronger mentality.

I learnt that not everything in your life, you can control. There are a lot of things that you can’t control at all, like nowadays the COVID-19 pandemic. It is like my IELTS test and my mental health. I should have accepted the reality that I couldn’t pass the IELTS test and as a result, that my mental health suffered. That was something that I couldn’t control. So… What should we do now? Focus on what we can control!

Remember, in this current situation, we are not leaders of the world, not yet. We are not scientists, presidents, or multi-billionaires that can control this kind of pandemic. We are university students right now. We can only manage our studies, our health, and our time.

Life is a choice. The choices that we make have consequences, and we should be responsible for whatever these consequences are. Always think before you act. Then, never regret your decision.

Life is a journey to reach your destiny. Everybody has their own path. Don’t stop, don’t surrender, until you reach your destiny. Be nice. Be good. In everything you do, always be grateful. Gratefulness will bring you total happiness, calm, and peace. Joyfulness comes from gratefulness. Don’t forget to smile in every situation in your life!

Life can be tough. Fight for happiness. Reach your goals. Believe in yourself! The strongest person in the world is a person who can still get up, be patient, and smile during difficult times.

From my story, I don’t want to imply that we need to fall down first, then get up later on. But the lesson that I have learnt from my journey through life is that we should never give up despite our current situation. NEVER LOSE HOPE, NEVER EVER GIVE UP.

- Pram

Griffith University

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