Month: December 2024

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Day 2 at Yogyakarta 

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This story is a continuation of my story with title “Day 1 at Yogyakarta”. You can read it at this page: https://diagatha.com/2024/06/26/day-1-at-yogyakarta/

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I woke up hungry and excited for what the day was gonna bring us. After Mom and her roommate got dressed, I quickly took a bath.

On our way down to the lobby for breakfast, I overheard Mom and her roommate talking about the event they’re gonna attend for the next three days.

As we went down, I had another thought in my head though. The music was very calming and relaxing with Jogja’s local music.

Finally, we arrived at the lobby, and I quickly got noodles, bread and cereal for breakfast.

Mom gave me a Do you really need that much? 

And yes. Yes I do.

Whilst having breakfast, Mom met a lot of new friends…and even old ones!

Another time when she had an event in Bali, she met these friends too! I could see Mom smiling and hugging them all the same.

Afterwards, Mom took me upstairs to our room. Whilst they were doing their event, I was able to have fun alone in the room.

Sadly though, Mom had to bring her iPad, because some work stuff. But she allowed me to use her laptop for me to do my writing (I can’t tell it now, it’ll spoil the fun!).

I stayed in the room for around an hour or so, until Mom called me. I answered her on my phone, and she asked if I wanted to come down with her to the ballroom.

I raised my eyebrow, and said that I didn’t wanna go down because it’ll be weird as I’m the only kid and it isn’t an event for me. And Mom said “okay” and ended the call.

But 15 minutes later, she turned up at the door and insisted that I went with her.

Moms…

I brought her laptop in her bag and my books, and we went down the elevator to the Ballroom.

The Hotel’s ballroom was really big and very vintage. At that moment, a man was speaking at the front. He must be the special guest for the event!

Mom and I took back seats, and I opened my book and started reading, but I couldn’t help trying to hear what he was saying.

He is a writer who writes the news and really loves Indonesian. He made a website to share the news and his writings. 

He explains what needs to be highlighted when writing and even in photography. This made me become pretty inspired by his words.

After he finished talking, it was break-time, and I went outside to get myself a cupcake. 

But no matter how much I tried to stop her, Mom told the man to meet me. She explained to him that I have a blog (diagatha.com) and a storybook (Face Off).

He was very surprised about it since I was still very young. He was also pretty amazed at my English and told me to keep it up. I took a photo with him, which got me blushing until lunch.

At the evening I had to stay in the room whilst Mom and her roommate and their other friends had to go to the rooftop for another “fun” seminar. 

I brought myself some snacks and cupcakes along with me upstairs. As soon as I got there, I turned on the lights, turned on the TV and also got out my Mom’s iPad to watch Trollhunters on Netflix.

Look…I’m afraid being alone, so…

At around ten o’clock or so, Mom and her roommate came back happily. I opened the door cheerfully and let them in.

It was pretty nice not to be alone anymore, but my stomach clenched as Mom said to her roommate about my blog.

I hid under the covers of the bed, but her roommate was pretty surprised and excited as of how old I am and my qualified English. She asked the name, and I told it her, along with my books and writings.That day was pretty amazing. But I wonder what the next day will give me…don’t you?

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Budhi Dharma: Where Values Meet Excellence

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This is the text of Agatha’s speech, written as part of the English speech competition at Liga OSIS in SMP Budhi Dharma. We must give a Speech about “Budhi Dharma”, which is our school.

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When I first stepped into Budi Dharma Junior High School, I had no idea of the excitement, curiosity and achievements waiting for me inside. How, you may ask? Well, I have heard some stuff of this place from many people. Some say it’s amazing, some say it isn’t. Some say that the teachers are terrible, but others say that this school is the best in our Regency. And, since I am standing here right now, I have seen the truth, both surprising and interesting.

         Good morning everyone and honorable judges. My name is Agatha Simanjuntak from class 7F, and I am here to deliver my speech entitled ___. 

         So far, I have been in this school for around 4 to 5 months. Honestly, I wasn’t pleased at all hearing that there had to be a test to get into this school. I said to my Mom: “Why can’t they just see the scores from our primary school?” Not that all of my scores were very good though. 

         But after hearing my Mom’s reply, I began to ponder that perhaps Budi Dharma is exactly the contrary of my opinion after all. Do you guys know what she said? Well…she explained to me that the test to evaluate a student’s knowledge, and problem-solving skills. This allows the school to understand the student’s strengths and areas that may need improvement. Thankfully, I got in this amazing school with decent scores.  

In our school, Budi Dharma, we are encouraged to study diligently, as we believe that hard work is the key to success. Discipline is a core value here, and the rules are to ensure fairness and create an environment where every student can thrive. We also have clubs and extracurricular activities for the talented and those who are interested. With that, students are able to focus on education and their talents more.

Furthermore, I am confident that Budi Dharma is an excellent school, as evidenced by the many achievements it has earned over the years. From 1950, this school has produced outstanding graduates who have excelled in the best schools. Budi Dharma has earned an ‘A’ accreditation, which reflects the high standards of education provided here. Today, we can say that our students are not only competitive but also excel in various competitions, including academic Olympiads in subjects such as Math, Science, Social Studies, and English. Additionally, our students perform exceptionally well in sports championships and arts events.

We are truly fortunate to be a part of this school. I’m not surprised if all of us become doctors, architects and all other sorts of successful jobs. This school not only gives us academic skills but also builds a great character, preparing us to achieve our dreams.

This is because of our headmaster and teachers. They teach us with joy and passion every day, shaping us into smart, confident people.

As I stand here today, I realize that everything we achieve at Budi Dharma is not just a result of our own efforts, but also the dedication of those who guide and support us every step of the way. We can make a positive impact on the world. Let us continue to, dream big, and never forget the lessons we’ve learned along the way. 

Remember our motto: Fides, Scientia, and Fraternitas, which means, faith, knowledge and union.

That’s all from me, thank you. 

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