Author: agatha

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Artificial Intelligence Analysis

Yesterday, I had this chat with my mother about AI, aka Artificial Intelligence. Now, if you first heard words that you’ve never or even hardly heard in your life, the first question that would normally pop in your head would be, “What is….?’ (with the ”…” being the word you seemed confused of).

Well then, let’s breakdown on What is AI?

AI, or Artificial Intelligence, refers to the ability of computer systems to perform tasks that naturally require human intelligence, such as learning, problem-solving, and judging things. Artificial means that it is built, planned, sequenced, and programmed by humans. Intelligence…yeah, well, we all must know what that means, but I’ll just type it down anyway. It means our smartness or cleverness.

With AI, you can do anything, like generate pictures, translate, and you can also ask AI to do your homework – which is definitely not something I’d do. Examples of Artificial Intelligence are ChatGPT, Perchance, Gemini, Blackbox Ai, Character Ai, Meta Ai, Llama, and so many more.

ChatGpt

File:ChatGPT-Logo.png - Wikimedia CommonsThis is the most streamed ai source on the internet. People use this site to help on researches, homework, even with their daily lives! Sometimes some people use ChatGPT as a “friend to talk to”. ChatGPT was created by OpenAI, an artificial intelligence research and deployment company. Open AI released ChatGPT as a free “research preview” in November 2022. The company was founded in 2015 by Sam Altman and Elon Musk.

According Professor Stella Christie, Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology of Indonesia, AI is a tool that can help humans, and that there is nothing to be afraid of that. She points out the importance of developing our “humanity” skills that cannot be copied by Artificial Intelligence.

What do you think she means about “humanity” skills? Well, I believe it relies on critical thinking, creativity, and the ability to make wise decisions. These are such things AI cannot take from us. Below are the consequences of overusing AI according to her:

  1. Loss of ability to asses quality

    2. According to Prof. Stella Christie, humans with their natural conscience and sensitivity certainly cannot be replaced by AI. Like Chat GPT, which is only able to provide general answers. “Relying completely on AI without coming up with new ideas will ultimately make us unable to judge which works are good and which are not,” said Prof. Stella Christie.

  2. Losing the ability to create original works

    3. Continuous use of AI can reduce the ability to think critically and creatively. As a result, AI unconsciously begins to replace the role of humans. For example, in coding, script writing or other jobs. Instead of helping with work, this smart machine can actually replace productivity and eliminate nature’s ability to produce its own work.

  3. Not Knowing the limitations of using AI

With easy access, prompts and fast task completion, AI is often the main choice to make work easier.

Now…what does AI actually do?

  • Mimicking Human Intelligence

AI aims to develop systems that can judge or perceive their environment, reason, learn from data, solve problems, and even exhibit creativity. 

  • Learning and Adaptation

AI systems learn from data, identify patterns, and improve their performance over time, often through machine learning techniques. 

  • Diverse Applications

AI is used in a wide array of fields, including natural language processing, computer vision, robotics, and data analytics. 

  • Subsets of AI

Machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing are key subsets of AI that enable specific functionalities like pattern recognition, complex data analysis, and language understanding. 

What do I think of Artificial Intelligence?

I think that for the future, AI can make both negative and positive impacts on the world. There will be no more factory workers, but I more like the “original” work.

Not only factory workers will be changed, but perhaps surgeons too. Even now, there are a few operations being done by robots instead of doctors. AI can now make their own songs and generate their own images. Digital artists and illustrators practically aren’t needed anymore.

I know one thing: One day, humans will become lazy and rely on Artificial Intelligence too much. And, perhaps in like a thousand years, AI will also turn to us. Humiliating right? Humans’ own creations are attacking us.

(AI : a tool that makes us lazy???)

Is AI Just a Tool for Lazy People? | by Mark A. Herschberg | Medium

Many people, even Prof Stella herself – who is the deputy minster of higher education – states that AI is definitely not suitable for students. Why?

Students – including me – are people whose brains are still developing/evolving. If they rely on AI too much, there brains, instead of becoming smarter, will become smaller. Weird huh?

Well, for me and mom, no. Because, just like the three consequences above, we won’t be able to learn or judge. 

And on that note, my writing about AI/Artificial Intelligence ends here. 

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Merry Riana Leadership Camp ~ Games

Game One: The Tallest Structure

We arrived at Hotel Radisson Medan late for camp. Well this isn’t like any summer camp you’ve heard of. This is Leadership Camp. This camp teaches you activities of Leadership!

I’ve never been to this camp before, so I’m pretty excited, yet a bit nervous. I’m also gonna have to leave my family and stay in a hotel and even get roommate! My parents look happy, but I know that they’re gonna miss me a lot and are pretty nervous too.

The hallway is empty, and I’m the only one who hasn’t come in and registered yet. I run through the hallway with my Mom and wrote my name on a name tag, that says Sparta.

Right, quick lecture here, in this camp I’ve been told that there are four houses, inspired by J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter:

  1. Sparta (my house): Known for bravery, strategy, and persistence. The logo is red with a Spartan knight helmet and four spears, two on each side.
  2. Ninja: Known for technique, speed, and control. The logo is blue with a Japanese Samurai with two star shurikens and two triangle shurikens (one star on the samurai’s left and another on it’s right, and the same for the triangle) with two kunai one on each side.
  3. Apache: Known for freedom, unity, and toughness. The logo is yellow with an Apache wearing their headdress with four tomahawks, two on each side.
  4. Musketeer: Known for talent, strength, and intelligence. The logo is green with a Musketeer and four muskets, two on each side. 

As I get in the conference room, I join my house with our house coach, Coach Rene. She leads me to my seat, as Mom sits in the back with the other parents. 

After the opening, they give us our robes. Ninjas are blue, Apaches are yellow, Musketeers are green, and ours are red. As they do, they MCs (called Coach Joche and Coach Mima) explain that we have to be active so we can get points (or what we call life dollars). Which house gets the most, will get the house medal at the end.

As soon as we’re done, it’s time to say goodbye to our parents. They play Sayonara (which means farewell in Japanese). I kiss and hug my Mom, Dad and sister goodbye. 

Afterwards, I join my friend who’s been here before after he had finished saying goodbye to his family. We help take out the chairs and sit on the carpet. 

Coach Mima says that whoever sits tidily first and say their chant, will get 5 life dollars.

We try doing that, but our chant is like a decade long, which goes like this:

(Sparta, Sparta!) We will fight, we will fight! (2x)

(Go Sparta, go Sparta, go!) Go Sparta, go Sparta, go! (2x)

(Bravery!) Sparta!

(Strategy!) Sparta!

(Persistence!) Sparta!

Go…Sparta!

(Sparta!) Go Sparta!

Super. Long.

Whilst Ninja’s just full of short Japanese words, we’re all full.

Of course, we didn’t get the extra points. The points are given to Ninja (obviously. Ninja’s coach is pretty competitive, but the Ninjas don’t seem pretty mean).

But my friend tells me to stay off them. He was in Ninja the last time he joined, and they won. Most of them were pretty mean. 

He explains that for years, Ninja has always won the medal.

“Don’t be surprised if they’ll get the medal anyway.” he says. 

But I take off my mind off it. The next thing we’re gonna do is make new friends. We all shake hands with our fellow house friends. I make friends with Fiona, Bunga, and Farrah. They’re very nice.

Next, Coach Joche tells us to stand up and make two circles, one circle for one house and one circle for another. We make two circles with Ninja, which makes a few of my friends not really pleased. 

Our circle is inside whilst Ninja’s is outside, so graphically, it looks like a donut, us Spartas have to be in front of a Ninja, to make the game work.

We have to do some moves while doing a chant which includes stepping left and right and turning around whilst holding our partners hands. When the chant ends, we move counter-clockwise to find another Ninja partner!

So, on the count of three, we randomly make a circle, not knowing which Ninja is behind each of us.

Afterwards, Coach Joche tells us to turn around, and we find our partners. My first partner, is a Ninja called Michelle. She’s the same grade as me and she’s very kind. 

Finally, after introducing ourselves, the chant starts, and I face forward to my circle as Michelle holds my hands from behind. The chant goes like this:

As we walk to the left (two steps to the left)

As we walk to the right (two steps to the right)

As we walk, as we walk, as we walk all night (step one step left and right according to the beat)

With the heels and the toes (Spartas show their heels and toes)

And a half turn around (Sparta turns around whilst Ninja turns them around with their hand – me and Michelle did it pretty wrong and we burst out laughing –)

With the heels and the toes

And a new friend found (Sparta moves counter-clockwise to the next Ninja).

Me and Michelle wave goodbye, and I wave hello to my next Ninja partner: Diva.

She loves snacks and learning history. She’s fifteen and in high school.

As soon as the chant starts again, we hold hands, and dance along, and as it ends, we hug each other goodbye and I see my next partner.

Her name is Florencia, whose nickname is Cia. She loves drawing, and she’s from Berastagi. I also say where I’m from, and we both laugh about how far we’ve come to join this camp. 

After the chant I turn and meet other fellow Ninja partner: Wyatt.

He was also in Ninja the last time he joined and knows my friend who joined last time too. It’s fun talking to him, until the chant starts. 

He’s a tad taller than me, and when we hold hands, it feels very stiff. And when he turns me around, our hands accidently get tangled. We laugh awkwardly at our mistake, and I don’t make eye contact with him until I meet my next partner.

My friend looks at me and ships us, but I literally tell him to stop.

After going through every Ninja, were all set for the first game: the Tallest Structure.

Here, we have to build a tall tower, just by straws. The house that builds the tallest tower which holds the longest for one whole minute will get more than 50 points!

We start trying to build a strong base, but it kept falling down. We quickly start speeding things up, because this challenge is only for thirty minutes, and honestly, it only feels like five minutes, but if we turn to the big timer projected on the board, WE ONLY HAVE TEN MINUTES LEFT!

“We have to build a stronger base!” our House Captain, Marcello says, so us girls take our straws and start building even more cubes. 

Not long afterwards, we’re all done, and we’re like the second tallest, where Musketeer’s the tallest, and ours is second, whilst Apache’s is third. 

Ninja’s tower, however, had collapsed to the ground no longer than a minute they had finished building it.

“That’s a good sign, right?” Fiona asks, but my friend shakes his head. 

“They don’t give up so easily.” he says. 

But what seems to be our victory, has ended too quickly.

Coach Mima had allowed two of our houses to fix their towers to the front, so Marcello and Bunga went forward to fix ours, but somehow (I’m sure suddenly, for Marcello and Bunga had just walked to the front), our tower collapses leading us to third place.

Coach Joche and Coach Rene soothes us down, but we did get more points than Ninja otherwise.After we’re done, we reflect the lesson that we learned in that activity, a leader needs a strong foundation to be able to lead. Afterwards, coach tells us about our next game…I wonder what it’s gonna be? 

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DRAMA: The TRAGEDY OF ROMEO AND JULIET

In my school, we always have different programs to do, including Reading Program on Wednesdays, Batak Program and English Program on Thursdays. 

For the English Program on, we have English Day, and with on that day, the class who leads the English Day will make either something to get the audiences attention. Most of the classes ask questions with prizes at the end. But a very few of the classes make dramas, and they are very looked up upon many of the teachers and students.

My class (7F) performed last week, and it was very, very, very hard work.

We had a few ideas for the English Day, and of course we did not just wanna ask questions with gifts (boring). We wanted to make a Drama.

At first we wanted to make either Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, or even Snow White, but all of them are all about princess-y stuff and happy endings where the prince gets the princess. Of course people would love it, but it would be very boring in fact.

So, we tried the 12 Dancing Princesses. 

Everyone would have a part and a dance partner, but no one wanted to be one of the main characters! 

And another fact that I was in charge of all of this, with another one of friend, I had to see some stories that we should try.

I took out my short-story-book collection, and found the twelve dancing princesses. I loved the story, but it just didn’t feel right.

How are we gonna put 12 princess-y beds on the school yard???

So I searched again for a story that don’t really include many main characters, and the one that most of them know. 

The Railway Children? No.

The Secret Garden? No.

The Little Princess? No.

It was so tiring searching for a story that everyone loves, but finally…I found it: Romeo and Juliet.

It’s perfect! I sent a pic of the book to our head of class, and she loved it! The characters were perfect, the storyline was wonderful.

There was only one more thing to be done: Ask everyone else in class. I had to be quick because it was Thursday (7 more days until the D – Day).

I quickly took a pic on both of the books (Romeo and Juliet and The Twelve Dancing Princesses) and sent a polling in my class group before my Mom could kill me and confiscate my phone.

After that, I quickly went to bed. 

The next morning was Friday, and I quickly took a sneak peek on my phone, to found that Romeo and Juliet had thirty votes!!!

And The Twelve Dancing Princesses only had two! It was perfect. I brought the short book to school with me and immediately we picked the main characters. 

At first, I was so happy that many people chose the story…but I was devastated that no one wanted to be Romeo or Juliet???!!!

Our teacher was getting angry, so I picked them out randomly.

Romeo: Hokky 

Juliet: Nessa

But that just made things worse. Hokky didn’t want to, and Nessa did not want to play dead.

Suddenly, my friend, Sym, had an idea. 

I am pretty good in English, so I was going to be the narrator. And I’ve also got this other friend (who is a boy), called Lian, who is also good at English and he was also going to be the narrator.

She explained to me that if I become Juliet, and if Lian becomes Romeo, it’d be better than others, because we’re friends and we’re good at English. 

I said no, but when Sym asked the class they all agreed. My other friend asked Lian, who actually agreed, as long as if they wouldn’t ship us.

I couldn’t say no again, as it’s the class choice and not only mine. I’m trying my best not to be selfish.

So that was it. The casting went like this:

Romeo    : Lian

Juliet      : Me

Narrator : Sym and Nessa

Mercutio : Dion (a friend of mine)

Benvolio : Nathanael (another friend)

And many others, but these were the main characters.

On Monday, we took our chance to practice, but everyone was playing around! We were supposed to dance to Taylor Swift’s Love Story as a class, but our English teacher got mad as most of us were playing around. She scolded at us and told us that we should just sing and not dance.

Sym was not at all ambitious, so she just nodded, but she was also disappointed. Nessa swore at her, but she was too scared to tell our teacher what was right.

I couldn’t take it anymore. As everyone else took their seats, I spoke a word to my teacher. 

I explained to her that this was because that we’re using all of our classmates. I had an idea that if we choose only twelve people to dance, then it would be better and I promised that I would pick the ones that can easily be handled.

Our English Teacher thought for minute about being mad at me, but I was known for my good ideas, and, no offense but, she knows that truly and purely, my English is better. This made her pretty scared of me.

We’ve had a few events like this and I was in charge. My ideas were followed and, not only that the event went good, but everyone loved it. 

Sym and Nessa looked at our teacher, praying that she would say yes.

And thankfully she did. 

I picked out twelve, sensible people (including me and Romeo) and we got to practise almost immediately. 

With that, I told Sym to practise the drama with the others. She urged Lian and I to also practise, but we could memorize our lines in a flick of a switch, and we really had to practise this dance at once. We only had three more days! 

I made the moves and tried to make it as romantic but friendly as possible. There was part where he had to touch my hip and I had to hold his shoulder, and that made things awkward, so I quickly had to change the moves. 

I changed it into holding hands, which made it much better.

At the part where Taylor sings: He knelt to the ground and pulled out a ring and said, all of them had to make circle while Lian kneels down and gives me a flower.

At that part, I was sure that the whole school would go crazy, trust me.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, we practised for the WHOLE ENTIRE DAY, when, suddenly however, Thursday came.

I woke up early that day to do my hair and put some foundation. I decided to put on my dress at school, just in case if they cancel it: it was raining that morning.

When my Mom wasn’t looking, I took my phone and saw a notification from my friend that it isn’t raining anymore, but it’s very wet.

I didn’t know what to do. We put in so much effort, but I know that a little bit of rain can stop us.

I go to school, change my clothes, just as my teacher called me. 

I was already in my dress when he told me that, perhaps they will cancel the English Day for that day because the yard was freaking wet. 

My heart sank. I just stood there silently, not saying anything. I didn’t know what to say.

I walked back to class with my friend sadly, when suddenly…

All of the seventh graders had their carpets in their hands to sit on when it was wet.

They all smiled when they passed our class, as if supporting us.

That’s when a teacher announced for everyone to go to the yard to watch our drama. We took our line in front to get ready, and the show started.

Everyone loved our drama. The comedy, the sadness, and also the part where Romeo Montague dies, Lian put on a funny pose before dying straight on his nose. And when Juliet Capulet had to kill herself with a “happy dagger”, everyone loved it and clapped.

The questions were easy as well. All of them got it right.

There was just one thing waiting for us…the dance.

As it began, people were already shipping and going crazy. 

The dance went well. Of course everyone has a crush on a specific someone. 

There’s this girl in eighth grade, who’s in love with Lian, and another from seventh who’s in love with another dance friend of mine, and another from ninth grade in love with another friend, and another from eight, ninth, and seventh…well…many of them in fact.

When Lian knelt down and gave me the flower, everyone screamed and shipped us, even our Headmaster loved it. 

I saw the look on the eighth grader who has a crush on Lian, and she was so flabbergasted. I felt bad, but it’s okay. As long as if that drama went well, I felt well too.

After that, we had dispensation for 40 minutes, and with that, we had the urge to take a class photo together.

I loved the photos and videos that my friend took. And, when my Mom wasn’t looking, I quickly saved them on my phone for memories. 

Things went fine, and it turned out pretty good. Our Headmaster looks up on us now, and he every time one of us greets him, he’d always greet back, happily.

Now here’s the script for our drama which I made by hand, all myself: 

♡ the Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet ♡

╭┈┈┈┈┈┈•୨SCENE One୧•┈┈┈┈┈┈╮

Narrator 1: It was a warm summer’s afternoon in the pretty town of Verona. It was just after a fight between their richest families, the Montagues and Capulets.  The Prince had threatened anyone who fights will be put to death.

(Old Montague and Benvolio come into the scene)

Narrator 2: Old Montague, the head of the Montague family, hurried into the market square, searching for his son Romeo. But he only found Benvolio, Romeo’s cousin.

Old Montague: Benvolio! Where is Romeo?

Benvolio: Don’t worry uncle. Romeo was not fighting. He is too polite.

Narrator 1: Indeed he was. Romeo was a very kind and polite young man. Everyone adored him, apart from the Capulets. Soon after, Romeo himself wandered by with Benvolio, when there other friend Mercutio came.

Mercutio: Guys! Have you heard? Old Capulet is holding a masked ball tonight.

Benvolio: Did you hear that Romeo? A party at the Capulet’s house. Let’s go!

Romeo: If we wear disguises, no one will guess who we are.

Mercutio: That’s a brilliant idea!

Narrator 2: Excitedly, the three young men went to the ball.

╭┈┈┈┈┈┈•୨SCENE Two୧•┈┈┈┈┈┈╮

Narrator 1: At the Capulet’s mansion the place was buzzing with excitement. In Juliet Capulet’s room, her nurse was helping her dress, when Juliet’s mother came in.

Juliet’s Mother: Now Juliet, a man named Count Paris is coming tonight. I hope you like him. Your father and I want you to marry him.

Juliet’s Nurse: Oh Juliet! You’re going to be married how exciting! [While helping Juliet with her dress]

Narrator 2: But Juliet kept quiet. She was still very young, and she wasn’t ready to get married. What if she didn’t like Count Paris?

Narrator 1: But there was no time to argue. The party was about to start. Straightening her dress, Juliet went to the banqueting hall.

[Music starts; Juliet’s nurse leaves and Juliet gets into the scene with 6 more people chatting around. Old Capulet and Juliet’s mother is sitting on two chairs]

[Juliet meets Count Paris] = 

(di sini, tidak ada percakapan, narrator saja yang membawa)

Narrator 2: As soon as Juliet met Count Paris, she knew that he was not meant for her. He looked pretty fine, but stubborn.

A little later, Romeo, Benvolio and Mercutio arrive.

[Romeo, Benvolio and Mercutio come in the scene]

Narrator 1: Benvolio and Mercutio wanted to dance, but Romeo stood still. He had spotted a beautiful girl in beautiful dress and he couldn’t take his eyes off her. 

Romeo: Who is that girl? She looks lovely.

[Benvolio and Mercutio also look at Juliet who is still talking to Count Paris]=

(Di sini, Romeo, Benvolio dan Mercutio jalan-jalan mengelilingi lapangan, berbicara-bicara saat Juliet masih ngomong sama Count Paris)   

Narrator 2: Juliet’s cousin, Tybalt recognized the three men and went straight to Old Capulet.

[Tybalt goes to Old Capulet who is sitting on his chair with Juliet’s mother]

Tybalt: Uncle, there are Montagues here! We have to kick them out!

Old Capulet: No! Stop! We don’t want to start a fight.

[Suddenly Juliet stops talking to Count Paris, who leaves] = 

(Juliet berhenti ngomong sama Count Paris, dan Count Paris pergi meningglkan lapangan. Romeo, Benvolio dan Mercutio berjalan ke arah Juliet, dan Juliet juga berjalan ke arah mereka)

[Juliet bumps into Romeo]=

(Juliet menabrak si Romeo dengan tidak sengaja, dan Romeo yang lagi memegang sesuatu [ntahlah itu apa, nantilah dipikirin] menjatuhkannya dengan tidak sengaja)

Juliet: I am so sorry.

Romeo: No, no, it’s my fault.

[Juliet helps Romeo to pick up his stuff, while Benvolio and Mercutio leave the scene]

Narrator 1: Romeo and Juliet helped each other. Shyly, after they had finished, he put his stuff down.

Romeo: I don’t know who you are, but I’ve fallen in love with you. 

(Romeo takes Juliet’s hand)

Narrator 1: Juliet had left the hall to escape from Count Paris. She didn’t like him at all. But as Romeo touched her hand, she felt her heart fluttering.

Juliet: Who are you?

(Juliet’s nurse comes into the scene)

Juliet’s Nurse: He is Romeo Montague! And your father would have a fit if he saw you with a Montague.

(She pulls Juliet away)

Romeo: You’re Juliet Capulet?! 

╭┈┈┈┈┈┈•୨SCENE Three୧•┈┈┈┈┈┈╮

[Right after the party was over, Juliet goes to her bed]

Narrator 2: As the moon rose, after the party, Juliet sat on her bed.

Juliet: Oh Romeo…It’s you who I love. If only you weren’t a Montague!

(Romeo comes in)

Romeo: Juliet! It’s me! I’m here in the garden. And…I love you. 

Juliet: You do?

Romeo: With all my heart. I’d marry you if I could.

Juliet: But my parents are gonna make me marry Count Paris!

Our only hope is to get married in secret.

Romeo: Then we will. 

Juliet: I’ll ask my nurse to help me. Send me a message tomorrow.

Narrator 2: And so, Romeo went, and the next morning, Romeo went to visit Friar Laurence, who made medicines and helped people with problems.

Friar: What can I do for you Romeo?

Romeo: I’m in love with Juliet Capulet…I know our parents won’t like it, but we really want to get married. 

Friar: Then I will help you. When your parents find out your married, it might stop the fighting. Come to my house this afternoon, I’ll marry you in secret.

Narrator 1: Romeo was delighted. He ran to the village to deliver the message.

(Romeo leaves, and picks up Juliet. They both go the Friar’s house)

Narrator 1: As the clock struck two, they arrived at the Friar’s house, who performed the wedding at once.

Friar: Romeo, do you take Juliet as your wife?

Romeo: I do

Friar: Juliet, do you do the same?

Juliet: I do.

Friar: Then I pronounce you husband and wife!

(Juliet and Romeo hug each other)

Narrator 2: Romeo and Juliet were married, but Juliet’s parents were expecting her back so she had to go straight home.

(Juliet leaves the scene)

Narrator 2: Meanwhile, Romeo went off to search for Benvolio and Mercutio. However, they were arguing with Tybalt Capulet.

(Benvolio, Mercutio and Tybalt come into the scene arguing)

Romeo: What’s the problem?

Tybalt: You Montagues are the problem. You sneaked to our party and I’m gonna make you pay. I challenge you to a duel!

(Puts sword in front of Romeo)

Romeo: I refuse. The Prince said no fighting.

Tybalt: Coward!

Mercutio: Don’t speak to my friend like that! 

(Puts sword in front of Tybalt)

Tybalt: Oh so you wanna fight?

(Tybalt and Mercutio start fighting).

Benvolio: STOP! 

(Benvolio and Romeo try to pull them apart)

Narrator 1: Benvolio and Romeo try to pull them apart, but they were too late.

(Tybalt stabs Mercutio, and he screams and drops dead to the ground)

Benvolio and Romeo: Mercutio! No! 

Romeo: You did this!

(Romeo takes his sword and stabs Tybalt)

Narrator 1: Romeo kills Tybalt too.

Benvolio: Romeo… what have you done? Quick go before the Prince comes!

(Romeo drops the sword and leaves the scene) 

(Prince Escalus comes) = 

(Di sini juga tidak ada percakapan, narrator yang membawa)

Narrator 2: When the Prince arrived, Benvolio told him about the fight. The prince was angry but he could see that Tybalt was mostly to blame.

Prince Escalus: Romeo shall not die, I shall banish him instead!

[Prince Escalus, Benvolio, Mercutio and Tybalt leave the scene]

╭┈┈┈┈┈┈•୨SCENE Four୧•┈┈┈┈┈┈╮

Narrator 1: Being banished meant Romeo would have to leave Verona and never come back. It was better than being put to death, but not so much. Gossip spread fast around Verona.

Narrator 2: Juliet was heartbroken.

Juliet: Tybalt is dead…and I’ll never see my Romeo again!

Juliet’s Nurse: Don’t cry. I’ll bring Romeo to see you before he leaves. He’s hiding at the Friar’s house.

Narrator 2: The nurse went straight to the Friar’s house. Romeo was there as well.

(Romeo and Friar Laurence come into the scene)

Friar: Romeo you should be thankful. The Prince has spared your life! 

Romeo: But I’m banished! And I wanna be with Juliet!

Juliet’s Nurse: Go and see her tonight, but make sure you leave Verona by dawn. 

Friar: After that I’ll talk to the Prince about forgiving you.

Juliet’s Nurse: And I’ll tell Juliet, you’re on your way. 

(Juliet’s Nurse, Friar Leave the scene and Romeo goes to Juliet)

Narrator 2: That night, Romeo went to the Capulet’s garden to see Juliet. But before dawn, Romeo had to leave.

Juliet: It’s not time yet.

Narrator 2: Romeo sighed.

Romeo: I promise I will come back.

Narrator 1: He sped from the garden and leaves and set for Mantua.

(Romeo leaves the scene)

Narrator 2: All that morning, Juliet cried and cried. Her nurse tried to comfort her but she couldn’t stop.

Juliet’s mother: Poor Juliet. You are still upset about Tybalt, but I know what will cheer you up: You are gonna marry Count Paris on Monday!

Juliet (horrified): Monday? I don’t wanna marry him. Please don’t make me. I won’t marry him, no, no, no!

Old Capulet: What do you mean no? You’ll marry him on Monday and that’s that! 

(Old Capulet and Juliet’s mother leaves the scene)

Juliet: But I’m already married. What am I gonna do? 

Juliet’s nurse: Well you cannot tell them about Romeo!

(Juliet’s nurse left the scene)

Narrator 1: The Nurse bustled away and Juliet realized only one person who could help her. 

Juliet and Narrator 1: Friar Laurence.

Narrator 2: He was planting herbs when Juliet arrived. 

Juliet: Oh Friar, please help me. My father says I have to marry Count Paris on Monday! You have to help.

Friar: Well, I think there is one thing that’ll work.

= (setelah ini tidak ada percakapan, mereka hanya masuk ke rumahnya Friar dan Narrator sambal membawakan)

Narrator 1: The friar gave Juliet a magical herbal potion. When she drinks it, she will go into a coma. Her body will be cold and it will look like as if she’s dead.

Narrator 2: But in reality, she will just be in a deep sleep which will last for two days.

Friar: Drink it tonight. In the morning, your parents will think you’re dead. They’ll put your body in a tomb while they arrange for the funeral. I’ll send a message to Mantua to tell Romeo. You will wake up, Romeo will come to rescue you and you can run away together!

Juliet (bravely): I’ll do it.

Narrator 1: She held the bottle tightly.

Juliet: Thank you Friar.

(Friar leaves the scene and Old Capulet and Juliet’s Mother comes in sitting on their chairs)

Narrator 1: She quickly went home. Back in the Capulet Mansion, Juliet talked to her parents.

Juliet: I’m sorry I was rude to you. Of course I’ll marry Count Paris on Monday.

(Old Capulet and Juliet’s mother leaves the scene and Juliet gets on the bed)

Narrator 2: That night, Juliet sat on her bed. Carefully she uncorked the bottle and drank every last drop of the potion. A few moments later she fell into a deep sleep.

╭┈┈┈┈┈┈•୨SCENE Five୧•┈┈┈┈┈┈╮

Narrator 1: It was just as the friar had promised. The next morning, Juliet’s Nurse had found Juliet lying on the bed and screamed.

Juliet’s Nurse: She’s dead! She’s dead!

(She and Juliet’s Mother hug her as Benvolio and Old Capulet come into the scene)

Old Capulet: There shall be no wedding for my daughter. Instead we must prepare a funeral.

(Old Capulet, Benvolio, Juliet’s Nurse and Mother sit around her bed).

Narrator 1: Friar Laurence had already wrote a letter to Romeo, but sadly it was too late.

(Friar tidak usah masuk.)

(Romeo comes into the scene and immediately drops to his knees)

Romeo: No, no…my Juliet! I’ll go to the tomb and drink poison so that I can die with her.

(Romeo goes back to Verona, but meets Count Paris in front of Juliet)

(Old Capulet, Benvolio, Juliet’s Nurse and Juliet’s Mother leave the scene, while Count Paris stands in front of Juliet)

Narrator 2: He crept to the Capulet’s house and found Count Paris.

Count Paris: Romeo! Juliet is dead because of you! She died of grief!

Romeo: That is not true! I loved her more than you did! 

Count Paris: You’re trespassing!

 (Romeo and Count Paris fight and stabs Count Paris)

Narrator 1: Romeo kills Count Paris, who drops dead to the ground. Romeo quickly finds Juliet, as cold as the stone beneath her. Romeo takes her hand.

Narrator 2: In the tomb, Romeo took out his bottle of poison and drank it all. He lies beside Juliet and dies.

(he drinks the poison, and lays beside Juliet.)

Narrator 1: Not long after, Juliet wakes up.

Juliet: Where am I? Romeo?

Narrator 2: She noticed the poison bottle and shook his shoulders, but he didn’t stir. 

Juliet: Oh Romeo…I can’t live without you.

Narrator 1: Before anyone could come in and stop her, she grabbed Romeo’s dagger and plunged it into her heart and collapsed.

(Juliet plunges the sword in her chest and dies. Yang lain datang dan mengangkat Juliet dan Romeo keluar lapangan, sambal narrator membuat endingnya)

Narrator 2: It was too late, Romeo and Juliet were dead. Old Capulet and Old Montague agreed to bury Juliet and Romeo side by side, and they promised that their families would never fight again.

Narrator 1: For never was story of more woe, than this of Juliet and her Romeo.

╭┈┈┈✿•୨The End୧•✿┈┈┈╮

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Day 2 at Yogyakarta 

—

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/

—

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

—

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.

—

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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The Unseen Treasuries of the Library

—–

This is the text of Agatha’s speech, written as part of the English speech competition at junior high school level in Balige. Agatha got second champions.

—–

When I was a kid, in 2016, perhaps around 3 or 4, I would go to the library every day, to borrow or read books. Do you believe it? Well, that was a time when I was in England a more advanced country. An old lady, the librarian, seeing how excited and happy I was with reading a baby book, “Later when you are in primary school, read this book”, she said. The kind lady recommended me to read books by Enid Blyton, full of adventure. Can any of you guess how many books I have read written by her? Until this day, I have finished 7, yes 7, series written by Enid Blyton. 

Good morning, everyone and fellow judges. My name is Agatha Simanjuntak from Budhi Dharma Junior High School. I’m in grade 7 and I would like to deliver my speech about the Unseen Treasuries of the Library.

Momentarily, teens my age – well, not just my age but also young children – these days spend their time on their phones and electronics. I mean…you know Gen Z. They go on Instagram commenting weird stuff, such as “You’re Killin’ it” or “Breath-taking”. Sir [points to judge] if I made that to your post, you would block me for sure!

It thrills me to read books, and I get books nearly all the time! Lately, I’ve been reading Harry Potter series, Percy Jackson series, the Princess Diaries, and Little Women. They help me improve my grammar and vocabulary skills. Better grammar and vocab leads to the best literacy.

Do any of you know Indonesia’s position in literacy? Well…Indonesia is ranked 70 out of 80 countries according to PISA 2022!!! Literacy refers to the ability to read, write, speak, and listen. Library helps it all. The treasure in the library is literacy, a magic door to endless possibilities. They can turn your frown upside down just by a single book. Within the quiet aisles and towering shelves, books serve as gateways to knowledge, imagination, and critical thinking.

Now…I know that it may seem hard at first, so…I recommend going to the library! Perhaps in your school, near your house, or even on your phone as long as it doesn’t make you play games all the time. Although, as people living in Toba regency, we should try to visit the Perpustakaan PemKab Toba, our local library in Soposurung. I’ve been there, and in my opinion, we’re very lucky to have one near our homes, because books nowadays are pretty expensive, in library you can read and borrow them for free.

You see, the first thing you have to do is find your passion, and start! However, knowing people, it’s pretty unlikely for them to go straight to the 10cm width book! Start off with the thin books, the baby books would be fine, trust me.

Of course, you will be pretty happy for the first few days, but what if you get bored after? What should you do? Well, according to a young girl in grade 7 (which is me 🙂 ) try some other books! If you don’t want to try new passions, that’s alright, because there’s more books about them than you know…but if you do, your adventure will become more exciting. 

Next, you take thicker and thicker books, until eventually you will have ended your adventurous journey to the Novel! It doesn’t matter what sort of passion you pick, which could be sci-fi, fantasy, non-fiction, history…because each library has all! Annnnd, there will be no distraction. Why? Because every library has that one significant rule: NO. LOUD. NOISES.

No loud noises, lead to no distraction, leads to focus, which in due time, makes an exciting adventure in your head.

Let’s dig the treasure from the library. The library in Soposurung can really help us a lot! 

That’s what a library really is. It isn’t just a building filled with boring books, some individuals think aren’t important. It’s actually a treasure chest filled with gems waiting to be found by each of us, where the gems are the precious books!

That’s all for today ~ Thank you 🙂 [text made fully by Agatha Simanjuntak]      

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Day 1 at Yogyakarta

[24th June 2024]

Mum and I are at the airport getting our luggage to the air cargo.

We’ve been waiting so terribly long and even switched lines to do so.

I keep saying it’s a matter of time to get to the waiting lounge, but Mum says ‘This is a lesson for you as well. You’ve got to learn how to be patient.’

Ugh Uggghhhh.

I hate it every time my parents give me a boring lecture (I sometimes forget them anyways).

Have I mentioned where we’re going? 

So, a week ago, after I’ve finished my Middle-School exams (I passed, thankfully), Mum decided to take me on a trip to Yogyakarta (or we more like to call it Jogja). 

She said to me:

‘If you focus on your exams, then I will take you with me to Jogja.’

Don’t fuss, Mum’s only going there for work.

But as I haven’t gone to Jogja yet, and I’ve been nagging them to take me on a plane for years (it’s been more than four years since been on one), I’m pretty sure Mum would’ve understood, and…

Here I am now. Waiting stupidly for our luggage to get on the cargo. 

‘Four more people left,’ … ‘three more to go Aggie (-Mum gestures me by my nickname-),’ … ‘Two more.’

Finally the last person in front of us goes and leaves us to get on. 

‘Tickets and ID card please.’

After five minutes, we get checked and go to the waiting lounge. We take a few toilet breaks before sitting down peacefully, watching Pokémon – Detective Pikachu, just as they defeat Mew-two.  It was just by the adverts, our plane gets called in.

My heart gives a jolt. This is it! I wonder. I’m finally going on a plane again!

Along with a few other passengers, we walk to our plane, skipping whilst kissing Toba goodbye.

Mom videos me as I skip happily along to the stairs of the plane. The stewardess greets us and checks us into our seats. 

I sit next to the window, and put down my desk.

I also got out my Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows book to read.

It was only when we were all told to fasten our seatbelts, put straight our seats, and put up our desks for safety.

I wanted to laugh when seeing the steward/stewardess telling us about the life-jackets and seatbelts.

But when it was time to fly, I got pretty scared (I’m claustrophobic and I feel funny when I go up heights), although I soon find out that it isn’t that bad after all.

For the next two hours, I read Harry Potter, whilst Mum naps, and we finally arrive at Soekarno-Hatta Airport Jakarta. 

I can’t believe it! We’ve finally landed!

I still can’t believe that we’re off a plane after so long. It felt like 20 minutes while in reality it was 2 hours.

Soekarno-Hatta Airport is one of the biggest airports I’ve been in (partly because it’s the biggest in Indonesia), and there is also a train, called the SkyTrain, which takes you to different terminals. 

Mind you, I’ve never been in one…SO ME AND MUM ARE GONNA GO THERE!!!!

We’re gonna go from T1 (Terminal One) to T2 (Terminal Two). 

Mum and I take a few photos in front of the airport, and on the escalator, which is incredibly tall.

As we reach the second floor, we were to wait for train at the second door. 

We needn’t wait for too long, for the train arrived only five minutes into the station.

We get in, and I finally know why it’s called a SkyTrain.

We can see the whole airport from here, and, mind you, it’s incredibly big.

Mum and I came off excitedly, and that’s when something felt very familiar.

I feel as if I’m getting déjà vu! 

‘We’ve been here before Mum!’ I say, but Mum denies it.

‘This the time when we came back from England, and we stayed in the hotel that is…I think…is below us.’

Mum just laughs. ‘I don’t think so, Aggie. I’m sure we’re going through a different terminal…’

But I don’t think that I’m wrong.

I feel as if it’s the right place…

‘Mum look!’

I point at the staircase that’s right next to us three minutes.

But it’s the exact same staircase from our hotel when we arrived in Indonesia!!!!!

I KNEW I WAS RIGHT!

AND YOU UNDERESTIMATED ME MOOOOM!!!

Me and Mum are so surprised. 

I always wanted to know how déjà vu feels like, and I just felt it!

We go to this noodle shop called Bakso Afung and we eat Noodle Meatballs, and drink some orange juice.

Mum does some work whilst eating, while I play some Doodle games.

On three o’clock, we pay and go out to our gate. 

We get checked first though. We have to take off everything (except our clothes) and then go through a few shops to get to our gate.

So, on the way, we bought some books for me to read!

We bought Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, and some Tricky Quizzes.

We finally go through the bridge which connects the gate and the main airport.

Our gate is D7.

We pass D3, D5, and – ah – D7.

We get there around four o’clock, and our plane to Jogja is on five o’clock.

The lounge is completely packed. People are going to Manado, Flores, Makassar, and even back to Medan!

I’m pretty sure that our plane’ll be first…

A few minutes later, the flight-attendants going to Flores go through the gate. But I’m so busy reading Little Women that I didn’t think much of it.

Five o’clock:

Our train is delayed for an hour, so I don’t think we’ll get moving until sunset (the sun sets more quickly here).

Makassar’s plane had just went off, and now we’re sitting next to a few people going to Manado.

Mum seems quite observed in the conversation, but I don’t pay attention at all.

I’m bored.

I ask Mum to get some cookies because I’m starving, so Mum lets me get Selai Olai.

Six o’clock:

The lounge is pretty empty now. The people going to Manado are gone, and now it’s just our flight that’s left on the list. Mum had already checked more than two times to see if our plane had gone or not.

But finally, we hear a women’s voice:

Attention passengers to Yogyakarta. There has been a problem with the plane, and we are planning on switching planes. We are sorry for any inconvenience, but on 6.30pm we will hand out snacks in return of patience.

The room fills with groans and exclaims. 

I can’t believe my ears.

We’re gonna stay here till night time???

Mum’s pretty exasperated, but she says it’s for the best. 

She suggests going out to get pizza and tea and watch scroll Netflix whilst waiting for our flight.

I get Beef and Cheese whilst Mum gets Chicken and Cheese.

We take them back to the lounge and I get out Mum’s iPad to watch PETER RABBIT 2.

It’s the sequel of the first movie where Bea and McGregor get married and Bea starts making books of the rabbit and Peter find his new “Dad-like” friend.

Halfway through, after we finish our pizzas, Mum went to receptionist to get snacks.

And when Mum gets back – oh, you won’t believe what they had given us.

They give us chocolate chip cookie, or Good Time, and some energy biscuits, or Biskuat (Kuat = strong) 

So…they’re telling us to have a good time whilst waiting and to be strong whilst waiting too?!

We all laugh at this clever idea. No – really. They finally put a smile on our face after making us wait for so long.

We did not have a decent time, but we were definitely strong.

And FINALLY, on 7 o’clock, our plane is ready.

Cheering in our hearts, we race through the doors, get on the shuttle bus as quick as possible, and we reach our plane after waiting for Two. Tiring. Hours.

I feel pleased as we get in. 

Our seats have mini TVs so I could play games whilst on the way.

Our plane from Silangit wasn’t like this!

***

I’m playing Mangala on the mini TV whilst Mum sees how good I am.

We’re feet away from the ground now, and we’re nearly there.

It takes only 30 minutes to get there from Jakarta (that’s why Mum complained a bit before that we should’ve went on train).

We land with a bump and we get out quickly.

In the cold night, all of rush into the airport and, my God did we see a ton of stuff as we get in. 

First, we run into the Concept of Sindutan Relief by Fajar Andrian (a tribute to the village of Sindutan, where this airport, Yogyakarta International Airport – YIA – was built).

We take a lot of pics there.

Next, we see Palihan (which means guidance) by Duvrat Angelo.

We eventually bump into the Concept of Among Tani Dagang Layar Pop-Up Works (a landscape Pop-Up works of the villagers going to the traditional market on market day).

And finally, we take pictures at the WELCOME TO YOGYAKARTA sign. 

I post it on my story, whilst we search for the station.

You see, since YIA is in a village, it’s far from the city, so it takes pretty long to get there. 

But when we’re about to get on the lift, we’re interrupted by this old, taxi driver.

He stops us, saying that there’s no more tickets left, which made my Mum panic.

I didn’t really though. Where’s proof, man?

He tells us to check upstairs at the station, which we do. 

As I hear the kind cashier say ‘Sorry miss, but we have no more tickets left.’

My heart sinks and skips a beat. 

No. More. Tickets.

How are we gonna get to our hotel nowwww????

But whilst I’m busy in daze, Mum and the old man have a talk, and five minutes later, she tells me that we’re going to town with him.

My face turns into a mixture of relief and confusion.

‘Is it safe?’ I whisper.

Mum hesitates, but she had no time to answer.

The driver’s car pulls over, and he helps put in our luggage.

As soon as we get in, Mum and him chat, but I couldn’t think anymore, so I just sleep.

Mum wakes me up, and I see our hotel. Grand Keisha Hotel.

I sigh in relief, whilst tired.

I stagger out of the car and get my bags. We say thank you to the driver. He compliments my hair, and that’s what makes me completely awake.

We check in, get our key, and go up to the eighth floor to our room.

Mum’s roommate was already there, and she doesn’t turn out to be asleep yet (I mean it’s literally already 11 o’clock). 

I was half expecting her to be pissed off that I’m staying with them, but she seems pretty cool about it.

I change my clothes and call Dad and my sister. They’ve been waiting for us, so they haven’t slept yet. Sweet of them.

We bade them good night, and we go to sleep too.

‘Good Night Aggie.’ Mum kisses me. And I hug her back.

Today was tiring, happy but AMAZING in conclusion.

What does Day Two bring us???

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The few last moments at school

Four weeks ago, I did my final exams for Primary school before going to Junior High School.

Before that week, it felt as if we were joining military school because we were given strict rules and had to be separated into different rooms to do our exams.

We saw Mr J (our sports teacher) and Mr L (our computer teacher) sticking up the list of names of Grade Six on the five room where the exams will be taken. I didn’t notice them until my friend, Johanna, pulled me to see who was in Room One until Room Four (Room Five hasn’t been filled in yet).

Room One until Room Three were filled with the students in Class A and Class B. I’m in Class C, so it should be unfortunate that I’m in there. Moving on to Room Four: Still, my name wasn’t there, but my friends, Evelyn and Johanna were. I felt a pang of jealousy, because Room Four was just beautiful and Room Five, which should be the room I’m in, was as dark as hell. But I knew that I’m in that room for an exam, so I didn’t think of that much. Room Five had seventeen students from my class and one from Class A.

I studied on the weekend to get ready for my exams. It gave a lot of pressure because there were eleven subjects we had to go through: Religion, Bahasa Indonesia (Monday); Civics, Science (Tuesday); Computer, Arts (Wednesday); Social Studies, Physical Education (Thursday); English, Local Language (Friday) and finally, Math (Saturday).

Oh, and that’s not it. Next month, we’re having another test to get into our Middle School later on 🙁

It was pretty surprising (rather than tiring) though, because the questions that came out were mostly from our second semester in grade six. That was pretty lucky 🙂 And also, our Head Teacher chose me to be head of our room! I was pretty flabbergasted by that.

And finally, after a week of studying and doing exams, I can finally relax. It was tiring, but I eventually finished my exams at the end of the week.

In conclusion, the exams didn’t go as bad as I thought it would. The easiest one would be English, because (not to brag) I’m a pro at English 🙂 The hardest one would be Social Studies. Why? There’s litteraly soooo much to memorize about it! History, Geography, Economy, Social Interaction, and many more, are all included in Social Studies. 

Seriously, it took me a lot of pressure.

Anyway, after all that I can finally relax with my friends and luckily, I was able to go to my friend’s house on the exact day our exams finished.

Before that though, my friends urged me to take a photo of us since it was one of our last days at school. This was pretty sad, because we were afraid if we might get separated later on in Middle School 🙁 Of course, I asked my friend to take our photo with my phone, and of course I sent it to them at once. 

I went to my friend’s house to wait for my parents there. There we watched an Indonesian Drama/Romance Film called Dear Jo. It’s about a woman named Maura who marries a man called Jo. They’ve always wanted a child but couldn’t have one, so they ask their friend, Ella, to be a surrogate mother for their child (weird right?).

She agrees, but tragically, Maura dies in a car accident, so it only Jo and Ella afterwards. And then, Jo’s life gets untidy so Ella comes to his house and helps him build his life.

Afterwards, they start to become closer and closer until one day, Jo’s mother finds out that Ella is going to become a surrogate mother so she kicks her out but- You know what, this film is clearly nonsense so, I don’t think I should tell the rest, but it’s on Netflix, so watch it yourself.

Have I told you about my friends yet?

I’ve got four close friends, Evelyn, Johanna, Roll and Harel. I met Evelyn in fourth grade, Harel in fifth, and Roll and Johanna in six grade! Evelyn’s the best. Not only because I’ve met here since fourth grade, but she’s loyal, kind but VERY stubborn.

The one I don’t like…u know what I love all of them. The photo we took at the end of our exams was one of our last photos together you know 🙁

And sadly, our last moments were in school when we were practising for our dance 🙁

We’re all gonna be separated later on. Evelyn, Harel and I are planning to go to Budi Dharma Middle School. Whilst Roll and Johanna are gonna go to a different school.

I mostly loved the time when we were at our Out-Bond (read my writing about it!), when we had to stick together as a team, and there, I don’t think any of us got any arguments between each other!

I will always remember them later on (if we get separated).

~aggy~

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Out-Bond Grade Six: Reflection on Positivity

Saturday, 23 March 2024.

My class and I went to a garden on a hill called Taman Doa Gurgur.

Honestly, it was because that we were already in grade six and about to leave primary school, so we have to have a reflection on positivity. 

Our class just got lucky because we just finished our exams on Saturday whilst other classes had to get there exams postponed for today because they went there on Friday or Thursday.

I went there with everyone in my class, my teacher, Ms A, our Religion Teacher, Ms S, and our Sports Teacher (unexpectedly), Mr J.

I didn’t really want to go out yet, as my close friends weren’t there yet. But luckily as I got out, my best friends, Evelyn, and Johanna came.. That when I left my parents to chat with the other parents.

We took photos while waiting near the church, and even rated whose clothes looked the best! Two more of my friends, Harel and Roll, came and joined us. We five and a few of the girls and boys joined us doing silly stuff!  Even Ms A wanted to join us all taking pictures.

Finally, three vans and one car arrived at the church and we went in one of them. The car only fitted the Pastor, who was joining us, Ms S and Mr J, so the first van (coloured blue) was the boys’ van and Ms A, the second van (coloured yellow) was half of the girls’ and the third van (coloured white) was the other half, including me. I went to the back so I could open the window and wave goodbye to my Mum. Although, I was a bit embarrassed because she kept taking pics of me and my friend Johanna. But still, I was glad for her to be there waiting for all the vehicles to go.

It takes around fifteen minutes to get there, so on the way I played a game with my friends Evelyn and Johanna, whilst Roll and Harel were taking photos. Then we played songs through Roll’s phone and sang along with it until we arrived at Taman Doa Gurgur. We screamed a bit as we went up the steep ramp to get up the hill. It was frightening because the van was a bit hurried.

We all made it there at the same time, and we went through the grass to the main hall which was at the very top of the hill. Chairs were already lined tidily there and our teacher had to sort everyone to boy-girl rows. Sadly, I got paired up with a boy, Jericho, but Evelyn was in front of me and Johanna was behind me so…:)

As the opening, Pastor had to begin with a song called Nyender Ning Sisi Yesoes which means Lean to Jesus’ side. The song was amazing and catchy, but…there were actions to do. Of course, we have to do it with our partners (ewwww), and it was terribly awkward. We had to lean to each other at every chorus (disgusting, ugh).

But when it ended, I felt so, so relieved.  Of course you think that was the end of it…right?

WRONG!!!

For the next activity, we have to draw our partner the best that we could, and write down their positive and negative sides. I did a stunning sketch of Jericho, and put ‘good-enough’ positive and negative sides of him.

Whilst Jericho (I wanted to cry when I saw it) drew me like a pig. Big nose, wide eyes, massively big ears, and my hair looked like noodles (of course I ripped it apart and threw it away when I got home), but he did write down Positive sides as in Smart, Loyal. I’m pretty flattered, but what do you think he wrote for my negative sides???!!!

Aggressive (puh-lease. I’m only savage to boys who are mean to me bruh!), and stubborn (…okay, I guess I can be a little bit stubborn sometimes). I’m so glad we didn’t have to give them to the Pastor (it was bad enough seeing Ms A and Mr J laughing at Jericho’s sketch of me).

Our next activity was looking at the positive sides of ourselves. At this time, I kept thinking what are my positive and negative vibes? I think of what Jericho wrote before and I wrote those down too (Smart and Loyal). But I’m also quick at learning the things that I’m in to, so I write that down too.

But now for my negative sides. I write down stubborn and I ask Evelyn what I should write for my negative sides. She suggests writing down ‘not having many trust to people’. True, I thought. I’m like really savage to people who I don’t know 🙂

When we’re done, the Pastor asks a few people what they wrote down, and it turns out that all of them were different. Then he brought out compliments for a few of us (including me, he said my hair was really rare, and fine-looking. I ended up blushing like fire).

The final activity before lunch break, was to look at some objects around us and write down their positive and negative sides. I chose a car, and wrote down its positive side (easier to transport people and substances to distant places) and negative side (generates pollution). I doodled a bit next to it.

After sharing our opinions (most of us had different objects chosen), we had a lunch break, where I had a chicken steak, rice, and banana for snack. We were allowed to play a bit for an hour afterwards, so we chose to play a game called Dua-Lima.

But, only two minutes of playing, Harel called me to meet an author, Ita Siregar, who lives in the garden. My friend led me to the café and there, I met Ms Ita, and, unexpectedly, she asked about my short story that I made two years ago. I was startled and a bit mortified, but I told her a little summary about it.

Then she asked if I was working on any books at the moment, and then I tell her about the plot that I’m working on, and how I’m gonna set it. She recommends that I should get my book published by her when it’s finished, and that is when I was the most flabbergasted on meeting her. I was happy, that I didn’t have to go looking out for publishers when I’ve got her! Afterwards, I say my thanks to her and go out to continue our game.

After time was finished, Pastor told us to put on a ton of lotion and a hat because we were gonna be playing a game that involves water.

We split into four groups (I was in group one with Evelyn, Johanna, Roll, Jericho, and a few others, but not with Harel, since she was in group two) and we had to pick the leader. I was chosen (of course 🙂 ) and the leader has to watch out his or her group to follow the rules.

The members of my group had to be blindfolded, and I have to lead them to the bottom yard since it’s only me that isn’t blindfolded! It was terribly hard, especially with stairs, but, we got there first and we were able to do it without hurting ourselves 🙂 !

Then, we played a game called ‘listen and only listen’. Everyone had to be blindfolded, and we did everything Pastor said like ‘crawl like a lizard’, ‘jump like a frog’.mBut we did all those things without noticing that we were disobeying the rules from the game the entire time 🙁 ! We were sprayed with water because of that.

Next it was a game ‘listen and do’. There we were told to stand in line according to our birth month, height, etc. But we all got it wrong again. Why? Because we didn’t ask Pastor if it was from the tallest height to the shortest height or the heaviest to the lightest etc.

Ugh. Ughhhhhhh!!!!

After wards though, we played a game that I was too sure to win: Putting water to the bottle at the very back. 

How? The person in front (Evelyn, for our team) has to deliver water to the person at the back (aka the leader, me for our team) who puts the water in the bottle. And we have to do it by cups and not looking to the back (except me).

We did it carefully, but didn’t win. Our bottle kept falling down that Mr J had to pin it down with bare hands. Whilst our team kept dry, other teams were soaking wet. We didn’t win, but it wasn’t that fun either. 

Overall, this next one was much better. We played a game where we couldn’t talk (we’re still blindfolded, except me), but we have to lead the person in front of us to get the balls according to its colour, with only our actions. Confused? Well, it was like this: 

We have to go in a line and the leader has to be in the back. Since they’re the only ones not blindfolded, they have to lead their group with they’re actions.

If they push the person in front of them slightly, then that means ‘go forward’ and they have to pass it on to the person at the front until they go forward. If they slap the left or right shoulder of the person in front of them, then that means for them to go ‘left’ or ‘right’, and then they’d have to pass it on until the person at the front goes either left or right. If they pull the person in front of them, then that means ‘stop’, and they’d have to pass it on until the person in front of them stops. And finally, if they slap both shoulders of the person in front of, that means ‘take the ball’. They have to pass it on just like the rest.

There were two balls that we had to find. Our colour was green, so I didn’t have much luck in finding the ball in the green, green grass. Of course, we couldn’t talk, because if we did, then Pastor would have to ‘baptize us once again’ (aka, spray water at us).

Because of that, it was really hard to do this, and Evelyn, who was at the front, was struggling to keep up with my actions. We eventually only found one ball, whilst the other teams found both of their balls. But, surprisingly, we won! Because the game was only about feeling others actions and not to talk, and other teams were shouting and squealing everywhere!

This made me happy, until realizing what the next game was. The person at the front was trusted to find the ball at the last game, so now, they must be trusted to do the same in this game.

Shocked, Evelyn looked at me with wide eyes, but there was nothing that I could do! Pastor beckoned Evelyn and the other three competitors to blindfold them, whilst Ms S told us to sit separately at four different benches (one for each group).

Ms S and Ms A explained that the game was to shout loudly at their teammate that is competing where to go to find their team’s balls. And the rule is, that you can’t go across the border (which is one meter from the bench).

After Pastor had finished, he started the game with saying ‘go!’ and we shouted at the top of our lungs. I was surprised that everyone was screaming so loud! And Evelyn, stupidly, was covering her ears, because it was so loud with everyone shouting! My other teammates were angry at her whilst I just shouted he directions to her.

Less than ten minutes, Evelyn had already got her first ball whilst the others were still confused on where to go. Our team was thrilled that we screamed with joy until Pastor told us off, and Ms A and Mr J laughed at disbelief!

Evelyn was trying her best to get the last ball, which was just a few centimetres from her that she, confusingly, had to crawl around to feel for it. I was getting worried at this point, because other competitors had already got their first ball, and on the way to their second ball. And finally, finally after minutes of feeling around for the ball, Evelyn got it and we won the game! We were too loud at this point, that Ms S had to quiet us down.

Because Evelyn had won, the game ended and we sat down to eat snacks.

And lastly, we were to write down on roll of Manila paper what we have learnt at this out-bond today! Which is, learning how to think positively and teamwork. We wrote down about what is the best way to do something by teamwork; about listening is better than talking; and that Teamwork is the best way to solve a problem together. 

We finished just in time! And all that was left to get dry, and pray before going home. 

For the finale, we took some photos to remember this day, for it will one of our last memories from Primary School. 🙂

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S_A_M_O_S_I_R

Prologue

Samosir, is a large volcanic island in Lake Toba, located in the north of the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. Administratively, Samosir Island is governed as six of the nine districts within Samosir Regency. The lake and island were formed after the eruption of a super-volcano some 75,000 years ago. The island was originally a peninsula connected to the surrounding caldera wall by a small isthmus, which was cut through by the Tano Ponggol Canal in 1907 to aid navigation (source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samosir).

People say as it is the most beautiful island they’ve ever seen. Is it true? Well…let’s see.

***

Day One:

It was raining on that day, Mom and Dad also another family were discussing whether or not we were going. 

I played guitar with my sister when suddenly, Mum and Dad quickly announced we were going, but had to be quick because we weren’t going by a ferry. 

On the contrary, we were going by car, passing by the huge Lake Toba and the woods with many nature-ey features!

That made me happy, but pretty sad because of not going by boat.

And, much more shocking, since I was playing my guitar, Mom told me bring it too 🙂 ???

I was confused. I mean, this was a first. I never bring my guitar on long trips…

After putting our stuff in our car (my friends’ family already went first) we climbed in and on our way we go!

It was fun actually! Road trip all the way to Samosir. Looking out all the nature features. 

It was a three to four hours trip to get there. On the way, we saw numerous trees and naturism around! We passed a natural tourism site called Tele. Tele is a like a hill where we can see Samosir from there. We can also catch a delightful view of Lake Toba from there. There, the air is fresh so we opened our windows!

But be careful, for monkeys are also there too. Every time we saw one we would close our windows up again and put them back down again when they’re lost at sight.

After we crossed that, we saw a big statue/monument of Jesus Christ on a big hill, called Sibea-bea. My parents told me that we’ll go there…but just not today. We have many things to fit on our schedule for today. I’m pretty sad, but I was still happy because we saw many fresh lands everywhere. 

Around half an hour later, we crossed a big, wide bridge covered in red paint. It’s called “Jembatan Tano Ponggol” which connected Sumatra and Samosir.

It was an amazing sight, but we couldn’t stop there (although we wanted to take a few pics). The road was getting crowded and was leading to a traffic jam, and a few people were taking some pics.

As we arrived at Samosir (we could say we already are in the regency), we tried to find hotels (we were planning to stay at a hotel at the other side of the island, but because we didn’t go by a ferry, it would be pretty difficult) to stay in. 

It was raining and we tried two hotels, but they were literally full. A shame though. The first hotel had a beach with benches, so people are able to swim in the lake while taking a snack.

Our last hotel was our last chance and resort. It didn’t seem as if we would go all the way to the other side of the island in the evening! Our parents went out and asked the manager if there were any more rooms left. He said that there was no more, but only one, and that was a homestay.

I didn’t like the sound of that. I was imagining a beautiful hotel with a beach and a large swimming pool. But as soon as I went inside, I immediately changed my mind: The homestay contains of three rooms (we used two for a night. One for us, and another for my friend’s family) and a huge living room in the middle. There were three couches, and a big carpet on the floor.

There was even Netflix!

My friend and I wanted to relax for a while, but we couldn’t, for we hadn’t any dinner yet! We went to a restaurant that Mum went to when she had work in Samosir. But, like nearly all the hotels we tried, it was full.

We were getting hungry, so we went to a restaurant across the road (they didn’t really get our orders right) before going to a bridge where a colorful fountain played every 8:00pm and 10:00pm.

We were planning to join the 8:00pm session, but due to searches for dinner, we had to wait for the next session which was on 10:00pm. My sister didn’t really like waiting, so she turned a bit cranky, so Dad and I went along with the others.

Finally…the fountain turned on and everyone was so excited. They played it in different variations to various songs including Horas and Boom, boom, boom, boom by Vanga Boys or whatever the artist called their group (I didn’t know the title when it played, but I could’ve sworn I’ve heard it somewhere).

We were sad when it ended, but it was an exciting experience (definitely recommend).

We went back to our homestay, and fell asleep…

Day Two:

We woke up and had breakfast quickly (Nasi Goreng and tea. Delicious 🙂 ) while watching Dora the Explorer (we had Netflix on TV so we could watch literally anything).

My friend secretly wanted to watch One Piece, that anime thing (I’m not a big fan of Anime) so he kept stealing the remote from me. He said he liked it because it was ‘sus’ (don’t ask what it means) but we have a much younger audience with us, which is my sister, so insisted. It’s the live action Dora the Explorer and the Lost City of Gold, so he liked it eventually.

We finished and pack our stuff for the beach, because we are going to the beach!!!

We put a ton of sunscreen and started bathing in the lake. Of course, I didn’t really want to get my clothes wet, because I had no change, so I stayed pretty near the edge.

My friend, on the other hand, went straight to the lake, put his whole body in the water… and found Rp50.000,00!!! Unbelievable (he even got another Rp10.000,00 shortly afterwards).

He started splashing around so I went out and made a sandcastle. My friend saw me and decided to make and even bigger one! He then got out his sphere sort of toy and started splashing it on the water.

I got out and went to lay down on a deck chair with Mum and my sister. Mum insisted on me playing my guitar, even though I didn’t want to. I eventually found myself sitting on the sand whilst singing three songs there.

Dad videoed them (i share it on my youtube channel: https://youtu.be/X7T4ehrzfz4), and went back to our homestay after the others got changed. But as we got there, our stuff had already been taken out and the caretakers were cleaning our rooms.

Wanna know why? A few days ago, some Priests booked the homestay days before we stayed. They were giving us a night upstairs, where we’ll only get one room to ourselves with no living room connecting it, and no Netflix.

Never mind…we wouldn’t even have time to watch anything…for we were gonna go touring around the bridge we visited the day before!!! And, we also reserved our orders at the restaurant that Mum recommended the other day.

After taking a shower, and resting, we went out and headed to our food! We got separated tables, but got the right food (unlike the day before). Mum was right: Delicious food and the restaurant is so…vintage.

Afterwards, we went outside and walked through the long bridge (called ‘Waterfront City Pangururan’) until the balcony we were on Day One where we watched the dancing colorful fountains.

I was fascinated by the shimmering lake beyond us. We watched some kids do some ‘Tor-tor’ dance while playing bubbles (a little girl played along with us) until we got tired and went back. Honestly, it was exactly the same as last night. So. Many. People. That…was the last time we went there on our trip.

Day Three:

This was the last day. Sad, but…we are going to go to our final destination! Which is [drumroll please]…Sibea-bea!

Sibea-bea is a hill where we can go after we voyage across that bridge that links Sumatra to Samosir (AKA “Jembatan Tano Ponggol). Even from afar, we can see a big statue of Jesus posturing as the cross. It’s huge and should be one of the tallest Christ Monuments in the world when it’s finished (it’s finished now, but when we went there, it wasn’t yet). Not only the statue, but there’s an amazing view of Lake Toba from there!

I’d definitely recommend going there, but if it’s hot, I’d also endorse a hat, a fan, and wear a lot of sunscreen. Why? Because when we went there, it was BOILING! I was so scorched, that I drooped when going up the stairs to see Jesus’ Statue. Let alone from all that, the place was crammed and full!

Dad took nearly ten minutes searching for a parking lot for our car! Even Mum didn’t really seemed pleased when she found out it took that long! Apart from the parking stuff…my sister was absolutely cheerful and was jumping up and down every time she felt like it.

Me, on the other hand, was already drooping because of the temperature. Sure enough, we took a few pics and went back home by a long trip by our car. Of course, it was a fine-looking place to go!

Epilogue:

So…is Samosir the most beautiful island I’ve ever seen?

Well…yes. Definitely.

Not only the view and stuff, but the activities we can do there! Touring, watching dances, and even experiencing wonderful fountain show on the lake!

Honestly, I’d definitely recommend Samosir as your next site to visit! 🙂 🙂 🙂

~Agatha~

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