My Master's Journey in Germany

So I haven't talked much about my master's thesis that has taken me approx. 7,5 months to finish. It was quite overdue, due to several shortcomings happened along the way. Well, might say it was probably normal compared to my bachelor's research which took 10 months to complete (but it turns out to be my first publication, thanks Ibu Endah :')). I think if I were asked what would be the most important thing in taking higher education, I wouldn't say it's a hard work that play a major role but I'd rather say it's a persistence that keeps me going.

Let's put aside any motivational phrases here, for we want to be more realistic. We all live in different circumstances in which no one knows what will happen. So generalizing that everyone will experience the same things would be invalid (and putting Instagram-worthy phrases will be then, lame). That's why I said the most important thing is to be persistent. Persistent to achieve the goals you've set before in whatever condition. That's it.

Since I'm majoring in resource management, my master's thesis was more about (drum rolls) economic analysis. For someone whose previous educational background is focused on natural science, I found myself quite inferior in the field. Yes, I have several professional experiences in resource management, but it couldn't stop me from feeling dumb if I had to argue with my team (supervisor and colleagues) - most of whom had resource economics background.

The fact that I had to take one extra semester to compensate my 6-months leave that I took to do my internship last year, has become a little pressure. Apparently, taking the remaining courses, doing the master's thesis, and going through a process for a job position at the same time was more challenging than ever. Not to exclude a personal-emotional matter happened some time ago. But again I'd say it's persistence that keeps me progressing, even at slower pace, at some points.

I can still recall my first weeks being a master's student, having an "after-class session" at Schneiders, fixing my poor German, and drooling over Indonesian foods I missed the most. I can still recall the day I left Bayern to do my six-months internship in Nordrhein-Westfalen. I can still recall the day I got a bouquet from my team in Essen on my last day with tears flowing on my cheeks, because I am forever in their debt. And I can still recall the days I had to begin my research project with a broken feeling.

Long story short, it was a tiring, remarkable journey. I will definitely devote this to those being my support system during these ups and downs. The time I can finally feel that distance doesn't matter, if the people you love are just one call away. Also the best people I found here in Germany that I wouldn't trade them for anything.

I once said that resigning from my previous job in Indonesia and pursuing one of my life goals outside my country is one of the best decisions that I will never regret in my life, regardless of twists and turns. The knowledge, the precious experiences, the pride, the bitterness that I will pass on to no one but my children. 

I would definitely say yes to anyone asking for my opinion whether or not they have to go. Of course, at their own risk. Of course, without exaggerating that living/studying/working abroad will be always lovely. 

Because in the end,

It was all worth it.

Because the dream is finally yours.

Love,


F