Age: Twenty-something. Birthplace: New Jersey. Profession: Education. Title: Social Studies/Special Education Educator. Pronouns: She/Her/Hers. Alma mater: Montclair State University; Rowan University. Languages spoken: Indonesian and English.
Current project: Pursuing my master’s degree in Special Education and Inclusive Practices. Latest accomplishment: Earning my Standard Teaching Certificate in New Jersey. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Going straight back to school after graduating a year prior. Hobbies: Baking, crocheting, reading. Recent travel or adventure: Travelled to Gili Trawangan and Lombok over the summer. Last book read: Homegoing, by Yaa Gyasi. Recently viewed and recommended: Murdoch Mysteries (TV series).
Personality profile: Empathetic, driven, passionate, ambitious, reflective. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Authentic. How do you define a perfect friendship? Mutual trust, support, admiration, respect; open communication and understanding boundaries. What is your greatest joy? Making a difference in the world. What is your guilty pleasure? Giving into my sweet tooth. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Social justice advocates. How do you relieve stress? Starting a new creative project like crocheting amigurumis or baking.
What was your favorite college course? The Asian American Experience Research Seminar. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? Playing Congklak with my siblings. What book have you repeatedly read? After Beautiful Patience, by Elias Malik. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? My grandparents and great-grandparents. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Never stop asking questions. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Always be ready to reflect and adapt to the changes around you.
What is your big idea?
Initiating more social emotional learning in the classroom.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? Creating lessons that reflect each student’s cultures and interests. What change would you like to see in the world? People who are more welcoming and accepting of other cultures and customs. What message do you want to send out into the world? Life is full of ups and downs, but they do not define you. What you do in those moments and how you choose to overcome that adversity will. What widely held belief do you reject? Your voice doesn’t matter.
Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My great-grandmother Alia. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A singer or an astronaut. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? Family photo albums. What advice would you give your younger self? Don’t be afraid to make mistakes in your life. There is no such thing as “perfect” and every mistake is a lesson from which you are meant to learn.
Personal mission: Empowering individuals to realize their full potential. Personal motto: Stay steadfast in your beliefs and keep moving forward. There is always something better around the corner. Favorite quote: “A person who never made a mistake, never tried anything new” (Albert Einstein).
