Anyhow, it seems it was just yesterday when I wrote about my one year journey of pursuing my master degree. Now, it's almost the end of July, and I'm only two steps behind to get my graduate title. Couldn't be happier, especially because the struggle that I've been through during this semester was amazing. Countless sleepless nights, filled with reading and writing like crazy.
It was May 9, when I finally submitted my thesis draft. I decided to choose the multiculturalism and higher education as my thesis topic. I know, it doesn't sound at all like any international cooperation related issues esp. with mainstream high politics or development issues. But, started from my deep interest in migration topic, I chose the title "Multiculturalism in Internationalization of Korean Higher Education?: Case Study of Seoul National University". I will talk more about this later I guess, to put it in more details. Back to the thesis submission date, so by that day I felt like "YEAH, I'm closer to graduation". Then less in a month since then, I finally did my thesis defense in May 29, 4 pm KST. I experienced another "YEAH" moment..
I thought after that day I can breath more easily, but in the opposite, seemed like the real struggle just started back after the defense. Seriously, even though my revision was not much, but to finalize the very very very fix final draft was not an easy task. I enjoyed my procrastination period so much, and I realized I had only less than a week to get everything done. Another challenges were all administration details and stuffs, also the process to get all signatures and approvals from the committee members.
And just last week, I FINALLY gave my final PDF file of thesis to be printed, I just have to wait one or two more days then I will be able to submit the hard copy to the main library, get the approval thesis certificate and submit it to the administration office. Then hopefully I can enjoy my last August here before I come back to Bandung in September 1. *fingers crossed*
As my master degree struggle here will come to an end soon, I have many things to be faced right after I come back. Settlement of my career and preparation for my big day (SMILE, aameen). This year should be a very special for me and my family, since not just me graduate and facing the new chapter of life, my sister is also graduating from university.
The real celebration and congratulations should be given to my beloved Mom, for all the supports, loves, patience that she never tired giving off. If it is not her, me and my sister would not be able to achieve these all. I love you, Bu.. :*
Our family is not just ordinary one since we lost our beloved Dad 13 years ago, so I always feel, making my Mom proud or at least not being dissapointed with her daughters is one important thing. Especially after last year, when we have to loose our beloved Grandpa, Kiki. I was still in Seoul when he passed away, and I am still feeling like he is around with us. I know every beginning will come to an end, people's story, people's life. And even though I already experiencing loosing my Dad, it didn't help at all to feel less pain when I had to loose Kiki. I wish I was a better granddaughter to him, I wish I called him more often, I wish I showed him more how much I love him. I love you always Ki.. :) So, knowing that the closest family that my Mom has is only her daughters, I feel more and more responsible for her happiness. I wish and I will try to always put smiles on your face Bu. :)
Thank you Seoul for all the lessons that you have taught me so far.
Dear Allah SWT, please give me strength to face the new beginning and new chapter of my life.
Dear my future husband, insya Allah, let's make a happy future together.
Seoul, July 24, 2014.
