Take V: Farewell PUSaKO, Andalas, and Padang!
Dear Andalas,
Wow, what an incredible journey it's been! Coming all the way from Detroit, Michigan, I never imagined I'd find a second home halfway across the world in Padang City. As a proud graduate of Howard University and now a law student, I've always been passionate about justice and community. My time at PUSaKo has been a beautiful blend of both.
First off, I have to talk about my wild adventure riding a motorbike for the first time. Picture this: a girl from Detroit, very comfortable with a lead foot on four wheels, trying to navigate the winding mountain roads on a two-wheeler. Let's just say, I took a little tumble, but I got back up laughing. It was one of those moments where you think, "This was bound to happen eventually!"
Padang City's culture is like a warm hug—everywhere you go, you're greeted with smiles and a genuine sense of welcome. The coffee shops here are my happy place. I've spent countless hours sipping local brews, people-watching, and just soaking in the vibe. One day, Bang Ichsan took me out for lunch, and his wife surprised me with the cutest shirt ever. It's now my go-to shirt for whenever I'm feeling nostalgic!
I've also been diving headfirst into learning the language. My friends, like Gea, have been amazing teachers, patiently helping me practice. In return, I've been sharing my English skills with them. It's been such a rewarding exchange, and we've had some great laughs over our pronunciation slip-ups.
One of the coolest experiences was going to a festival with Elsie and Dita. It was like stepping into an anime world—everyone was in these incredible cosplay outfits, and the performances were so full of life and creativity. I felt like a kid again, cheering and enjoying every moment.
PUSaKo has been so much more than just a place for academic growth. The events they've organized, like the Constitutional Webinar on "Ethical Justice and Ethics of Constitution," have been eye-opening. They’ve really highlighted how Indonesia is working towards a more transparent and just democracy, something that's super inspiring to see.
Thank you, Andalas, for the memories and the lessons. I'll carry them with me always.
Selamanya Berterima Kasih
Forever Grateful...