A Reflection on My 20th Birthday

Before I started my reflection, I would like to praise the God Almighty for His blessing that never end in my life. I would thank Him for my amazing family, amazing friends, amazing opportunities, and for everything that had happened and will happen in my life.

Who am I?
I was born in a very humble family in Kediri, East Java, Indonesia. My dad is a salesman for a small syrup company, and my mom is a private tutor for elementary school students. Even though we are not rich, we always have enough to fulfill our daily necessity. I recalled how we were all riding the on a motorcycle everywhere (p.s there are five of us on the same motorcycle! -- my dad, my mom, me, my bro, and my sis). It should be illegal, but for me it was a really fun time.

Education Background:
I went to a Catholic kindergarten and elementary school. I had so many good friends then - even I still talk to some of them up until now. Then I continue my study to a public Junior High still in Kediri. After I graduate, I received a full scholarship to go to a high school, three hours away from my hometown. And I am so blessed that all of these led me up to study Finance at Texas Tech University, U.S.

Reflection:
I am so blessed to be in my position right now and even if I have a chance, I would not change anything that I did in the past. Back in my younger days, I used to be a very competitive boy that would like to win everything. Without I realize that I rubbed off some of my colleagues due to my behavior. Yet, I finally learned that my life would not worth much if I do everything for myself. I started to learn humility, a value that I did not understand up until my high school years. Now I understand that I receive more happiness when I do something not just for me but also for others around me. I have realized that I am small - very small - and should never be arrogant about anything.

Twenty. Yes, I do not even believe that I am not a teen anymore. A new age, new responsibilities. I know that I had done so many bad stuffs when I was a teen. I was not perfect, I am not perfect, and I will never be perfect.

On this new age, I would like to be a better person. To be a more humble person. To be an honest person. Learn to lose and let go. Put maximum efforts on everything I do. Always be blessing to everyone I meet. To be closer to God. And to always be happy and thankful no matter what is the circumstances. And above all, I pray for my parents to be healthy forever and my brother and sister to be successful.

There is nothing sure about the future, yet I am nervous and excited at the same time to walk a new path.

"God gave us the gift of life; it is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well"

- Voltaire