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Life Well-Lived Experience

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Life Well-Lived Experience
Andini Effendi

A dear friend couldn’t help to gasp when I uttered my plan on taking two years off from career to pursue master degree abroad. I remember her words vividly, “So you will leave your spot to someone younger, brighter and most probably hotter just like that?” I also remember what was my answer; it was simply “yes.” Don’t get me wrong I absolutely love my job. So much love as if I am married to my work. I am the living example of someone whose her passion becomes a profession. For me working it’s like playing. There were never a dull moment. But then I came to a point where I desired something more that would make me feel whole. It was education. I craved so much to broaden my knowledge, enriching experiences, and expanding my network. Moreover, I have a mental debt to my parents to study higher than undergraduate. Note: I agreed only until master degree. They can say goodbye to their dream of me taking a PhD.

Just like “The Secret” book theory, I experienced the “Law of Attraction” with New York University. People who know me well knew I’ve always wanted to go back to the US for and only for NYU. (Sorry Columbia, you were not even on my list.) I pledged to myself on midnight before January 1, that 2011 is the year of school. And it has to be NYU. Why this year? After waking up at 2.45am 5 days a week and had to be on stand-by during my days off for the past 6 years, a break for school wont hurt. I also knew where my career beheading in 2 years if I stay in my comfort zone. And I had to get out of that pseudo feeling. Furthermore, I am still relatively young and single. Although I am certain if my late grandmother still alive, God bless her soul, wouldn’t be pleased.

I can’t deny that my dear friend discouraging remark had haunted me even weeks away prior my departure to New York. But then one day I found an enliven article online that confirming I am in the right path. Jon Frank, a Harvard graduate wrote in USA Today, on July 17th, 2011 on why graduate school is worth it, even in 2011. Obviously he meant to inspire the US prospective students to go back to school amid the recession. Ironically, the US recession is a blessing in disguise for the Asians with the declining value of the dollar. In that sense, I agreed with Jon, it is the best time to go. Aside from the money issue, he answered the concerns of the working people to go back to be students. I think the main concern for working people like me and my lovable-yet-belittle friend is why giving up a great job with a good salary to become a student again? I am forever in love with his answer, a life well-lived experience. He encouraged the readers to get out of their comfort zone to experience new people, horizons, settings, and perspectives that consider more important than career or life itself. He also stated about making amazing friends at school that we would go their weddings or those who will come to ours. We will be amazed on how 2 years of time can be a life altering experience not only from professional perspective but also personal. Every word in the article released me in my own self-made solitary confinement.

It has been almost 6 weeks since my last day of work. I am now sitting comfortably in NYU’s Bobst Library in front of a floor-to-ceiling window overlooking Washington Square Park. It’s pouring rain and leaves had undergone its color as a sign of autumn. Amazing how a ravishing sight can give one tranquility. I also have met some candidates whom I would want to have as guests in my wedding once I graduated. Along with my dear belittle friend who disapproved my bold move to leave career. Hopefully by then I will be wiser, brainier, and hotter.

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