Coming to Australia on my own at the age of 16 was not easy. Adapting to a new culture and education system required me to both learn and unlearn many things. Independent learning and critical thinking were not strongly emphasised during my schooling in Indonesia, so adjusting to these expectations challenged me academically and personally. During this transition, The Knox School played a pivotal role. In the final two years of my schooling, TKS helped shape the way I think and approach learning by encouraging curiosity and critical thinking. I was also placed with a safe and welcoming Australian family, whose support made an enormous difference in helping me adapt and thrive.
I always knew I wanted to pursue something related to health and science, but I did not have a clear idea of what that would look like. Despite the challenges, I was fortunate to be accepted into the University of Melbourne to study a Bachelor of Biomedical Science. During my degree, a research summer studentship program sparked my love for research and led me to pursue Honours and ultimately complete a PhD.
From a career perspective, I have not followed a conventional career path and have made several turns along the way. Despite this, I have consistently stayed true to my curiosity and sense of purpose, driven by the desire to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives by improving their health.
When I reflect on my journey, I am most proud of having the courage to take the first step, even when the path was unclear. Being willing to try something different, rather than fitting a traditional mould, has been my greatest life lesson. My advice to current students is not to be afraid of exploring unfamiliar paths. You never know what opportunities you might uncover. Carve your own path, at your own pace. Grit and resilience also go a long way.
