With a determined spirit and a heart full of ambition, Armeino Fadhlan Atana, a bright student from the Department of Urban and Regional Planning (PWK) IUP program at Undip, has soared to new heights by securing a coveted spot in the summer course at the prestigious University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley). The event, aptly named “DISC (Design + Innovation for Sustainable Cities)”, is set to take place from July 3rd to August 4th, 2023, hosted by the esteemed UC Berkeley College of Environmental Design. It’s an exhilarating academic journey that Armeino is eagerly preparing to embark upon.
Armeino’s tale of triumph is nothing short of awe-inspiring, reminiscent of a thrilling adventure. From his days in high school, the dream of studying abroad had already taken root in his heart. “I applied on a whim because my desire to study abroad was still burning bright. I never expected to actually make it into the summer course,” shared the determined student hailing from Bandung.
In his pursuit of realising his dream of studying at a world-class international university, Armeino left no stone unturned. He dedicated himself to countless online courses, diligently improving his language skills through self-study, and tactically addressing English language proficiency tests with careful consideration of his financial situation. Crafting impactful essays and letters of intent also demanded significant effort, with Armeino pouring his heart into expressing the challenges he faced from an urban planner’s perspective, as well as innovative solutions for Indonesian universities.
As an IUP PWK Undip student, Armeino expressed his gratitude for the wealth of opportunities that have come his way to receive an education of international calibre. Reflecting on his journey, he disclosed that while studying abroad was his initial goal, his parents’ objections led him to enrol in the IUP program. “During high school, I was fixated on studying abroad. However, my parents did not agree, so I chose the IUP program,” he confessed.
Offering words of encouragement to his fellow IUP peers, Armeino stressed the importance of seizing available opportunities to pursue education at esteemed institutions. “Do not be afraid to take the first step. You’ll never know if you don’t try. And if you never know, you’ll never win,” he advised.
The DISC program itself attracts students from all corners of the world, subject to a rigorous and thorough selection process. With his participation in this program, Armeino hopes to enhance his chances of gaining admission to UC Berkeley. “By being part of this summer course, I can get a taste of what it’s like to study at UC Berkeley. Hopefully, it will make admission easier in the future,” he concluded.
Armeino’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that perseverance, dedication, and a willingness to explore new horizons can lead to exceptional achievements. With his sights set on UC Berkeley, Armeino is poised to make the most of this exciting opportunity, carving a path that could very well be the first step towards a bright and promising future.
