1. Rio Putra

VDMS Alumnus from State University of Padang (UNP)

I was one of VDMS grantees and I participated in some activities (though I did not participated in many activities… LOL) which concerned the environment and education, (if I am not mistaken), and it changed my paradigm towards the related issues. On the environment issue, as for instance, I became more aware to put garbage in the right place. I try to influence people in my neighbourhood to stop littering.

The activities I participated also trigger me to pay more attention to education, especially when I realize that a lot of family living in small villages cannot send their children to college.  Related to education, actually I more concern about this issue, since large of family in a small village unfortunately could not finance their children to continue their study in university. Some of them are actually  smart and talented, but due to financial problem, they lose their dream to get the higher education and it leads them into depression. I found this problem, there are some families whose their sons/daughters are eligible academically to continue their study but their parents are afraid of being able to finance their study, some of the get depressed since they are unable to achieve their dream. As a cultural chief in my village, I motivate them to not give up on their study, especially that there are a lot of scholarships available.  Since I am chosen as cultural chief in my village, I educated them to not afraid of continuing their study in university as government provides many scholarships. I shared some links to scholarship websites and I also inform them that VDMS will open enrollment in the second or third semester. They were excited to hear that.

The last experience I want to share is when I met two little beggars. They are sisters and I asked one of them, “Do you go to school?”. She just gave me a simple smile implying that my question offended her. I could see she wants to go to school but I didn’t know how to help. I just gave her some money to get food for her little sister.

It is an honor to be a member of VDMS. Now, I got motivated to educate, and encourage people to have a better life and perspective.

 2.     Vinny Desasri Alfionita

Having a great future with VDMS

I am Vinny Desasri Alfionita, a grantee, studying at Bung Hatta University, Padang. I have joined VDMS since August 2015. I get a lot of experiences by joining VDMS. Here I want to share what I have got and what I feel. First, I would like to talk about the sense of being  a leader. I know how to be a good leader after following Regional Meeting in Padang on August 27 to 30, 2015. Mrs. Dr. Jenny Ratna S. and Mrs. Dwiani Fedga were the speakers on this event. What we learned was a great thing. Having great ideas, and assembling a team to bring those ideas become real are the first step in creating a successful future. Honesty, communication, commitment, confidence, inspiration, creativity, and approach are the key qualities that all good leaders should possess and learn to emphasize.

What I learn for myself is that I train myself to think creatively when doing many things in my whole life. By joining alumni’s events, I get motivations to do beneficial activities in order to to give something valuable for all people. RR Padang VDMS conducted many activities. I am very happy to join each activity of Alumni Padang. In addition, by joining many events, I get more links and networks from Education Board, Youth and Sports Board, and stakeholders of many institutions. I believe that what I am doing now will give great effects for my future. Thanks alumni and VDMS. I feel glad to be the member of VDMS family.

 3.     Dios Larosa

VDMS…. THE BEGINNING OF IT ALL

VDMS Alumni from Andalas University (UNAND), Padang

I got VDMS scholarship in 2013. The first moment that I always keep in my mind is by joining the leadership conference in Banjarmasin. I met 15 delegates from different universities and different cities. Then, I was so happy to get more experiences from Mrs. Ani  and Mrs. Jenny.

What I followed and got is a form of kindness. I think I have to do something to give response of what VDMS has given to me. That is motivation for me to do and join by various events held by RR Padang.

The ability to communicate and how to be a good leader are some points out of many points that I get from VDMS. By having motto Learn, Share and Encourage, I can share, learn and encourage other alumni and grantees.  We learn together, share many experiences and a lot of information, and encourage each other to do worthwhile things. In addition, going to Bali was the unforgettable moment for me where I can meet other alumni from all over Indonesia.

Now, it is the time for me to apply all knowledge I have got. I become a presenter for local and national events, speaker, tutor and I conducted some national events too. Thank you, VDMS.

A2A E – Newsletter Vol. 50 | V | 2016

May 2016