Hello Everyone!
My name is Diah Sinta Sri Berlianti, but you can call me Diah or Sinta. I’m from Musi Rawas Utara, South Sumatra, Indonesia. Right now, I’m a 6th-semester student at Universitas Ahmad Dahlan (UAD) Yogyakarta, majoring in Elementary School Teacher Education (PGSD). I’m someone who loves learning and gaining new experiences, especially in education. Since I was a child, I’ve been interested in how children learn and grow. That’s why I want to contribute to the world of education, especially in teaching young learners.
Why Did I Choose to Study in Yogyakarta?
For me, Yogyakarta is not just a place to study but it’s home. Even though I grew up in Sumatra, both of my parents are originally from Yogyakarta before they moved to Sumatra. That’s why I feel a special connection to this city. Yogyakarta has a warm and friendly atmosphere, where people are kind and always ready to help each other. It’s also known as "The City of Students" because it has so many great universities and is a top destination for students from all over Indonesia.
Besides academics, I love the rich culture and traditions in Yogyakarta. The city still preserves its traditional arts, crafts, and local wisdom, even in modern times. This makes it a perfect place for me to learn, grow, and develop myself.
Universitas Ahmad Dahlan: My Place to Grow
I feel lucky to be a part of Universitas Ahmad Dahlan (UAD), one of the best private universities in Yogyakarta. UAD has six campuses, five in Yogyakarta and one in Wates. The main campus is Campus 4, but I study at Campus 5, which focuses on education programs, including my major, PGSD.
Since UAD is an Islamic-based university, it focuses not only on academics but also on moral and ethical values. The campus environment really supports both intellectual and personal growth. Plus, UAD offers a lot of opportunities for students to improve their skills through student organizations, exchange programs, and social activities. During my time at UAD, I have gained many incredible experiences, from participating in a fully funded student exchange program in England, traveling to Bali and winning a gold medal, to now joining the SEA Teacher program in the Philippines.
Why Did I Choose Elementary School Teacher Education?
Honestly, this wasn’t my first choice. At first, I wanted to study Psychology because I’m really interested in mental health and human development. I love learning about how people think, feel, and behave especially children. But my mother advised me to think carefully before making a decision. She wanted me to follow in my dad’s footsteps as a teacher. At first, I wasn’t sure, but after thinking it through, I realized that education is the key to change, and teachers play a big role in shaping the future.
After studying in this major for a while, I’ve come to understand that teaching is not just about giving lessons, it’s about guiding, inspiring, and shaping the character of young children. I now truly enjoy learning about teaching methods and how to make a positive impact on children’s lives. One of the moments that made me believe I made the right choice was when I did my teaching practicum. Seeing the excitement in children’s eyes while learning and knowing that I can be a part of their growth is such a rewarding feeling.
Why Did I Choose the University of St. La Salle?
I chose the University of St. La Salle (USLS) in the Philippines for my SEA Teacher program because of its great reputation in education and teacher training. USLS provides a friendly and inclusive environment, making it a great place for students from different backgrounds to learn and grow.
One of the aspects that really stood out to me about USLS was its modern approach to teaching. The university integrates technology and interactive learning methods into the classroom, which makes lessons more engaging and effective. I was also impressed by how much USLS values English proficiency, which is an important skill for future teachers like me.
Beyond academics, USLS gave me the chance to experience new teaching styles and cultural perspectives. The supportive mentors, welcoming community, and well-structured SEA Teacher program made my time at USLS truly meaningful. It wasn’t just a place to study, it was a place that helped me grow as a future educator.
My Dreams and Future Goals
As a future teacher, I have big dreams for education. I don’t just want to teach; I want to inspire and guide students to reach their full potential.
I also want to keep learning and improving myself by joining various educational programs, both in Indonesia and abroad. My experience in the SEA-Teacher Program in the Philippines really opened my eyes to different teaching methods, and I hope to apply what I’ve learned to improve education in Indonesia.
Besides that, I dream of contributing to curriculum development and innovative teaching methods that make learning more engaging for students. I also want to create an inclusive and fun learning environment, especially for children with special needs.
Final Thoughts
My journey in education is still long, but I believe I’m on the right path. Being a teacher is not just a job, it’s a calling.
Through this blog, I hope to share my experiences and thoughts about education and inspire others to contribute to making a difference in students' lives.
Thank you for reading! Feel free to share your thoughts or experiences in the comments! 😊✨
