Image Source: Personal document.
People call me Ima. I'm a girl who just graduated from high school. Since elementary school, I've been interested in education and photography, and I still pursue these hobbies to this day. Among them, I enjoy drawing, painting, and photography, collecting used items that I think can be transformed into something useful, making crafts, and I also enjoy creating something that's worn yet still wearable, transforming clothes into something more interesting.
Since then, I've dreamed of becoming a teacher, painter, photographer, and designer. However, over time, my dreams have become more of a hobby to keep myself busy.
It wasn't until high school that I began to think about my dreams and future. From there, I began to reflect on my true talents and interests.
One day, I met someone who helped me recognize my talents and develop them. Her name is Diva. She is a teacher and founder of the place where I studied, where I first discovered and began to deepen my talents in the fine arts, namely painting and photography.
He always encouraged me to keep practicing and creating. It was a challenge for me, but I enjoyed the process. He once said to me:
"Keep honing and practicing your talent. Don't worry about the equipment, I'll buy it when I run out. When you have a lot of paintings, I'll publish them." His words made me feel supported.
"Yes, sir, thank you in advance," I replied, moved. It felt like someone was supporting me in developing my talent.
He also gave me advice that challenged me even more.
"Try painting or drawing with a soft heart and a wild imagination," he suggested.
"Yes, I'm ready," I replied briefly. His advice challenged me.
He wasn't just a founder and teacher; he was also a painter and writer. He held many professions and contributed to many works and services that benefited many people.
He is one of my inspirations, and his life journey and passion for learning and growth motivate me to continue learning and growing. Even now, I prefer reading books and have a reading routine because I am motivated by him. She also inspired me in many ways.
Not only that, but I also began to discover and deepen my other talents. At graduation, I was faced with a dilemma: should I continue my studies while taking scholarships, or should I start working immediately after graduation?
While my friends were busy preparing for college, I was busy thinking about how I could achieve my dreams without going to college.
After some reflection, I finally decided to pursue a teaching degree because I also aspired to be a teacher. However, I also tried art training, photography training, and sewing courses. I searched for motivation on social media. I happened to come across an account on social media that was so inspiring that it made me even more passionate about my journey as a teacher and tailor, and I decided to study online.
She's Kak Rey, a Muslim woman who started from scratch and is now the owner of her own product. She started a small business at home, offering alteration services, and then, with strong determination, decided to create her own product. She creates graduation gowns that are very useful for women.
However, I wondered if I could follow in her footsteps, as I had only been learning online and not through sewing classes. I began to doubt my own decision. Finally, I plucked up the courage to ask for advice directly through an Instagram message.
"Hi, Rey... Your content is very motivating. But I doubt I can be like you, because I never took a sewing class; I taught myself from YouTube," I asked.
"Wow... Glad to hear it inspired you. It's okay, I used to be like that too, self-taught from YouTube. And also from books. Don't be discouraged, okay? Start small; there's a lot of material on YouTube to learn from. Good luck," she replied, igniting my enthusiasm.
From there, I began to have the courage to start, believing that I could be like Rey. What started as a small business at home, opening a clothing alteration shop, and eventually becoming my own product owner. I just needed to study hard and persevere and go through the process.
I still remember daydreaming on the backyard terrace. I had just graduated from high school. I was lost in thought, staring blankly into space. Suddenly, my mother asked, "Don't daydream. You'll get possessed. What are you thinking about?" she asked.
"I don't know, Mom. I seem confused. I have so many dreams. I want to be a teacher, a photographer, a designer, and a painter." I replied in a low voice.
"Good. I'll support your dreams," my mother said happily.
"But I'm afraid of failure," I complained.
"You're already afraid of failure before you even try. It's better to try and fail than not try at all. Whatever your dreams, cultivate a sincere heart and aim high," my mother said enthusiastically, clenching her fists.