An Exemplary Independent Person
There are higher clouds above another
I used to think that I was a super independent woman. I thought that I can do everything by myself, and I am more comfortable doing things alone. My opinion of myself completely changed after I decided to move into this new city and conduct research with just me and my two supervisors as a team. Again, living alone in a new city has taught me things and broadened my perspective on myself and social life, which I am still lacking in.
Everything is new to me. The first time I decided to conduct research on my current topic, I did not know how to reach the farmers or each location of a farm that I should visit, nor did I know what things I needed or what I should do in a laboratory for the research method that I used to reduce some major mistakes that I might make. As a self-funded student, some materials that I need for research are rather expensive. The tools that I need for research are also limited, so the waiting game is much longer when I fail an experiment.
Also, as a full-time journalist for more than 2 years, I also have to adapt as fast as I can to do sampling in the field and find an effective work flow at the laboratory. Luckily, I met some people who are very helpful, which sometimes makes me wonder whether I am constantly bothering them. I would like to tell you readers, one of those kind people.
The first time I encountered her was also the first time I met my supervisor face to face. My supervisor introduced me to her after I told my supervisor that my parents are from Magelang, where she lives. In addition, at that time, I was living in my aunt’s house for only two weeks before I got a place to live in Yogyakarta. She is about the same age as my older brother and works as a research assistant for the department I currently do research in.
Why her, among others? because I recognize myself in her — her chaotic personality, sense of humor, and introverted nature. Also, she makes me realize that I am less independent than her. Furthermore, there are things that I value in her that are still lacking in me and that I want to adopt in my daily life:
- No matter how busy she is, she always makes time for others who ask her for help.
- She never said anything nor got angry if something was wrong or all over the place; she just fixed it right away.
Those things might be simple for some of you, but I think that is part of mastering self-control.
Why self-control? because some people will rant, angry, or scold someone if they see something wrong or untidy. After I observe how she manages it, she just “scold” that person (including me) with her actions, which I think is very effective. She does not waste her energy being angry at someone. Mostly she also puts others first than herself which sometimes makes me realize how egoist I am. Moreover, I realized that my self-control was far behind hers.
Nevertheless, thanks to her, I know how to train myself to save my energy in the most effective way.
