Bu Ari : "To Give is A Priceless Joy"

"How many times do we miss God's Blessings because they are not packaged the way we expected?" - From the card that Bu Ari gave me

Today I talked to Bu Ari, one of the most influential person in my life also the best principal ever in my entire school life, about the SEALNet Youth Leadership Summit (YLS13) that I joined. She is no longer the principal of my school but she still the same person as before, charismatic leader who knows how to approach people with her awesome communication skills. Only her room changed, smaller and simpler than before.

She was so interested about the stories that I shared from YLS13 and few more programs that I'm about to join. She's no longer a strict and scary person that I thought she was. She wants to help me develop more, expand my connection and spread the positivity for all of the students, even teachers and staff. She looked really happy with all the smiles and the excitement in her words.

I told her about my worries and thoughts. How I see myself that I'm not the smartest kid in the entire school (not even in the class), my English is not good enough, I don't have such a great communication skill, and I have low enthusiasm in CCA or extended school programs. Then she reminded me that God is always give more than what we wanted or expected. This journey is one of the God's plan to show us that we can do more. Life is always a choice, to challenge and make the best of it or to be forever scared and live just to survive.

With all the lessons that I've learned, she tells me to keep sharing and giving for others with a humble manner.  She shared me her personal story that she enjoyed her times being a principal because in that position she could always share and give more to a lot of people. She went the extra mile by traveling and making relations to expand her networking. It was really tiring, indeed. I think she didn't get extra pay for all those things but for her, to share and to give is a priceless joy. She has the passion. In the end, we, the students, are the one who could enjoy and take all the benefits from everything that she has done.

She's more than just a principal for me. To meet her is a really significant part of my life. I love her instantly, just right at the moment when she gave her very first welcoming speech before the high school 2011 entrance exams (my batch). She keeps inspiring people. I didn't write the School Pride!!! post for nothing. I really love my school, from the very first day.

"Your parents must be really proud of you."

With all the doubts that I hold, I just smiled and nodded, "I hope so..."

"They must. I'm sure," said her with a warm smile. 

I hope that I can meet her again 10 years from now to show her that she takes a big part of my success. For all the supports and attentions that she gave, I feel forever grateful and thankful.