Boyolali In a well-known hadith, it is said, "Seek
knowledge even if you have to go as far as
China." But it seems learning doesn't
necessarily require a trip to China, does it?
This is a reality that Preacilia Maura
Rezki, a twelfth-grader at Pradita
Dirgantara High School, is about to
embark on, as she is set to depart for the
United States on August 10, 2021.
Maura, who hails from Batam, will be participating in a high school student exchange scholarship to the United States through the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (KL YES) program. She will stay in America for 10 months.
"When my elder sibling participated in a student exchange program, my interest was piqued back in middle school. So, when the KL YES opportunity arose, I promptly applied," shared Maura during her meeting with the Pradita Dirgantara High School public relations team on Sunday, August 8, 2021.
Also Read: Maura flies worldwide to America
According to Maura, who comes from Batam and grew up in a multicultural family of Malay and Chinese heritage, she intends to make the most of this chance to visit America. She also hopes that Americans will gain insights from Indonesian culture.
"Though my impact may seem modest in America, I'm a representative of Indonesia, and I'm committed to giving it my all," assured Maura.
Additionally, Maura, who is proficient in English, emphasized that KL YES transcends the mere exchange of lessons. Its broader aim is to identify "ambassadors of peace and friendship" from countries with substantial Muslim populations. Given Maura's multicultural background, KL YES represents a golden opportunity to spotlight the diversity of her homeland to the wider world, especially in America.
Throughout her participation in the KL YES program in America, Maura will be hosted by a carefully selected family and will attend Oakland Mills High School on Kilimanjaro Rd, Columbia. This will provide her a direct immersion into the community through KL YES initiatives.
In addition to Maura, there are four other students from Pradita Dirgantara High School who are also set to partake in the KL YES program in America, each with different departure schedules. Among them are Syahirah Putri Aisyah from Padang (XII-E), Ratu Putri Dewi from Mataram (XI-B), Nirmana Artistika De La Rantow from Yogyakarta (XI-D), and M. Rizky Narindra from Palembang (XI-E).
To all students of Pradita Dirgantara High School, and to students everywhere, let Maura be an inspiration. Let's show the world that Indonesia is a nation that cherishes diversity and tolerance. We may be different, but we remain united as one, Indonesia.