Words by Muhammad Arasy Hairul

University of Tadulako, Palu

As a little kid from a small city in Sulawesi, to visit foreign country is rarely dreamed by children around me, back then. But dream will turn into reality as you put your maximum effort on it. Joining XL Future Leaders program even push me higher to develop my skills, striving to achieve my aspirations. This is my story… 

I still remember when I did mentoring on Individual Development Plan (IDP) with my facilitator, Leo, one of the short term goals I set for my IDP is to join one of International Youth Exchange Program on mid-2016. I have one year to improve my soft skills so that I will be able fulfill the minimum requirement standard, and this year the opportunity is finally come.

I am truly blessed this year selected as one of Indonesian representatives in Indonesia-China Youth Exchange Program (ICHYEP), an annual program by Ministry of Youth and Sports Republic of Indonesia (in collaboration with Anakmuda.net) and the People’s Republic of China which aim to strengthen people-to-people diplomacy, especially among the young generation, to build mutual understanding and networks, learn from each other’s experience, as well as to contribute back to the society.

Couple months ago, I applied for Indonesia–Korea Youth Exchange Program, hosted by the Indonesian Government and South Korean Government. It was my first experience applying for international youth exchange program, but unfortunately I didn’t pass the selection. The failure didn’t make me down or surrender. I challenged myself to give another try and grab another opportunity.

Lesson and learn from my first attempt became discussion material during mentoring session with Leo in preparing for the next try. I applied all suggestion and guidance from him and prepare my best, start from filling the online form where I had to show my leadership quality supported with evidence. As the result, I passed the first round selection and prepared for next step ordered by committee.

In the next phase, the candidates should present a post-program activity plan after returning from China. Fortunately, I have been learning from XL Future Leaders Program about inquiry learning process, critical thinking, presentation technique and social innovation project planning, so I could make my presentation concept more powerful.  Before sending my pitch desk, I once again proposed mentoring with our facilitator Leo, and I remembered he gave me suggestion to emphasize specifically on impact analysis and key performance indicator that he felt not strongly stated in my concept. After the mentoring, I felt very clear and directly revised my proposal then submit it to the committee.

A few days ahead, I got an announcement from the committee that I continued to the next phase, which is interview test through Skype. I took all the lessons about interview during XLFL workshop and practiced myself in front of the mirror. During the Skype interview, the interviewers asked me all about my post program activity for about 10 minutes. I tried to answer the interviewers’ questions clearly and professionally to indicate that I fulfilled the qualification. At the same time, my mother prayed for me in order the interview run smoothly. It was a short and challenging interview session, but thanks God I nailed it. Special thanks also to my beloved Mom who kept praying for me so that the interview session would run smoothly.

Five days later, suddenly I received whatsapp group invitation of 20 best candidates. Aryo Febrian Moedanton, the founder of Anakmuda.net, announced that all of us who were invited to this whatsapp group were selected as the Indonesian representatives of Indonesia-China Youth Exchange Program.

Wooow… Surprised yet excited.!!

I couldn’t believe it. I even asked to Aryo, Really? He replied, Yeah, you are. Oh my God, I couldn’t express how blessed I was. I directly jumped high and shouted, Alhamdulillah! I ran into my home, met my Mother and told her I was selected for ICHYEP program. “Alhamdulillah Arasy that’s because of your hard work. It will be your awesome prize as fresh grad. I’m a very proud Mother,” Said my Mother.

Finally, one of my dreams came true. Massive thanks to XL Future Leaders Program for giving me opportunity to grow, to be the best I can be and achieve my dream. Especially to my facilitator, Leo, who support me, giving advice, and, most importantly, believing me.

As I reflect on my journey, XL Future Leaders program is the most amazing program I’ve ever joined. From just a very shy student from a small city, now ready to spread my wings and fly high to be an extraordinary future leader.

I truly wish this program constantly contributed in advancing Indonesia better.

Love you XLFL!!!