More Than I Ever Imagined
Being selected as one of the 20 RELO Sponsorship Awardees from across Indonesia to attend the 72nd TEFLIN International Conference at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta was an opportunity I had never imagined. Held in conjunction with the 10th ICEMS and the 2nd TESOL Research Colloquium, the conference brought together educators and researchers to share their ideas, experiences, and knowledge. As an English and Arabic teacher at a rural pesantren in West Lombok, I felt truly grateful to be part of this event and to be the only RELO Sponsorship Awardee representing West Nusa Tenggara (NTB).
Throughout the pre-conference workshops and the conference itself, I learned many new things, gained fresh perspectives, presented my classroom-based research, and met inspiring educators. Being surrounded by people with so much experience reminded me that I am still young and have so much more to learn. Honestly, there were moments when I felt small and unsure of myself, as if I were only at the very beginning of a journey that others had been walking for years. Yet, rather than discouraging me, this feeling reminded me that growth takes time. I may still have a long way to go, but I hope to keep learning, growing, improving, and one day make a meaningful contribution to others, just as they have. In Syaa Allaah.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the TEFLIN Association, where I continue to grow; TEFLIN NTB Chapter, where I learn and connect with fellow educators; and RELO for making this opportunity possible. Thank you for opening this door and giving me the chance to learn, share, and grow. This experience has encouraged me to keep learning and bring new ideas and inspiration back to my students.
Our experiences may be different, but each of us has something to learn and something to share. Alhamdulillaah for this meaningful opportunity, and for the people who made this journey possible.✨
Linda Saufi Juliasti
RELO Sponsorship Awardee
