uad is up there

This Saturday, UAD arranged a special visit to their observatory for us. What amazed me the most was the university’s massive telescope, housed beneath a roof that opens to reveal the vast skies. Their state-of-the-art facilities truly prioritize experiential learning, offering students hands-on opportunities to explore beyond the classroom. The mini astronomer in me was thrilled by the experience—it felt like reconnecting with the stars and celestial wonders once again. We also had the chance to meet new friends from Kenya, who are currently pursuing their master’s degrees at the university.

In the afternoon, we enjoyed gudeg—my favorite Indonesian dish—for lunch, and as always, it did not disappoint.

To further immerse us in Indonesian culture and traditions, the UAD English Language Department introduced us to Tilik, an award-winning Indonesian film.

Despite its simple plot, the movie captivated me with its natural dialogue, strong character portrayals, and insightful depiction of society. As a movie enthusiast, I found myself drawn to its brilliance, and it was easy to see why it earned so many accolades.

To top off the day, I won a prize for answering a question from one of the guest speakers—an exciting moment in itself. Surprisingly, I also received another award for being an emotional person, a recognition that left me both amused and touched.

With love and gratitude,

Mister Ton

February 15, 2025