Growing up in a single-parent household taught me to make choices and take the chances to change for the greater good of myself and others. Personality-wise, I am an open-minded and fun person. I love to discuss social problems and see them from many perspectives.

The media often spark misunderstandings regarding racial, faith, and cultural issues. This situation has made me profoundly interested in breaking stereotypes to promote global peace. This drive brought me to apply for the U.S. Department of State’s Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program selection in 2013. I was selected along with other student ambassadors from all regions of Indonesia for the 2015/2016 academic year. The primary purpose of this program was to bridge cultural understanding in response to the September 11th tragedy. As a student ambassador from Indonesia, I actively volunteered with AYUSA (a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting global learning) and AFS (American Field Service) in social projects such as Interfaith Dialogue for Peace. For my contribution to my Host State, Arizona, I was awarded excellence in community service by the United States Department of State in 2016.

These opportunities have become a privilege that comes with the responsibility to share my experiences with the communities in Indonesia. There are many stereotypes that my people have set towards other countries. Having the experience of being a youth ambassador has helped me give different perspectives and understanding to my community through the youth activities I conducted with the help of my High School teachers.

To be capable of continuously giving to my community, I realize that I still have a long learning journey. As there will be excellent students and professionals at this year’s Global Peace Summit, I am thrilled to meet and learn from the other participant’s experiences contributing to their community.