From A Modest Family, to Traveling Around The World

Michelle, one of WVI's former sponsored child, is currently working as a flight attendant for Citilink Indonesia. For Michelle, dreams are free. "We can dream to be whatever we want. If I can be a flight attendant, maybe you can be a pilot, be president," she said. She hopes Indonesian children will continue to strive for their dreams. Don't give up. Just focus on developing your own skills. Do not compare ourselves with others, but rather compare ourselves with our previous selves. Whether there have been positive changes or not.  

"I got on a plane for the first time because WVI took me to an activity outside Surabaya. From there I thought, it would be fun to be a flight attendant," said this young woman. However, to fulfill that dream, Michelle needs to become a more confident person. "But I used to be really nervous when I was asked to speak in front of the public, especially with a mic," she says, "so when I saw that the members of the DaBaJay Children's Forum could speak in front of people, sing, play guitar, I was curious and interested. Eventually, I joined the Children's Forum,". The experience of witnessing how children can be free and brave to express themselves was one of the moments that shaped the current Michelle.  

Joining the Children's Forum proved successful in turning the shy Michelle into a confident Michelle, and even into an independent and empowered adult. This change can happen because the Children's Forum gives every child the opportunity to express their opinions. "Because as child, especially me, to express my opinion was like being shy, afraid of being wrong," she said. But when given a supportive space, Michelle was able to express her opinion very well.  

"The Children's Forum is like an extracurricular activity but with many divisions. There I was taught many things that were very good for developing myself. And because of the Children's Forum, I'm no longer confused about what I want to be," said Michelle. While other children still don't know what they want to do after school, Michelle has already neatly laid out her future plans. The insights she gained from the Children's Forum strengthened her resolve to continue her education at university, studying Communications. Michelle is getting closer to her dream of becoming a flight attendant.  

Michelle felt that she had developed and was then given many opportunities by God. She believes that God never sleeps. God will definitely provide a way for anyone who wants to try. When you have tried your best, you should also not waste the opportunities that exist. "I went to college on scholarship. As soon as there was an opportunity I took it, I was not ashamed. When I joined flight attendant education, it was the same. There was an opportunity from the city government, I immediately enrolled it," she said. Michelle believes that in addition to self-development, being observant in utilizing opportunities can also be a way for dreams to be achieved.  

"After being in this position, because of the support of my parents and also WVI, I have received something from WVI in the past, and now it's time for me to return the favor. Several times I have donated to WVI. I want to express my gratitude in this way,".  

In the future, Michelle still wants to continue her career as a flight attendant. She also still dreams of traveling around the world and making her parents happy. 

Writer: Mariana Kurniawati (Communication Executive)