Meet Widya!
Hello everyone! My name is Widyatul Jannah, but most people call me Widya. I’m a student from the class of 2022, currently studying Development Economics. People often describe me as ambitious, and while some might say it with a hint of criticism, I see it as a positive trait. Ambition, when aimed at good things, can be very powerful.

I always love discovering new things and build a deep passion for writing. For me, writing is a way to express idea and thought, and turning them into something meaningful.

I hope my writings will bring me closer to achieving my dreams.

Every night before bed, I have a ritual: I carefully write down my targets and plans for the next day. I firmly believe in the saying, “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” This habit helps me stay organized and focused on my goals.

A Milestone in Writing: Widya’s Journey at Kuala Lumpur Entrepreneur Youth Summit 2024

One of the most memorable achievements of mine in writing was participating in the Kuala Lumpur Entrepreneur Youth Summit 2024, where I competed in an international essay competition. Beyond the competition, I had the privilege of participating in a lot of amazing activities such as visits to Batu Caves, Awana Genting Skyhigh, Jameek Mosque, Dataran Merdeka, and the Malaysian Sultan’s Palace. This experience profoundly deepened my understanding of Malaysian culture and history, broadening my horizons in ways that I never imagine before.

In addition to the competition, what truly last with me during this experience was the opportunity to participate in an international conference at IISTAC-IIUM and an international symposium at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). Engaging in these academic forums allowed me to interact with experts and students from various countries, providing valuable insights and broadening my perspectives. Through these discussions, I learned about the significant role that youth play in addressing local challenges.

One particular moment was hearing the entrepreneurial journey of a student from Universiti Putra Malaysia. The story inspired me to embrace initiative and start pursuing my dreams without hesitation. This experience reinforced my belief in the importance of youth involvement in driving positive change in our communities.

Where did your journey start?

I first learned about the competition from a senior at UKM argUMent, He suggested I reach out to the campus, and at the same time, one of my lecturers also shared the information.

I was very excited to give it a try! because I saw this essay competition as a chance to write about real problems and suggest real solutions. For my preparation, I focused on a problem in Lombok. Another big reason I wanted to join this competition was the possibility to study abroad for free. I am aware it was a great opportunity and become a huge motivation for me.

The Competition Stages:

Here were several stages I went through to prepare for the competition.

  • First, I found out about the institution or community hosting the competition and read the guidebook, which was crucial for preparing my essay.
  • Then, I brainstormed ideas and began writing. Throughout this process, I kept my intention clear: participating to learn and gain insights that could positively impact others.
  • Next, there was a selection process at the faculty level.
  • The final step was securing funding, I was fortunate that half of the funds came from my faculty, and the university assisted with the other half.
  • I also need to take care of practical matters like obtaining a passport.

Despite the challenges of applying on short notice before my departure, thankfully, with determination, effort, and prayers, everything fell into place.

This entire preparation process taught me the value of patience in overcoming obstacles and how important it is to trust Allah throughout every step.

How do you feel about participating in the competition? And what impact did you feel after participating?

During the competition, I experienced mixed emotions. I was worried that I wouldn’t finish my essay on time because the deadline was tight. I also felt nervous seeing other participants who seemed more experienced. However, my happiness and excitement outweighed these feelings, because after all, my dream of participating was coming true. I also reassured myself that I could complete and present my essay well. During this process, I also diligently sought help from several lecturers to review my essay, and reached out to my parents and friends for their prayers. My greatest hope is everything will go smoothly until the end of the competition.

Participating in the essay competition had a profound impact on me personally. It encouraged my eagerness to learn and write more papers in the future. I also gained valuable experience that I could share with friends. Most importantly, I learned to appreciate every step of the journey and not to underestimate any effort, no matter how small it is.

“Rise Up and Try Again”

I have tried several times to study abroad, each with its own challenges. The first time was when I applied for a student exchange program and completed all the necessary steps. Unfortunately, I hit a roadblock when my sponsor was unable to provide the funding I needed. Undeterred, I tried again a few months later, only to face the same obstacle: funding.

Despite feeling disappointed, I refused to give up on my dream of studying abroad. Months passed, and just as I was considering giving up, I came across information about this competition. Driven by great determination, I decided to give it one more try. Mentally prepared for the possibility of failure, I took a leap of faith.

Thankfully, through this competition, I was able to fulfill my dream of studying abroad with no cost, and I am truly grateful for this chance.

Widya’s Personal Tips for Success in Writing Competitions

Straighten Your Intentions

Before embarking on any competition, particularly in writing, it’s crucial to clarify your intentions. Approach it with a sincere desire to learn and to contribute positively to others. Revisiting your initial motivations can serve as a powerful source of encouragement during moments of doubt.

Start with Idea Exploration

Begin by diving into the competition’s themes. Take note of prevalent issues in your surroundings and brainstorm solutions that can have a meaningful impact on a larger scale.

Read and Begin Writing

Expand your basic knowledge through extensive reading. Once an idea takes shape, don’t hesitate to start writing. Creating an outline beforehand can help structure your thoughts effectively. Besides that, don’t forget to pay attention to the competition’s guidelines.

Seek Constructive Feedback

Engage with peers, teachers, or mentors to gain valuable feedback on your writing. Their insights can lead to suggestions on areas that need improvement. Collaborating with your lecturers for advice and further improvements can significantly enhance your work.

Embrace Persistence

Overcoming setbacks is an essential part of any journey. If you face challenges, please take necessary breaks, but never lose sight of your goals. Each obstacle offers lessons in resilience, courage, and patience. And most importantly, trust in your own abilities and Allah. Allah will grant our wishes at the right time and in the best way ever.

“And be patient until Allah gives judgement”

(Quran, Surah Yunus: 109)

 

Want to know more about Widya’s journey?

Reach her out through Instagram @wiyata_widya

#LetsBeBoldToBeAchievers