OtotSendi: VDMI Online Capacity Building Program
VDMI continues to inspire alumni and grantees through the ‘OtotSendi’ program, which discussed various interesting topics. From July to August 2020, the Instagram Live Talkshow presents, first, Thomas Sembiring (alumnus from Sanata Dharma University) who experienced as a Journalist in CoalAsia and as an Expert Staff in the Regional Representative Council of Indonesia (DPD RI). Thomas told the participants that he trained his writing skills since his undergraduate study at the university. Next, Indra Dwi Prasetyo (alumnus from Tanjungpura University, the Managing Director of ID Next Leader, and the LPDP Awardee) shared his experience in writing the required essay for his master scholarship application. In writing the essay, Indra suggested the participants start with the main idea and continue with supporting ideas (data and examples), as well as providing a conclusion.
Furthermore, Annisa Ika Tiwi (alumna from Gadjah Mada University and Public Relations and Protocol Staff at the Secretariat of the Indonesian Cabinet) discussed ‘Creative Writing’. She highlighted that creative writing has several stages: planning, content creating, sharing, and evaluating. Also, Dewi Sophia Darlis (grantee from Padang State University and the writer of “Senjaku adalah Kamu”) shared her experience in publishing her script. She suggested the OtotSendi participants start to write daily and making a timeline for any project that they want to finish.
Next, Bayu Haryanto (Blogger at kidalnarsis.com and Student Affairs Staff at Bung Hatta University) talked about how to promote the local culture through blogs. In his blog, Bayu promotes West Sumatera cultures by writing about the food as well as his journey to interesting places across West Sumatera. Finally, Klaudia Anastasia Deda (alumna from SMAK Regina Pacis, Bajawa) shared her struggles in applying to the University of Indonesia, Depok. “If you give up, you have a 100% chance to fail, but if you try, you have a 50% chance to succeed,” Klaudia highlighted.
