The year 2024 was a truly valuable journey for me. I returned to a place full of memories, a place that gave me knowledge and shaped me into who I am today. However, now I come with a different role. I never imagined that I could return to this place, especially as a teacher candidate.

It feels strange to be in the same school, meeting the teachers that I used to call Sir and Ma’am. Now, they address me Ma’am, not just calling my nickname. YPPK Adhi Luhur Senior Secondary School, also known as Kolese Le Cocq d’Armandville, is the name of the institution. When I was a student, this school accepted all students without any discrimination. I never felt alienated from my friends despite my differences. This experience shaped my pride in the school that provides academic excellence and instills the values ​​of tolerance and respect for others.

Doubts and Questions

Of course, the journey to study at this school was not easy. My family and I faced many questions and doubts from the community. As a Muslim who chose to attend a Catholic school, people often pose questions like “Are you ready to attend a Catholic school? Do you know the rules? Are you ready to take off your hijab? Are you ready to be isolated?”

Although many people doubted my decision, I am grateful to have parents and older siblings who uphold the value of diversity. They fully supported my choice and convinced me that whatever other people said was just an opinion that was not necessarily true. To find out, I had to take that path with full confidence. Their messages stuck in my heart and guided me to step forward without hesitation. My decision was right.

Belief Becomes Reality

While studying at this Jesuit College, I was always treated fairly and had the same rights as my other friends. I was able to participate in various academic and non-academic activities without discrimination. The priests, brothers, sisters, teachers, educational staff, the janitor Mr. Argo, and all friends always showed mutual respect and appreciation. I was never forced to change my beliefs. Even though I took Catholic religious lessons, I was never forced to pray in a way that was different from my beliefs. In fact, at this school, I learned about the values ​​of tolerance and openness to differences.

Getting to Know Catholicism

Through this school, I began to understand the concepts of Catholicism, such as Mass, communion, altar, etc. I also learned to read the Bible. I participated in teaching Sunday school. Those never aim to alter my beliefs but contributed to my understanding of other religions. I am grateful because my insight is enriched, and my way of thinking is broadened. This school does not focus on a particular religious doctrine but emphasizes love, respect, and appreciation.

One of the things I learned from this school is the values ​​of the 4Cs: competence, compassion, conscience, and commitment. Through these values, I learned that education is both developing academic intelligence and humanizing others.

Teaching Assistance

From July to December 2024, I returned to YPPK Adhi Luhur Senior Secondary School as part of my campus program, Teaching Assistance. This program provides opportunities for students to become teaching assistants at colleges or high schools. It aims to improve students’ teaching skills, enrich academic experiences, and assist lecturers or teachers in the learning process.

If I went to school as a student without a hijab in the past, now I come with a different appearance, wearing a hijab. However, they welcomed me just the same as when I was a student, full of warmth, love, and tolerance. I was also allowed and trusted to teach in all grade X classes, assist in extracurricular activities, assist school event committees, and meet extraordinary students.

Maintained Values

One of the students who caught my attention was Asyaidah, the only Muslim student in her class, just like me. I observed her and saw that her treatment was the same as mine while studying here. The incident proves that the spirit of tolerance at this Jesuit College in the far east of Indonesia has been maintained from generation to generation.

In my journey of learning as a teacher candidate, I have not only learned from the Fathers, Brothers, and teachers, but also from students who have an extraordinary spirit in learning. They do not give up easily when facing difficulties and strongly believe in helping and supporting each other. From them, I learned that a teacher does teach and continues to learn from different teachers and their students.

Growing

The teaching assistance program was almost over in mid-December, so I gained a lot from this experience. This school has helped me grow, develop, and provide a better future. More than that, I found the meaning of strength because I have had the principle of growing without letting sadness control me all this time. It sounds odd, but my family shouldn’t have accepted that experience based on my parents’ and older siblings’ experiences. That is what shaped me into a person who must always be strong, even tending to suppress feelings and constantly trying to avoid sadness.

However, my experience at this school taught me that being strong does not mean rejecting sadness. This is because sadness is not a negative emotion but rather a way to express our affection to other people. I also learned that being human means allowing ourselves to feel, appreciate, and be grateful for every experience we have. This school has become an important part of my life, not only as a place to obtain knowledge but also as a second home that teaches the values ​​of life. I am grateful to have been part of YPPK Adhi Luhur Senior Secondary School, Le Cocq d’Armandville College. I will always carry this valuable lesson wherever I set foot.

Contributor: Mutiara Al Kausar – Sanata Dharma University, Yogyakarta Student