Success isn’t about where you start; it’s about the courage to take chances, the determination to keep going, and the belief that your dreams are worth the journey.

If you had told little me, running around in a village in Bogor, that one day I’d be working abroad and leading projects, I probably would have laughed, shrugged, and gone back to climbing trees. Life back then was simple—just me, a tomboy who’d rather play outside than sit still. My friends and I had this unspoken competition in school. For years, I was the one who always came in second while my best friend held onto that first-place crown. But in Year 6, I finally edged out my friend and snatched that top spot! It felt like winning a championship, and it got me into SMPN 4 Bogor, the favorite middle school in the city.

Now, that school wasn’t exactly around the corner. Every morning, I’d be up before dawn, catching a public transport at 6 AM to get to class by 7. My parents gave me IDR 10,000 a day, which was a decent amount back in the early 2000s—enough to cover transport and maybe a little snack during lunch. I wasn’t the popular kid by any means. I’d head straight home after class, unless there was a group project, and even then, I was the one who’d quietly finish the assignments while everyone else chatted. And yeah, my homework? It was practically a communal resource for my classmates. But hey, I didn’t mind. It’s not like I was charging a fee!

High school went by in a blur of books, exams, and the same routine. But things got real when I headed to university in Bandung at ITHB. Here’s the thing—my family couldn’t afford much, so my time in college was all about balancing a tight budget. My boarding room was a snug little space, just 2×3 meters, costing IDR 2,500,000 a year. It wasn’t much, but it was my tiny sanctuary, close enough to campus that I could nap between classes. My parents sent me IDR 600,000 each month for expenses, which meant I had to be careful with every rupiah. While my friends went out for coffee dates or weekend getaways, I was back in my room, munching on instant noodles and dreaming of adventures I couldn’t yet afford.

Then, towards the end of my seventh semester, something completely unexpected happened. Accenture came to our campus for interviews. I wasn’t even planning to attend, but one of the staff casually suggested I join. At first, I thought, “Really? Me?” Most of the students lining up were top of the class, and I felt like an outsider. But on a whim, I decided to give it a shot. What’s the worst that could happen? I thought.

Now, here’s where the plot twist kicks in: the interview was in English. My English back then was, well, let’s just say it was… creatively chaotic. Plus, it turned out this wasn’t for a role in Accenture Indonesia, but Malaysia! I remember stumbling over words, but I made up for it with sheer enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. And by some miracle—or maybe they saw something in me I couldn’t see yet—I got the job. Me, the only woman out of seven students chosen, was about to pack up and head to Kuala Lumpur.

It was the first time I’d ever set foot outside Indonesia, and I was equal parts excited and terrified. My first project at Telekom Malaysia was a rollercoaster. Long hours, weekend shifts, and late-night support sessions were all part of the package. My teammates practically lived on takeaway pizza, and I was right there with them, learning the ropes of software testing.

I’ll be honest—there were days when I wondered if I was in over my head. But my team? They were the best. They pushed me when I doubted myself, taught me the ropes, and cheered me on as I found my confidence. Soon enough, my manager trusted me to lead projects and handle client meetings. That first time sitting across the table from clients? I thought my heart might burst out of my chest. But somehow, I made it through, and every challenge made me a little stronger.

Fast forward 14 years, and I’m still riding that wave. I’ve grown, I’ve traveled, and I’ve learned that life has a funny way of leading you exactly where you need to be—even if it’s nowhere near where you thought you’d end up.

From a small-town girl who couldn’t afford weekend trips, to someone who’s lucky enough to explore the world, it’s been a wild ride. And along the way, I learned that you never really know what someone’s journey looks like. So if you see someone struggling, remember—they might just be in the middle of their story. A little kindness, a little encouragement, can go a long way.

And to my parents, who worked so hard to give me every opportunity and watched me fly off to Malaysia, thank you. I hope I’m making you proud up there.

Life’s full of surprises, isn’t it? So here’s to dreaming big, taking chances, and finding joy in the journey—wherever it leads.

Cheers!

elsyaFhani