Writing This Because I Rarely See Them Anymore

Do you ever feel like you're still on holiday, waiting to return to the classroom and see your friends again? It's a strange feeling, isn't it? For me, it's a constant thought, even though graduation is already in the past. The two years of the pandemic stole precious moments from me, moments I could have spent in a real classroom. It feels like just yesterday I was sitting behind my friends, listening to the professor, and marveling at my classmates, thinking, "Wow, they're so smart. What will they become in the future?"

Well, now I'm living in that future. It's only been a year since graduation, but through social media, I see my friends thriving. Some work at consulting agencies, some are in government roles, others have stayed in academia, while some have ventured into business or banking. I'm a real adult now, with real responsibilities and priorities. It's surreal to realize that I can't just meet up with my friends easily anymore. My goals have shifted from merely finishing a semester to navigating my career and life.

Life feels like a series of road intersections where people come and go, each path taking us in different directions. It's bittersweet, isn't it? The friends who were once a daily part of my life are now scattered across different cities and countries, pursuing their dreams. Sometimes, I wish I could return to those precious times, relive the laughter and camaraderie we shared. But my significant other always reminds me, "Instead of longing for the past, let's be grateful for the beautiful memories we have."

Those moments have passed, but they marked my heart, brought happiness, and helped shape who I am.

Special thanks to Sadyakasa Adyawidya for inspiring me to write this during my one-hour flight.