Young, and Spiky

Remember how I've always been complaining about work lately? And remember how, when you read me complaining, you might have this question deeeeep inside your tiny little heart: "enough talking, you wuzz, stand up and quit already!?"

Well. The answer is simple: I feel like I still need to prove myself.

Yea, it's about me and my own ambition. C'mon, spare me a little, I'm young, and I want to sharpen my spikes! I want to make my brands matter -lol bullshyt?- I want to win more pitch so I can decorate my portfolio with even prettier stuff -well now it's a genuine one- and, I want awards.

So this year, after making it to Top 10 last year in Daun Muda, I got into another award competition. This time it's a bit more international.

Young Spikes Award.

Well, alright alright, it's my boss again. He dragged me into this, once again. It wasn't my intention at the first place but after some considerations, I felt like I had to redeem for not making it into Top 3 last year so there I was, once again 'trapped' in the rollercoaster advertising award ride.

The process was basically the same. We worked in a group of two, received the brief, spent weekend at the office to crack the idea, and just wait in vein. Only this time, the deadline was only 24 hours -which oh for God's sake, was much better than 48 hours because SPENDING THE WHOLE WEEKEND AT THE OFFICE IS SO STRESSFUL! and, I had a new partner.

Remember about my old squad at the office? Well yea most of them are gone now, but as time went by and I moved on -lol wth- I found myself in yet another awesome circle. The boss is still the same, but my playmates are new. A girl and a guy, and let's call them Masha and The Bear. And all three of us, Masha, The Bear, and me, we were kinda forced by our boss to join Young Spikes.

I was partnered with The Bear. Oh God. Lol did I make it sound like I can't stand The Bear? Nooo, we're good. Too good in fact, that we tend to mock each other and jape a lot. Way too lot.

But then the 24 hours we spent at the office was quiet effective and fruitful, though the new big boss kinda questioned our idea, but then, just the next day, when we were expected to wait for a phone call should our idea proceeded to the presentation stage, well,

WE GOT THAT CALL!

I couldn't believe it. AT. ALL. Two years in a row, in two different, but equally prestigious advertising award event, I made it into the shortlist! This time was Top 7, a slightly much MUCH better result, which it alone got me all proud of myself already!

We got to present our idea the next day. God, I don't need to explain how nervous we were for that. Plus, this was The Bear's first time making it through as a finalist after joining the competitions for some years so, it's a big thing for us!

The presentation went smooth, though we were the last one to present. The idea was clever, the slides were on-point and not full of words, the speaking was clear, the answers to the unexpected questions were unexpectedly delivered in a very very satisfying quality. So then came the announcement and

We lost.

Lol do you expect this to turn out to be a super sweet dreams-do-come-true blog post where I won the award and that's why I posted it? No, I lost. They said that our presentation was top notch, and the judges were having a difficulty in deciding whether it should be us or the other team to win, so yea they claimed that if there were a second place, it should be us, but no. No second place, and no, we weren't the winner no matter what.

Still I'm writing about this as a token of appreciation to myself, and, most importantly, as a reminder that I could do anything and go as far as I wish if I want.

I started working at this industry knowing nothing -but stories from our lecturers back at the university, lacking of skills, having no experiences, needing times and times to grow and up my level, even several weeks prior me doing the competition, a stupid Malay expat at my office made fun of me and told me that I couldn't go far -well she was drunk, so she probably didn't mean it but wait, alcohol usually make someone talk what they really think of, no? and look at me now: it took me only 24 hours to show that I am worthy of a brilliant ad man, for the second consecutive year.

No, of course I'm not doing this award to show that woman that I can achieve something. She's not worth the back of my mind.

This is totally my way to show that I'm capable of doing anything I want.

I'm young, full of spikes

Ready to pop your balloon

First Week, Versed Week

Okay, so...

I got a job now.

A freelance job, tho.

Something my dad really doesn't want me to do, because, you know, "freelance". But this is not a freelance I can do from home. This is a temporary-being-an-employee-for-a-company-go-to-work-Mon-to-Fri-10-to-6-kind-of-freelance to replace their actual employee who's taking her maternity leave. So it's like being a true worker, only in a limited contract. And since the position is something I'd kill for, my dad had no choice but to let me.

Yes, I'm a copywriter.

Crazy eh? It's like the position I've always been longing for, I've always been bragging to my friends in campus that I'd apply soon after graduating. And now I'm living it.

For real. Not as an intern.

It's a local agency called Celsius. In the history of doing interviews, there were two local agencies who were interested to try me. The other local agency was actually too local. Their clients are mostly local brands, although their projects tend to be bigger. Celsius, on the other hand, has more variations of clients. And I still get to write copies in English!

This is why I like it a lot.

So that's why I kinda feel like I nailed my first week. Still pretty idle, to be honest, with so many time wasted for just browsing the internet. But my jobs for the whole week were all in English so I was more than just excited.

And I think I got my job more than right.

Even the boss shocked when I overdid what he asked. And kinda felt overwhelmed because I've finished something I shouldn't have finished yet. I'm too fired, too much driven. But that's good tho, at least I'm showing my boss that I'm actually interested and have that passion to work. Newbie. Typical. But so what, the boss liked it!

Well, guys, lol.

Pardon me for being somewhat too over-confident.

This is my method to keep my zest boosted.

After all this is my very first experience

Entering the real world

The Verge

How many times, in this blog, did I tell and brag to you that a copywriter will always be my dream job? I told that many times along my study. Wait, are you thinking--oh no, really, it's not that I'm no longer into being a copywriter no, I'm still dying to be one.

Until I realize, that my other 'stuff' is interfering.

Travel Writing.

I never realized how much I'm actually into this field until I started my book project. It was so alive, so flawless, I enjoyed every page I wrote and the next thing I knew, I had 200 pages ready to be sent to anyone like, ANYONE, who would want to publish my script.

So now I feel like, petrified.

Standing at the end of the road,

Facing two branching streets,

And I have to pick one.

I've been through several job interviews. Two of which were interviewed by expats. Which, apparently, both turned out to be the best two interviews I've ever done. Why, is it because I nailed both? Well I rock'd the first one, but definitely not for the second.

Let's talk about it one by one.

The first one was on May. My very first professional interview ever -and it was 3 hours public transport riding from home. I was interviewed for a writer position. Travel writer for a website, to be exact. The interviewers -yes, multiple, for my very first interview- were kind of flattered about me. We had a great convo tho, it wasn't even like a formal interview at all.

But then my limited editorial experience held me back from getting the job. The interviewer updated me about anything, shortly after my interview, and even gave me suggestions about how to improve my chance in succeeding journalism. I didn't feel so much upset tho because, I figured that I still have to enhance my skill.

Now the second best interview, it was two weeks ago. This time, I applied as what I've always been longing for: a copywriter. In a big multinational agency. A road to my dreams come true. But that didn't happen smoothly. A very strict woman interviewed me.

This'll be a pain in my ass, I told myself as I learned that she's very cold and flat. I could tell that she wasn't even impressed at all and I was totally correct. And right after I shut my mouth of presenting my portfolio, the first thing came out of her lips are "can I just be frank?"

"Crap, this ain't be good" my inside trembled like shit but my face showed the sweetest smile I could ever generate.

She started pointing out that my portfolio wasn't strong enough. Too campus-ish. She then lectured me this and that, and I couldn't even forget about the topic of "choosing what's the best in life". It was hard for me to actually accept those words from somebody who just rejected me, but, apparently, this became the interview that opened my eyes about what I really want.

Yea.

The two interviews, from two distinct industries, made me realized that I haven't figured out which way I'd totally want to dive really deep into. I don't even have strong bases on both fields it's like, I only commit to fifty fifty in each.

So should I let go one of them and focus on the other one?

But, which one? Giving the fact that I love, both of them?

Well,

Don't call me Vicky if I ever give up on what I like.

I have plans, believe me :)

Untouched

Good evening.

To you. And to my blog.

Classic me, eh?

Got busy with something, abandoned the blog and left all the wonderful stories I experienced untold. Yea I have tons of things I need to spill in here. I got tons of blessings I urgently have to praised, in here.

But I have not much time.

So is this how working actually feels like???

Yea well keep the answer, let's make a brief blog post and go.

And so it efficiently showed that this is how working is like: rushing.

So let's get back to what happened after I flew back from Vietnam and Cambodia. Yes, graduation ceremony. The rehearsal, the day. Said goodbye to the lecturers and staffs, to most friends I never met again with after, and to weekly money. Yes, mommy and daddy were so proud of me finishing college, but it meant that I now had to stand on my own, eh? :)

Then came the jobless phase. Well, jobless from the outside. Internally, I made myself busy with some initiative project of my own. It's my long lost dream I've always had when I was a little. And now it's entering the last phase of finishing. Lord I'm so grateful for everything. Excited as well. Well sorry I can't tell you now because I want this to be a sweet surprise for everybody. Especially for myself.

Anyway, that I'm-looking-jobless-but-actually-I-was-doing-something-big time was the best for me. I got to enjoy my post-graduation lazy days, free as a sophomore on a summer break, except this kind of summer wouldn't turn to autumn because there were be no more semesters ahead of me. Yea it was good. Until I realize, I need money.

So I got myself employed part time as a social media staff. Cool eh? Part timer. I'll earn money, but I don't have to go to the office. But things got more complicated so the next thing I knew, I had to go to the office twice a week. Then I got employed as a freelance writer. Compacted. Now the free time I had for the last 30 days, just swept away like dusts.

I didn't intend to apply as a full time employee because I had two upcoming trips. One upcoming trip for now, because I just finished the one to Bali last weekend -will tell it on a separate post. So it'll be Macau next April, and I have to work my ass off so that I'll be able to waste some cash in China.

So umm, whoops, I typed too much already.

Felt so great to be able to write again.

Sorry, blog, for being too busy.

Wish me luck in everything.

Well.

Brief post, eh Vick?

Ya that's fine, it's been so long anyway.

This blog's losing the sense of its humanity.

It just needs constant touch

Journal Closing

I thought 2012 was the sweetest one.
But I was wrong. Until I met 2013.

Which turned to be the year

I learned more about myself.

All year long, I'm telling you, all year long.
I kept exploring hidden potentials inside of me.

Potentials I thought were strong enough but eventually,
I kept exploring something bigger as days and months went by.

Flying Solo -- January - February

Never once in my mind, back then, that I'd actually ever gone traveling alone to some new places I never even been to. But I did. I completed the challenge I set to myself. And it was not only me, but my parents were also proud of what I did, my friends applauded me. A regular trip, supposedly, but the extreme touches I sprinkled, made it more interesting. I began to love myself.

First Real Jobs -- March - April

Things got more serious and it was more than just a traveling thing. So I got a freelance copywriting offer from my lecturer. To a guy in his junior year of college called "me", it was considered tremendous. I couldn't stop praising myself because, umm, she trusted me? :')

"The Field Trip" -- June - August

More about the professional world, yea as you knew I was called as apprentice by BBDO. One big, noted advertising agency worldwide. What I liked myself about this part was, I did everything by myself. Applying for the position, calling in the interview, doing the whole internship program ALTHOUGH, I have a relative who works for Lowe, I skipped the advantage and worked it all myself.

Getting American -- October

This, could actually be the highlight of the year and placed the last in this list. But after all, traveling should be placed one step below education and career so, it's placed fourth.

But still, this was the one I won't ever deny. The thing that makes me see myself higher. Although the success of this was achieved with my friends, I can't ever take myself for granted anymore. Or underestimate myself. So starting from US, when I felt down, I would just say to myself "dude, at least you been to America" :)

Done and Ready -- December

So as you know, the peak of my achievement was about myself in college. Yes. My degree. My title I worked myself to get. The phase where I could finally take a break from campus stuff. Well, the last break. Before I finally have to feel the real professional world. Not just an underdog freelance jobs. Nor a semi-real jobs called the internship.

But a real job.

That recently, has been haunting me too much.

Causing me lots of lots of thoughts and considerations.

Which actually, doesn't necessarily have to be like that tho.

Because I know somehow I can make it eventually.

Because I possess something greater than I ever even known.

I thought 2012 was the sweetest one.

But I was wrong. Until I met 2013.

And I hope I'm wrong again.

After I see 2014 :)

Relieved // Terrified

It's been a while.

I skipped updating about my last times at campus, I skipped sharing about how have my final thesis been going, I skipped continuing my Neverland Playlist... I was pretty occupied lately.

Got assigned to the thesis defense by Friday last week, December 20, and it really put my last week's early weekdays in such a mess. Yea you know, because before the trial I have to get all the administrative stuff done, then drop my paper to one of my examiners, then prepare for the presentation slides, the gimmicks, the souvenirs, ARGH I swear I was going to post a luck proposal the day before my trial but... I couldn't.

Anyway speaking of the day,
I might say that I felt so blessed...
To finish things smooth, and to have them.

Left to right are Ammy, Eda and Salsa. There were also Kidung -who
were inside the room, seeing me defensing my work, Dave and Jipi.

Left to right are Mbak Nadia, my oh-so-helping-thesis-consultant-damn-I-owe-her-so-much,
Mas Whisnu the chief and Mas Jaja the examiner. Thanks so much, everybody :')

Phew, well...
Now that everything's done...
Oh of course, praise Allah, everything's done.

I'm halfway patenting my degree, my title.

It's just several mini steps away to getting my degree, my title.

Anyway today was the last day like, literally THE LAST DAY of ours, being in an official academical activity. The next one we'll have, will be our graduation ceremony.

Lord...

Feels just like yesterday, I got involved in the orientation stuff.

Today, the future, the true life and the true adulthood wait before me.

I'm scared, inside out

Took Me All The Way

It ended yesterday.

You do know what I'm talking about.

The best time of my entire life so far.

A moment I never expected to come. 

October.

How couldn't it be not the best?

First of all, dad was having his 50th birthday. A special number not just for him, but to every single member of this little family of ours. It was just a day we all together realized that, in no time, dad -and mom- will start settling down, and there'll come our time, the kids, to take control the life business. Crazy.

Also, I finally finished the pain-in-the-ass Mirai Ocha task -although on some level, it was all majorly done by my teammates because I left them... ごめんね、皆さん :(

And for the whole month, my mentor made it smooth for my final assignment -the Whiskas stuff. It's now down to the last complicated chapter, and one complementary part to finish. Should I say I can't wait for the trial? No? Of course not, I'll regret saying it...

But the best part, as you know... Is USA.

Want me to tell about that all over again?

Haha don't worry, I know you're tired.

It won't feel good for me anyway.

Yes, because I still haven't completely moved on.

And I'm tired of keep thinking about it, honestly.
But umm, can I say just, this one last thing?

Okay.

"I'll be back there, somehow.
But for this trip, I'm done.
So memories,

Safe flight!"

Halfway to Half Done (Pt. 1)

Selamat sore, sobat sejagat!

Huff udah lama juganih gak bikin postingan pake bahasa Indo haha pegel juga euy ngomong pake bahasa orang. Sudah saatnya bahasa sendiri dikumandangkan!!! Padahal bahasa yang dipakai pun tidaklah baku :)

Oke jadi gue udah semester 7 kan nih ceritanya. Semester akhir. Nah tengah semester pun udah lewat minggu lalu, jadi masa masa gue sebagai mahasiswa tuh kayak cuman... Tiga bulan lagi? :')

Minggu lalu udah pitching klien pertama buat matkul Praktikum Periklanan -which was Mirai, yang sukses bikin anak iklan UI 2010 trauma denger kata "ocha". Laporan magang batch 1 out of 2 pun udah diluncurkan. Nah buat TKA Whiskas gue tersayang, udah memasuki bab 3 dari 5.

Intinya, semua udah serba setengah jalan.

PrakPrik udah ngeluarin brief kedua soal, ehm, kondom. Laporan magang udah harus dilanjutin sampe abis dan TKA, tanggal 17 Desember udah harus dikumpulin buat disidang Januari.

Serem gasih?

Gue sih sebenernya excited.

Excited karena udah mau lulus aja.

Tapi kalo mikirin mau kemana dan mau berbuat apa sehari setelah wisuda...

To be honest,

I still can't tell

I Knew It

Months ago, when I was still in search of an internship program, I convinced myself that I didn't have to be worried because somehow, on May 17th, some good news would come to me. I don't know why, the date has always been so sacred to me. I can't recall what had happened on previous May 17th. I could just sense it.

But that's not what I'm going to share now.

It's about the fact that I was totally right guessing.

A call from BBDO on May 17th 2013, yea it proved it all.

Since after, I stopped worrying about internship. I stopped following up McCann -whom apparently, is the best agency now in Indonesia. I didn't even change my mind knowing that Ogilvy would only accept me if I took the 3 months long program -while I only had 2 free months for internship. It's like, I fought my best to keep BBDO as the place I would learn more about advertising. I was so sure that I'd obtain something beyond my other friends could get from their agencies.

And again, I was right.

It's not because I got more knowledge than my friends,

Not because I earned more money -I didn't even get a cent,

Not at all because I was offered a permanent position at the agency.

No.

It was more because I completed this vision, this belief,

Of how the professional world really works.

I'm not ready.

So not ready about it.

It kept bugging me lately. About how finally I have to leave college. Leave the phase where twice a year, I can get the hell out of those regular activity and do some fun stuff like, go solo traveling. Leave the freedom. To a monotone working shift where weekends are my only holiday. Where coworkers can easily become my arch enemies. Or already become ones, without me knowing it.

And no one will ever going to be there to help me, but myself.

I'm not ready.

So not ready about it.

Now you know Andy Davis.

The kid from Toy Story trilogy.

We share many things in common.

Grew up together, terribly in love with toys,

We even went to college on the same exact year.

Image of Andy is from here.

Right now, he must've been facing the same issue with me.

I wonder how he reacts about this

To Batten, Barton, Durstine, Osborn, and Their People

I knew BBDO for more than a year. I like the agency. It's big, it's worldwide, it's the most awarded one internationally and I'm sure, it's so prestigious to work for it.

Then I got to know it much deeper last year, when I was an intern at BCA. Met some cool people, learned how they worked, explored stories that subconsciously convincing me to try my luck there, met some cool people--oh. Have I mentioned that? Well because I did, meet some cool people.

Mas Haris

was the Creative Director. Came to BCA, presenting creative proposals. I adored him.

Mas Didit

was the Executive Creative Director. Never seen him working as an ECD but he was my lecturer at the campus tho, so, I happened to know how agency works. I adored him.

Mas Awal

was the Copywriter. The first real, agency-worked-for copywriter I ever shook hand with. I never knew how he worked but, since I never met anyone else with title "Senior Copywriter" written on his name card, I adored him already.

The three of them.

They were the reason why I shouted like a scoring dad when the HRD called me, telling that I was accepted as the copywriter intern. I finally got to see them. And some other cool people I've been stalking for since the previous year, and I've been dying to work with.

So June 17th I came to the office, but...

It was only Mas Haris who remained staying -and he's leaving soon.

I knew that Mas Didit had long gone even before I gave a fvck about the internship thingy.

But knowing that Mas Awal,

and those cool people I thought I'd be seeing in real life,

Had all resigned from the agency without me knowing because I stopped stalking...

Well I can't judge. I barely knew the rest of those people. I didn't even know well those people who left, so why should I feel down already? There must be reasons why BBDO turned to be my way. There must be reasons why I wasn't as happy as when I was accepted in BBDO, once Ogilvy called me for schedule-matching interview.

And it turned out to be real.

I got everything what I need in here. Experience, insights about agency, the professional world, the office intrigues, facts and gossips about THE other agencies -and it made me relieved that I wasn't called again, new friends, and the most important thing, of course, the experience of working as a true copywriter.

Thank you, BBDO.

With Mbak Oni, the senior copywriter.

Anyway.

Yes, this post is not yet ended.

On my second day of working there, I got an ID card of my own, proudly posted it in all social media I have, and stating something like "Ah, feels like hired. I hope this'll be permanent."

So thank God that wish didn't come true.

Thank God no one convinced me to stay and help a little longer.

Because now I realize,

I'm not ready yet

Check Three: Fasting Month & Internship

I don't want to be late, again.

Now that it's a week after Lebaran,

And a week before my internship ends,

I guess it's about time to tick another box.

So yeah, fasting month had ended. I swear to God I thought last year Ramadan was the fastest I ever felt due to my other internship at BCA but then this year came and... The previous ones are nothing faster than this.

And about this year's internship, well, I'm so done being used haha. It's not that fully used actually but still, the existence of interns help employees a lot! Long live interns!

I actually am still having this big thirst of working as a copywriter because umm, gotta tell ya, I haven't worked my best ass off for anything. I haven't felt the true exhaustion of being a copywriter but, yea, there'll be time for that Vick, don't be such a greed. Soon you'll regret that you have said about these 'thirst' things.

Now...

Several steps away to New York.

God, please make it work.

Just like my way being an ad clerk

Excitement Over Sadness

Kemaren bos copywriter gue, Mbak Oni, ngajakin gue buat ikutan recording di Mampang. Kebetulan gue udah ngerjain ini iklan dari awal banget, dari brief pertamanya baru turun sampe bikin script dan milih talent segala. Jadi ya gimana, mesti ikut sampe abis toh?

The field trip, I must say, was really, really inspiring and insightful.

I learned how a recording studio works, and met some cool people.

But the highlight of the moment was, of course, the voice acting part.

Hm. Voice acting. For you who don't know, I'm dying about voice acting.

I'd jeopardize my whole career if I can easily be a successful voice actor.

Anyway talking about voice actor. Talent pertama, hmm, ternyata bukan talent pilihan gue. Gapapa, masih ada tiga lagi. Dan dia gak se-yang-diharapkan itu. Jadi bukan salah gue dong? Fufufu. Talent kedua, ketiga dan keempat, sayangnya, bukan orang orang yang gue pilih. Tapi sumpah gue gak ngerasa sedih karena, tiga tiganya voice actor pro.

Pertama dateng Imam Darto. Gak begitu berkesan sih, tapi gue akuin doi oke banget ngisi suaranya. Luwes, cepet, hap hap hap langsung beres. Trus datenglah Arie Dagienkz. Yang ini seru banget, banyak cerita, seenaknya ngaduk ngaduk script tapi gapapa, kadang emang itu perlu sih. Bret bret bret, beres dengan riang gembira.

The boss, and one of the Dandees.

Dan yang paling berkesan adalah Fla. She did it professionally, she made it quick, she showed excitement about the ads and the script -I took part in developing it, remember? So I'm damn flattered- she told a lot about her broadcasting career, she talked with me, asked me questions, wished me luck for everything. But the most touching part was, when she asked about my age. And mumbled herself, 

"1992? That's cute."

Well. Here's the thing.

I've always liked being considered as an underdog.

I've always enjoyed when people think that I know nothing.

I've always felt secured when I have uplines, where I don't have to stand on my own.

But I know, it won't last any longer.

Soon I'll be hired by, I don't know, some agencies.

Soon title 'intern' will be kicked because I'll be a full time copywriter.

Oh God.

I'm drifting away even further from my childhood.

But on the other hand, I'm one step closer to my dreams.

I mean, I could easily be a voice actor because I'm so on that track.

Or, looking back to where I am now, I'm halfway being a true copywriter.

Yeah Lord.

I'm drifting away even further from my childhood.

But on the other hand, I'm one step closer to my dreams.

So should I feel excited, or sad?

Check Two: Final Paper Outline

God, I did it again.

It's outdated. Again.

Like I teased ya earlier, I've been so busy dealing with internship stuff. I never thought it'd be like a real employment because at first, my boss didn't seem to accept my skill but--

Well well well, look who's got a little bit carried away here?
Tell you guys about this copywriter stuff later,
I have something else to report in here.

So last week my two friends and I had this outline trial for our final paper. It's me, Vanessa and Putra, joined to Team Nadia. We were so nervous at first but the trial turned out to be just like a light discussion filled with minor revisions and feedbacks.

The trial chief liked my outline. She liked the structure. But yea, as a first rough step, there are many  parts I have to work on to make things better.

Oh, it's Whiskas anyway.

The brand I'll be dealing with for the whole next semester.
So yea, my dearest blog, and all of you who reads my blog,
There's a big possibility that I'll bring Whiskas to your life :)

Well...

Several steps away to New York.

God, please make it work.

And I'm so done with the outline quirk

Check One: Sixth Term

Somehow, this post is quiet outdated.

But anyway...

Final exam of the 6th term finished almost a week ago, thank Goodness, and it means that I've passed the first step before New York!

Okay so after this term, yesterday, I only had like four days of holiday before the semi-professional work started. So last weekend, I went to Singapore and I'll make a separated post to talk about it.

Today, I'm starting my internship at BBDO Indonesia as a copywriter.  I now am typing these things right from their office, near the window and hey! I got my own computer :') Ahh thank God, it's what I've always been waiting for.

Now about the 6th term, enough talking about the 6th term.

It has ended and I'm just letting my God Allah Almighty to do the rest.

So...

Several steps away to New York.

God, please make it work.

Now ad world, I'm ready to lurk

Final Overview

Mei 2013, adalah bulan tergak banget sepanjang perjalanan pendidikan gue.

Tugas bertaburan, kelompok beragam jenisnya, deadline dimana-mana.

Tiap hari mulut ngeluh mulu minta cepet-cepet diabisin itu bulan.

Juni dateng, hectic seketika.

Ya, minggu pertama langsung UAS.

Tujuh mata kuliah, satu sit-in, ENAM take home.

LIMA diantaranya dijadiin tugas kelompok dan

EMPAT diantaranya, well... Nerve wrecking.

But somehow, God's on my side. He knows that for the whole semester, I've been busied by enormous number of assignments, back-to-back, big-time-killing deadlines, as well as the presence of some dickhead useless people.

God's on my side.

So for this final exam,

He made it smooth for me...

... Like for the researches

Jadi di semester ini ada dua mata kuliah penelitian. Satu Metode Penelitian Kualitatif, satu lagi Riset Periklanan. Dua duanya, hemmmmmmmmmmmmmm gabisa diungkapin dengan kata kata. Sumpah, time consuming, mind screwing, pokoknya $#%@ banget!

Selasa di minggu pertama, itu deadline buat MPK. Gue dan temen sekelompok gue udah mati-matian ngejer hal-hal yang belum keisi dan swhooshh, ketika deadline menyapa, langsung ajalah dikumpulin. Setelah itu hanya berserah diri pada Allah saja yang kita lakukan dan taraaa, dapetlah nilai B+ :') Bahagia?? BANGET!

Sementara Riset Periklanan, well, entah kenapa gue dan kelompok gue salah milih brand buat diriset. Alhasil satu semester ini ngejalanin semuanya dengan berat hati. Tapi gimanapun juga, apapun harus dihadapi. Jadilah kemarin kita melakukan presentasi dengan hasil seadanya, tapi performa semaksimalnya. Kinda smooth, and the lecturer enjoyed. But I'm not brave enough to talk about scores now. Only God and her that knows.

TELADAN group, from left to right are Cika, me, Pus, Fierda and Kinta
We do the research about IM3 anyway, that could explain the dresscode.

With the lecturer, Mbak Nadia

... Also for the baby task

Talk about a successful assignment my group and I made, I have one. Di mata kuliah Hard Sell, dosennya minta kelompok gue bikin sebuah aktivitas promo buat sebuah online baby shop bernama Bilna.com. Pernah denger? Nggak kan pasti? Nah apalagi gue. Dan temen sekelompok gue, yang semuanya cowok.

But when it came to the presentation day...

"As I expected, when a group is 'crashed' with something they're not relevant to, eventually they'll come up with something brilliant. And I'd say that I might consider using these promos you proposed."

Itu yang dibilang dosen gue seselesainya kelompok gue presentasi. Gila pengen nangis rasanya. Perjuangan gue ke PIM pulang pergi ngebusway, selama dua hari (hampir) berturut-turut, dan keterbatasan data yang kelompok gue dapet karena susah banget minta ke Bilna nya, semua itu... Paid off really, really well...

A long, tiring evening at FatBurger with Yabes (left), Olip (middle) and Ridho (the photographer).

Everybody, with Mbak Anne in the middle

... Especially for the teatime clip

Oke, ini bagian yang paling epic nya.
And it happened today, so I can still feel the glorious moment.

Jadi untuk mata kuliah Eksekusi Pesan Audio Visual, gue dan kelompok gue dapet brief buat bikin PSA Sariwangi yang ngajak targetnya buat ngebiasain minum teh 15 menit sehari. Dan itu harus dieksekusi sampe ke bentuk iklan TV beneran. Cool nggak? Nah hari ini, semua hasil shooting dari anak Reguler sama Paralel ditontonin rame rame.

And at the end of the screening, the lecturer announced the best two clips according to her. Kelompok yang pertama menang adalah rekan sejawat gue, kelompok Paralel. Udah riuh nih ceritanya. At least we secured one spot. In case the other spot is awarded to the opposed teams, yeaa... 50:50 laahh.

Nah. Pas diumumin kelompok yang satunya lagi, itu yang namanya Rifky Ramadhan Amin udah kayak menang kuis dapet tiket gratis nonton konser Pitbull, plus sesi meet and greet dan karoke bareng, trus Pitbull nya kayak sadar akan potensi rapping gue sehingga gue pun dibawa ke Miami buat kolaborasi bareng.

Yes, that was my team who won the other spot. Senengnya bukan main. Karena gak kayak beberapa kelompok lain, kelompok gue sama sekali gak pake bantuan outsource mahasiswa broadcasting buat jadi kru. That's one. And two, the main reason why I screamed like a retarded bastard, was because both spot was obtained by my class.

Remember last year, like, really last year, on the same month of June, there was the same head-to-head competition like this, and neither team of my class won the match? Yea, now we call it even. Revenge is sweet. Especially when you know that your class of four groups, swept all spots from those six groups of theirs.

TG+F Group from left to right, Gilang, Utha, me again, Abi, and the girls from the research team

The whole class with the lecturer standing on the very middle, Mbak Tari

Okay I'm a little bit carried away.

No, I'm not bragging about these stuff.

I'm just so proud of myself, for my efforts,

And my teammates selection

Please Be Teased

Good evening.

Since I don't like seeing my blog so empty, I'm gonna put this here.

Please just consider.
We're worth trying

Note Seven: Best Decision Ever

Day Thirty Nine

It's been two weeks since the last time I posted about my internship journal. Now in this eighth week, gotta tell ya, I had gone through so many things I never even thought about before.

And yes, those things, are the best path I've ever taken.

With my own consideration. My own effort. My own courage.

You remember about my decision to take the first offer as the apprentice of Public Relation? I appreciate myself for my bravery. Though I have no idea at all about that field, I kept doing what I had planned. So as the reward, I sort of knew a little bit about PR. And better yet, I met some new best buddies.

So joining the PR army, was the best option I made

You also remember about my decision to move to MarComm? That was on top of all. No regrets at all. I don't have to tell you every single detail of it. Too many lovable things to be shared.

So moving to MarComm, was the best choice I picked

Then you remember about my decision to extend my internship period, eh? I was so right about that. The only project I handled from the scratch wasn't close enough to the end, when I was still on my old time plan. Now that I extended it, I can have it finished right several days before I say bye-bye to everyone.

Aside from that portfolio thingy, last Thursday and Friday, the last two days I actually had if I stick with my previous timeline, were the worst days ever. I couldn't imagine if I have to end my internship facing those days...

Hell yes. I went through some bad days along my extension. I was there when my bosses were busy with themselves, when my fellow apprentice were a bit more popular than me, when I was absolutely stuck by the bottom of the wheel. This was priceless, the lesson I earned.

So prolonging my internship period, was the best deal I took

Therefore I suppose you remember about my decision to fight against the new apprentice? No doubt, I shouldn't not do that. Now I know a bit about her capability, and the fact that her strengths aren't something I have to be jealous about. We're good in our way, in our own skills.

So facing the rival of mine, was the bravest thing I did

Five more days 'till I packed my stuff out of that office. I'm not feeling well, actually. I mean, my emotions are blending. I even sense that this post is dull -with most word selections are common and cliche.

But the thing is, I win this game.
I beat my own laziness, unlock some cool potentials I never knew I had.

Now you remember about my decision to pass my holiday
And take a long long long internship program instead?
Well, this was better than having a vacation.

So accepting the challenge of apprentice,
Was the best decision ever

Sweetest Couple, So Far

June and July.

I don't know, I've always liked these months.

Summer. College off. Vacations. Mom's birthday.

These are like months for me to actualize myself.

But, uh... I guess this June, this July this year

Have been the best ones I've ever passed.

It all began with my trip to Singapore. Weird, eh? I mean, it's just Singapore already. Well, wrong. The trip was unforgettable for sure. It was the official opening trip of me, going abroad with no parental help. And you can't just underestimate the timing. It was right after I finished my hectic final test week. A complete confection, I tell you.

And then, you know, I started my internship on June. Things didn't start quiet well at the beginning, but everything got better and better. I made new friends, opened my insights about professional world, socialized with the best bosses. So damn exciting. Even hunger and thirst of fasting could barely be felt because I was too happily busy.

Blessing showered my blog too. Although I didn't participate in some significant contest, people kept coming to pay a little peek on my writings. This should be a major big step for me, so thank God! I just can  keep hoping that people won't get bored of what I write.

After all, the bestest part of these two months was the one dealing with the advertising world. I can't stop cherishing those moment of linking myself to some cool guys on the agency. I know, they didn't even care about my existence. But at least I made an effort and they, sooner or later will find out that that kid they were introduced to, which is me, is the best copywriter they ever recognize.

Sweet. Just unbelievably sweet, so far.

Well, I must say that phrase "so far" is greatly emphasized.

Because I know, this was just a start

Note Six: What If...

                 "... I extend my internship period and

                expand more insights about this field of mine..."

Day Twenty Seven

So yeah, something below my subconscious encourages me lately. I felt like needing to have more of this. I have to propose like one or two additional weeks so this hunger of advertising world could be fulfilled.

But you know, it's Ramadhan already. I need to check myself out first, whether am strong enough to deal with these internship things while shutting my crumbling tummy up. Besides, I need a couple of weeks off to rest my brain and this tiny vulnerable body.

Knowledge. Physical capability. Needs of vacation.

Too much to be compared. Too much to considerate.

Until yesterday, I stopped calculating.

A brand new apprentice showed up in my aspect. I repeat, IN ADVERTISING ASPECT I'm currently in love with. She uh, she's like *sigh* stealing my thunder as the youngest. And I freaky felt discomforted.

Sounds ridiculous, eh? I'm this all worried yet she hasn't even done anything. She seemed haven't found her rhythm yet, but...

What if... She's more qualified than me, and everybody prefer to work with her rather than me? If I quit later I will see her ruling the office, forcing me to witness people loving her more than me? Or

What if... I stick with my schedule, quit early and leave that girl whose competences I have no idea about? I mean, if she is good, and people like her, I'm okay because I'm out already. This is safe for my soul.

But I guess my ego wins. My curiosity conquers. It's not only because I haven't had enough Advertising experiences. It's more about me, with the help of that girl's appearance, testing myself to face every single possibilities emerging in future. And let people know that I can pick the best for myself.

So umm, I'm continuing this internship.

This is fascinating, damn nerve-wracking! But keep in mind, fair ones.

It's not that I want to explore her bad sides and make her look worse.

It's more that I want to challenge myself and make myself look better.

After all, we're both still learning

Note Five: I Belong Here

Day Twenty Four

Earlier this week, I drifted off my last stop and started my fifth week of internship as the Advertising and Media Aspect apprentice. This has been my major dream, far before I applied to the program. And I must say that, yeah, it came true.

Feel how it is like to be on client's side, that's what I wanted to explore. And so, all I ever done this week were somehow client-ish. First day went dull yet things went so much better by the second day when I was asked to join some meeting with Proximity.

Third day was full of new stuff. I learned how to make calls, follow up things, request some job orders to the agencies, go back and forth to the internal studio, coordinate layouts and designs, edit what the agencies gave to my team, proposing the final artwork and approvals, and things.

But actually, the peak happened today. Aside all those works, my new colleague Pak Timothy invited me to join him supervising some video shoot for video contest at some celebs workplace. Nah, I was so not interested to meet these celebs, I was more eager to see how the shooting went instead.

Now tell me and be honest. Those sounds technical, eh? But I don't know, I enjoyed these. So much that maybe there are some possibilities of me extending my internship period.

And on top of that, my new supervisor is the best boss I've ever met. Bu Norisa's just so instructive, having no hesitation in giving me tasks and responsibilities I have never done, and... Gorgeous. Yeah, she's chic.

No doubt, I guess.

This is my place.

P.S. : The day after, it went so so. Not as hecticly-pleasure as the previous three days, but there was this presentation held by GREY agency. Those name cards, were what I was grateful that day about.