Short Story of the 26th XII.4

 Theme: I and My School Smudama

My Beloved Smudama

By Nur Inayah Muliadi

 

SMAN 5 GOWA. Usually called SMUDAMA. A very memorable place for its residents, one of whom is me. This school is one of the best boarding schools in South Sulawesi. It's not surprising that many people want to enter SMUDAMA. When I was in middle school, I also had a little desire to go to this school, because my older brother also studied here. But because I didn't want to leave home, I didn't go to school here. But somehow I was able to enter SMUDAMA, the school I previously wanted. July 12 2021 I was declared a student at SMAN 5 GOWA. When we entered this school, there was an outbreak of disease which made us have to do online learning. I am very grateful for being given more time to be with my family. At that time, I really enjoyed the online learning, I couldn't even wait for the dormitory, it made me wait excitedly. I imagined many things about the hostel, 'it must be very exciting' I thought. But on the other hand, I really don't want to leave home, to live with new people.

One day, it was suddenly reported that the Covid-19 outbreak had subsided and offline learning was allowed again. And something I really didn't want happened. Enter the dormitory. January 2, 2022 the students will enter the hostel after a long time. Honestly, I'm a little panicked and really thinking about this. I'm also very scared but also impatient. It was time for me to enter the hostel. Friends that I previously met only in front of the laptop, now I see them in person. I left the house with mixed feelings, happy, sad, scared and excited. The closer I got to KM 62, the faster my heart beat. With the Malino weather feeling my sadness, the fog that adorns this school makes the atmosphere even more pronounced. I got my first room. Rose 6. Parting occurs. I held back tears in front of my family. I try hard so that they don't feel sad because of me. My father couldn't take me, but he called me, and I burst into tears.

At SMUDAMA there is a quarantine, where for 2 months new students are not allowed to hold electronic devices. This quarantine period is the hardest time for me, maybe also for all SMUDAMA students. A time when everyone still looked innocent. However, here are the 1st class moments that will be really missed. Live without a cellphone and just focus on studying and organization. Just fun fact guys, SMUDAMA requires us to take part in a committee, so all students will get a committee and train us in time management. What I really miss is hanging out together and talking about lots of things. It turns out that SMUDAMA is very different from what I imagined. Many bad memories also happened here, but now those memories are the most exciting to tell people. Because we had previously spent 1 semester online, it was easy for us to get to know each other when we entered the dormitory. But it's not so easy to get to know them either. It takes several months or even years to get to know each other.

When I was in grade 1 of high school, I learned about what is called a brotherhood. Getting to know my roommate. Mawar 6. Here I met very nice people. Nabila, Afal and Dhea. They are roommates who I currently consider to be my brothers. Even though we have fought over small things, that is what makes us closer. People I didn't know at first became people I saw every morning when I woke up. It will be sad when when you wake up you won't be there anymore. It's sad not to be in the same room with you anymore. They are very supportive. When I was sick, they cared for me. They made jokes and jokes and gave me a lot of positive things. Nabila with her laugh and the one who judges people the most, Nabila is a very funny person, in fact I've only known someone like that in my life. Afal, a person whose face is always serious but is actually very kind. You could say, the actions of people who are quiet compared to others. But the longer you know him, the more fun it is to be with him. And finally, Dhea is quite annoying with all her chatter, but is also someone who is excited about everything. Dhea is also quite ambitious and the most diligent in this room. The huge alarm clock when morning comes is also very annoying, but if it weren't for that, we wouldn't wake up early. Maybe this is what I will miss most about them.

The 2nd grade is no less exciting. Very beautiful to remember. Not only ambition, there is also love drama and other things here. The moment I look forward to the most is the moment during the month of Ramadan, it's very exciting. Now we just have to count the days we will all graduate. Thank you very much to IRVANA. They are the ones who have kept me going this far. Don't forget to OVERRAIN. Thank you for sticking around until now. Let's make more memories in these last moments. Nice to meet you all.

 

 

My Lovehate Relationship

By Alfia Ranata

Sometimes I love that place and sometimes I really hate that place. Those words can describe my feelings when I am here. Let's start from before I entered this school, at first I was here because I had to yes, my parents told me to go to school here because my parents advised me to get out of my comfort zone so that I could get to know a new environment.

And Yes, I gave in and followed my parents' words to go to school here, namely Smudama or SMA 5 Gowa. smudama is a boarding school located far from the city, until now I never thought that I would now study here. and the time came when I entered school I felt strange and foreign because I had never been in this situation or environment before.

When I saw the division of rooms, I didn't know who was inside, so I dared to get to know my new friend who I had never seen before and would be together for the past 3 years. Day after day it continued, I felt uncomfortable and felt homesick because I had to quarantine for 2 months so I couldn't go home and didn't see my parents during that time. I felt sad, depressed, and couldn't stand it because I never thought this school would be like this. I cry every day

because I want to go home but even crying for months won't change the reality, right? So I tried to strengthen myself and go through the day as usual. Going to a school that wasn't my choice from the start, I didn't want to, felt very tiring and drained my energy every day because at first I did it very forcedly, especially since everything was so different from my expectations. but how did I get through it all until now? Yes, even though I'm forced to do it, I'm trying to get used to it, although sometimes I feel very tired, very sad and often question why am I here? why do I study here? But on the positive side, I feel very lucky because I met friends I had never met at my previous school level.

My roommates, from the beginning just strangers who didn't know each other, to friends who knew me so well that we got to know each other's nature and character and were very close and comfortable, but besides that, we also often had small conflicts , but because of that, we become closer to each other. Likewise with my classmates, I feel very comfortable because they always make me laugh and always help me when I'm in trouble. Apart from that, I'm starting to like the atmosphere at school here, it's very cool and I like it when it rains because it's very cool and comfortable to rest. I'm starting to like the atmosphere but not the others. I'm really fed up with all the rules here, especially seniority? and there are unreasonable rules that are difficult for me to accept. but there is one thing that makes me able to survive in this school, He is me first love who made me more enthusiastic about studying here and taking part in other activities. he makes my day feel different from before, he makes me very very happy in here and it can change me for the better Even though he and I are in different classes, I am very happy when I see him around me. As time passed, my relationship with him went on for quite a long time, but we had to separate because of circumstances and his desire to change himself for the better. I respect his decision because I know being in this relationship is wrong, and I'd be lying if I said I'm okay. I was very sad after this was all over, my days became gloomy and unpleasant again, and I was no longer enthusiastic about going through everything. but now I'm okay because life must go on and his decision will not change, let it hurt until it can't hurt anymore.

And at the end of the day, it's the random girl you decided to be friends with that ended up becoming your best friend, who you can't imagine your life without me. and special thanks to my roommates and my classmate for being one of the reasons why I keep staying in this place and the other reason is him. I am still grateful to go to school because I meet good people here and because I believe that everything I am going through now is definitely the best from Allah and there is definitely a lesson behind all the difficulties I am experiencing.

Become a Cess Committee

By Eva Alvita Thahirah

CESS X or the abbreviation for Competition English and Science Smudama CESS The committee also includes all students and female students at SMUDAMA. Meanwhile, the judges are junior high school teachers in their field of expertise and also students from well-known state universities. This competition is held in approximately one week and is held in a hybrid manner where the preliminary round is done boldly and the final round is held offline, so the finalists who pass the final round get the opportunity to see the school and feel like they are students there. Because this competition is intended for students from various schools, we really optimize this event so that it can be held lively and successfully.

Initially we were gathered in the library to determine the core committee for CESS X which will be held in the next few months. Because this work program is related to the OSIS, during the core committee selection process we were guided by seniors from section 4 of the OSIS. This voting took place spontaneously where we were shown the names of potential candidates and given the opportunity to suggest names other than the existing candidates. Then, during the election, we were instructed to close our eyes and raise our names if we voted for one of the named candidates. After that, the next vote is counting the votes where if he has the most votes he will become the general chairman and if he is in second place he will become chairman of section 1 who will discuss competitions and non-competitions, if he is in third position he will become chairman of section 2 who will discuss accommodation. Required during the event such as equipment section, health section, security section, etc. If he is in last position then he will become head of section 3 which will discuss competition registration, sponsors, etc. Don't forget that the secretary and treasurer are also selected.

Some time after the formation of the core committee, we carried out school life as usual, namely studying, and not long after that the core committee issued an announcement regarding the names and positions in the future CESS activities. I was chosen to be part of field 1 non-competition, namely managing technical meetings and educational seminars. I didn't expect to be there, even though I thought I would be in security. That doesn't mean I'm disappointed or don't accept the position, I quite like it and am sure it will go according to plan.

Some time passed and more than one field 1 meeting was held. You discuss the results of coordination with the previous committee, determine the theme, mascot, jargon and also the names of the mascots. Our team also often communicates with the head of field1 and also other core committees. Because at that time our team only had two

members and felt we were lacking, the core committee held a meeting to determine additional members from the second and first classes.

Our preparations went as they should, there were no obstacles and the distribution of tasks was quite even. I was given the task of taking care of the seminar presenters and Fiko took care of the plaques, certificates for the seminar, and the technical meetings were taken care of by the second graders on my team. This doesn't mean that because this division of tasks means that we don't want to interfere with each other, it will actually cause new problems later.

Apart from taking care of our duties in our field. I was also chosen to be one of the people who will appear at the closing ceremony, maybe this is what I liked the most when CESS X took place. I was part of the traditional dance section that performed first. We also regularly practice together before the event and on the days when the event takes place, of course this will not interfere with the performance of our respective fields.

Finally before the opening arrived. Technical meetings were held online, but because I was not at school, I only monitored and relied on the younger siblings who were there. Thank God, everything went well, even though there were Perseta who seemed arrogant and often protested the systematics of our competition. Thankfully, our burden has been reduced a little and the next thing we need to prepare is an educational seminar.

The educational seminar was held when the finalists were at school, actually this seminar was held offline but due to the obstacles experienced by the presenters the seminar was forced to be held online. We prepare all trials in the meeting room in the teacher's office. Thankfully, the educational seminar went smoothly, even though there were a few obstacles. In order to celebrate our task that had been completed, we took the time to take a photo together on the steps of SMudama Pride. It's a relief that my task is now complete. What's left is the closing performance later.

When people were busy with their own tasks, I actually seemed careless and happy of course because my task was finished, but I still offered myself if help was needed. I really enjoyed this event until closing night arrived.

It can't be felt that this is the last night of the competition participants at school, this is the closing night of CESS Our preparations were quite troublesome, perhaps because of the clothes and accessories we wore. I was very nervous but besides that very excited. Now it's our turn to perform, the performance structure begins when my team climbs the stage and the music sounds, all the members who appear enter as openers so we dance together for a few minutes, after that there is a song transition which indicates my team will start dancing, after that there is another transition which we used to take turns going down stage with the other dance teams, the same thing continued. Each team has its own characteristics according to the song that accompanies them. And at

at the end of the performance we came together and danced the closing dance which was really exciting.

When my team started dancing I really enjoyed it. The movements and teamwork that we have been practicing so far have produced satisfying and beautiful results. I really like dancing and performing on stage, whether I'm the main character or just an extra, I don't care. What's important is that I'm happy and enjoying the flow. The other friends also showed off their entire appearance very optimally. It's really proud.

The end of our performance was marked by the explosion of fireworks in the air and thunderous applause from the audience. We came down from the stage and praised each other for the success we had achieved, the praise also enabled the commotion there.

The next day was the closing of CESS. The paving was filled with many four-wheeled vehicles, marking the moment when the race participants were leaving to return to their place of origin. I also had the chance to meet one of my National Raimuna friends who apparently accompanied his father here.

The closure of CESS Preparations that took months ended in just one week. It's not a loss of time, it's just sad for us because the time is short. Thanks to this event, we were able to feel each other's ups and downs. The challenges we faced, the endless evaluations, and the memories therein.

For us in the third grade who didn't feel like there was an art performance, CESS Even though it's just a joke, it's true.

We hope that the next CESS will run smoothly and successfully, hopefully beautiful memories can be formed during those times.

Me and My School

By A. Aradhan Qariba

My school is the place where I spend the most of my life. Every day, I come to school with a mixture of excitement, hope, and challenge. School is not only a place to learn, but also a place to grow, make friends, and explore your interests and potential.

 

Every morning, when the school gates open, I step inside with a heart full of joy. Inside, I was greeted by a lively atmosphere full of activity. In the school corridor, there were loud sounds of laughter and chatter between classmates. I saw dedicated teachers, ready to guide and impart knowledge to us. In the classroom, there are empty chairs waiting for us, the students, to be filled with the spirit of learning and collaboration.

 

Every subject taught at

My school provides new insights and helps form a deeper understanding of the world around us. In science, I learn about the wonders of nature and how to apply that knowledge in everyday life.

 

In mathematics, I learned how to apply logic and thinking skills to solve problems. Language and literature open the door to the world of imagination and expressing feelings through words. Meanwhile, arts and sports liberate creativity and develop kinesthetic intelligence and aesthetic appreciation.

 

However, my school is not just about learning in the classroom. Extracurriculars are an integral part of my school experience. There, I discovered different interests and talents, ranging from music, dance, theater, debate, sports, to social activities. I was involved in the school choir, expressed my feelings through brush strokes in the art group, and participated in basketball games with my friends. Through these extracurricular activities, I develop skills, build self-confidence, and build strong relationships with peers who have the same interests.

 

My school is also a place where I learn about important values ​​in life. At my school, I was taught to respect differences, understand the values ​​of honesty, integrity and responsibility. I learned the importance of teamwork, caring for the environment, and developing an empathetic attitude towards others. Through character development programs, My school aims to form quality individuals who contribute positively to society.

 

My school is not just a physical building, but a vibrant and eventful community. I felt the warmth and support of my classmates and teachers who were always there to help me when I faced difficulties. I grew not only academically, but also personally, by facing challenges, developing talents, and discovering new interests. I am proud to be part of my school. I believe that by cherishing learning opportunities and this rich environment, I got

achieve my dreams and contribute in creating a better world.

 

 

Behind-the-work meetings

By Ahlil Ilmi

The beginning of 2023 began and I entered the 12th grade of high school and at the same time became the highest senior in our school. In high school there is the biggest work program which is only carried out by even-numbered classes, namely CESS. Coincidentally, I was appointed as coordinator of the field that is most hated and most not everyone wants "more and more equipment, damn it," I said to myself with resignation, because this was a big event of course there was a lot of preparation.

Preparations began, the first day started by appointing a secretary who would accompany me as head of equipment "Who should I appoint as secretary? Icha? doesn't it seem like it or nunu? "Hmm, maybe not," I said, I also saw a name whose person I didn't know at all, I had never interacted with him at all, but my mind seemed to show that he was the right person for me to appoint "or just Nabila, okay? but I don't know him at all, it's okay, just try it first," I said confidently. I contacted him and told him that he was my secretary. After so much debate and refusal, I finally managed to persuade him and he agreed.

Days passed, the first meeting was finally held like a meeting in general, the chairman sat in the front chair to lead the meeting, but my secretary never came. After a while, he finally came, "Sorry, I'm late. I had something to do earlier." he said while stuttering, "did he run here but for what?" I said to myself then he sat down among the other members, "Nabila what are you doing there, you're the secretary, sit in the front too," I said with a slightly angry face. He came forward when we sat side by side, everyone shouted at us as if something was strange, but I ignored him then continued the meeting and it went smoothly.

The big day arrived when I saw many participants from the program starting to arrive, we welcomed them with faces full of smiles, greeted them in a friendly manner, then guided them to their respective places, "I hope this will go smoothly," I said. while hoping that all this will be fine. When the first day started, I was really very nervous and afraid that something would go wrong in what I was doing, but remembering the preparations we had made reduced the anxiety I felt.

Everyone is busy with their own work, as well as me, who is busy taking and controlling what items we have used and listing them, this should be my secretary's job, but seeing him arranging and tidying things up makes me not have the heart to throw the task to him. busy with their respective tasks. Night arrived just as all the equipment members including me gathered to check the items we had used, I rested outside while looking at the night view then I realized someone had come to me and it turned out it was Nabila she looked so tired and I told her to After taking a break, we gave our first high five and that was the beginning of everything.

I woke up exactly at 9.00, usually I wake up early but maybe because I was tired, I ended up waking up late, so many messages came into my cell phone, lots of missed calls came in and it turned out it was a call from Nabila, who had been on guard upstairs since morning to check things. "Expert, where are you? There's a lot of stuff I have to check, it's up, please hurry," was the content of one of the messages that came in, I rushed to take a shower and get dressed to quickly catch up with him.

The cheers from the audience who were supporting the team he brought were the first thing I heard when I got up to where the event was taking place. I saw all the faces of the committee members passing by, really showing the busyness that was going on. I walked past them and of course there was someone who was waiting. me and stood right where we were collecting things "where are you from? I've been looking for you since we have a lot of work to do" with a slightly loud voice and an angry face, yes of course he is my secretary who has been working for a long time "yes, yes, sorry I fell asleep" I said in a low tone and slightly bowed, we continued our duties as equipment committee

The sun directly above us was hot and burning as if it wanted to tell me to rest but I still had a lot of work to do. I also thought the heat of the sun was burning my skin in order to complete the tasks at hand, everyone enjoyed the freshness of the cold moctail to quench their thirst. I also intended to bought it too but I just realized my money had run out In order to prepare the goods and the money had not yet been replaced, I could only surrender to seeing the enjoyment of the moctail, my cellphone vibrated as a sign that a message had come in. I saw the message and it turned out it was a message from Nabila, "Are you thirsty? Do you want me to buy you a drink?" I happily answered "it's okay, but is it really okay?" I said while hoping "yeah, it's okay, I'm sorry to see you're tired too." Seeing this, I felt as if this was a gift, or was this a sign, the moctail came and I was able to quench the thirst that had been tormenting me for a long time.

Closing day arrived, like a normal day, I helped prepare things, as did my other members. Every time I need something, the first person I remember is my secretary. There are quite a lot of members, but the person I trust most to ask is Nabila, as if it makes me feel more relieved, feeling safer when I'm around her "what kind of feeling is this why do I feel nervous when I'm m around him even though he's my secretary and should always be near me but why is this feeling different WHAT IS THIS "I said to myself while confused about what was happening, just like the other committees, we also took photos with my members to leave a trace of memory that we had also participated.

The cess has indeed ended but of course our equipment members continue to work until all the goods and everything we took have been returned to their respective places. I always communicate with Nabila about goods because she knows better than me but until one day I had the courage to change topics and discuss other topics, this continued, we became closer than usual, we discussed so many topics, laughed happily and made me feel more comfortable and had a place to share my complaints.

The sun greeted me when I woke up in the morning as if to greet me. I looked at my cell phone and saw a message from WhatsApp that said "good morning, expert, I hope today is a nice day for you." It was a message from Nabila, my girlfriend, we have now been together, so many moments have passed together. with him, there are so many ups and downs that we have gone through together, so many beautiful moments that I have spent with him, finally I have a place to go home, a place to talk about the days I went through, a place to rest when the world is in anger.

I still always remember our very unexpected meeting, there was a meeting behind work, that's the thing that always makes me happy, the thing that I will always remember every time I see her and yes, until now I still don't think that we will be with Nabila Putri Wijaya. someone who is beautiful, someone who taught me the meaning of something called love and reminded me that people like me are still worthy of love. I am very grateful to him as well as Cess, thank you for bringing us together.

 

 A MEMORY FROM SMUDAMA

By N. N. AZZAHRA SYAM

That afternoon, January 2 2022, it rained very heavily. I was happy and a little anxious to have arrived at the boarding school where I had to study in high school. That school is Smudama, yes, South Sulawesi's flagship school, the dream of many people. I also have a special feeling of pride in my heart to be part of the family of South Sulawesi's flagship school.

The time came for my turn to register before moving into the dormitory. Suddenly I felt sad because I had to leave my parents and quarantine without electronic devices for 2 months. During those two months I could only exchange minimal news with my family.

After registration, right in the gazebo located near the library, I said goodbye to my family before entering the dormitory and doing quarantine for two months. There I was really sad because I wanted to be left by my family for the first time.

The first night in the hostel, I was very sad and wanted to go back home. Moreover, I have a cute pet who always makes me miss him and want to come home, I have an orange cat named Molly. The first week I went to the hostel Molly didn't want to eat and was moody "my mother said". But now Molly is gone, Molly fell ill and died on December 26 2023.

Routines and all activities in a dormitory are very different from life at home, starting from the rules, eating schedule, sleeping schedule, cleaning the dormitory area with friends, as well as seniority which cannot be denied from boarding school.

I used to think that dormitory life would be fun because every day, I could spend 24 hours joking with my friends, but all of that was far from my expectations because in the dormitory we are taught to foster a sense of brotherhood, respect differences and accept and embrace each other deeply. any differences.

After one week in the hostel, I was increasingly homesick and wanted to go home, feelings of regret often appeared in my mind. However, that feeling slowly faded because I remembered the choice to go to school here and the sense of responsibility that I had to carry out as a child.

During the 2 months of quarantine, I could only study, play with friends, share experiences, read books in the library, and do other activities to fill the void because at that time we were not allowed to use electronic devices.

The dormitory is definitely not far from the words "rules and discipline". The rules in the dormitory regulate all activities from waking up in the morning to going back to sleep at night. But there are many things that amazed me about the rules of this boarding school, for example: you have to respect your elders by practicing the "tabe" culture. This culture is very strong for the people of South Sulawesi, but the more we come here, this culture is fading because young people are reluctant to do it. However, this is different from South Sulawesi's flagship school because all of its female students really uphold the "tabe" culture. That's one of the things that really impressed me about this school. Until one day, when I had carried out quarantine and returned home and went to a mall, there I did a "tabe" to almost everyone in the mall. Immediately my family was shocked by my changes while studying there.

But there is also something that annoys me about boarding schools "yes" that is seniority. It is a natural law that seniors must be respected by their juniors. It is impossible for a dormitory to escape the term seniority, especially since we live side by side. Actually, not all seniors at school are cruel, like to control, like to interfere, like to bully, etc. But there are also seniors who occasionally apply pressure and even mild threats to juniors, thus making juniors feel reluctant and even afraid of their seniors.

Because I was a student who was pressured by seniority when I was a junior, I committed myself not to be a senior who likes to put pressure on my juniors, I will always try to look after good seniors for my juniors.

I can't believe that now I and my friends, numbering 108 people, are only counting the days at this school and will continue to a higher level of education, namely as students. It definitely feels sad to have to say goodbye to everything at this school, starting from the people, the atmosphere and environment, the cool and cool weather, and the activities which are sometimes very tiring.

The separation will always be there, because we have met, together, in jokes, laughter and happiness. Every drop of tears that is shed on the day of separation will be a witness to the close ties that we have tied together as tightly as possible." I hope that all irvana 26 can become successful people without exception, so that we can all gather again in our beloved Smudama in the future.

 

Elma sorayaiii.4

 **Reflection from Resolve**

**Chapter 1: Final Introduction**

As the autumnal golden color merged with the whispers of the cold winter, I found myself standing on the cliffs of an important milestone in my life. My name is Elma, and I am a senior at Smudama, a Boarding School, located in the heart of the countryside. The tranquility of this place, with its vast land and ancient oak trees, belied the storm of emotions that was stirring within me as I faced my final school exams.

Living in a dorm, away from the comforting embrace of home, I have cultivated the resilience and independence that my parents hoped for me. The hostel, with its ivy-lined walls and echoing corridors, has become my sanctuary and battlefield, where friendship is forged in quiet nights and personal boundaries are tested in the academics' vessel.

As I walked through the corridor, decorated with portraits of past valedictorians, a sense of determination gripped me. I aspire to not only pass my final exams but to excel, to make those years of sacrifice and hard work culminate in a victory that will be a testament to my dedication, and perhaps, secure a place on that venerable wall.

 

#### **Chapter 2: Heart Preparation**

The months leading up to the final were endless blurring of textbooks, notes, and revisions. My room, once a haven of relaxation, now resembles a strategist's war room, with battle plans drawn up in the form of syllabuses and previous papers. My roommates, Imel, Auril and Nesa, they are my allies and confidants on this journey. Together, we navigate the dangerous waters of pre-test anxiety, floating each other's spirits in moments of doubt.

Our routines are relentless, punctuated only by brief pauses while eating in the dining room, where the air is thick with the obvious tension of the upcoming exam. Conversations are dominated by discussions of problematic topics and the best strategies for dealing with complex questions.

Despite support, the spectre of fear and doubt has always been a companion. Will I be able to remember everything under the pressure of the exam? Have I done enough to cover all the topics thoroughly? These questions haunted me in the middle of a quiet night, while the hostel slept and I checked my notes, seeking solace in the soft light of my desk lamp.

 

#### **Chapter 3: The Final Sprint**

With the week turning into the day before the exam, the atmosphere in the dorms shifted. There is tacit recognition of the looming challenge we all face, an unspoken pact to support each other through this final sprint. Shared spaces, usually places of relaxation and laughter, are transformed into communal learning areas, buzzing with focused preparatory energy.

I find unexpected joy in these moments, friendship that comes from a common goal and a common drive. It was during one of these late-night study sessions that I had a breakthrough on a topic that had troubled me for weeks. His sense of accomplishment was exhilarating, a reminder of why I pushed myself so hard.

But it's not all about academics. In the midst of this intense preparation, we also find time to remind each other of the importance of self-care. Mia, always wise-spirited, insisted on a short break to get some fresh air and a walk on campus, a moment that refreshed the mind and soul, making the return of our books less daunting.

 

#### **Chapter 4: The Dawn of Judgment*

The night before the first exam was a mixture of calm and storm. I stood outside, staring at the sky illuminated by starlight, looking for a moment of peace amidst the commotion of my mind. It was a long journey, and in less than twenty-four hours, I would sit in the exam room, my knowledge, and my determination tested.

Sleep is elusive, but when it comes, it brings a dream of questions without answers, arriving at the exam room only to find I've studied the wrong subject. I woke up with a start, the remnants of anxiety fading in the morning light.

Breakfast was a quiet affair, the dining room was filled with students' intense energy on the verge of their own battle. The solidarity of mutual silence is a relief, a collective force drawn from each other's presence.

 

#### **Chapter 5: The Crucible and Beyond**

The test itself is vague, a series of days where time stretches infinitely and sneaks away like sand through a finger. Every morning, I take part in a student procession to the exam room, a ritual parade to each other's fate.

Inside, the world narrowed to my desk, the question before me, and the pen in my hand. The hours passed in a stream of concentration so strong that nothing else existed. When I finally showed up, the relief was palpable, with smiles and tiring laughter from my colleagues.

It was only after the final exam, as I stood outside the hall, that the magnitude of what I had achieved completely dawned on me. The journey was difficult, but I became stronger, more knowledgeable, and ready for whatever came next.

Later, as I packed my things on the last day in the hostel, about the bitterness of separation hung in the air. These rooms, these halls, are more than just a residence; they have been the backdrop for an important chapter in my life.

Later, when I looked back, I realized that this experience wasn't just about preparing for an exam. It's about finding my strength, the strength of friendship, and the importance of balance. When I closed my bedroom door one last time, I knew that I was not just going with academic knowledge but with lessons that would guide me through the challenges ahead.

Later, this final exam is proof, not only of my academic abilities, but of my resilience, my ability to overcome doubts and fears. And as I stepped through the gates of Smudama, I was ready to face the world outside, armed with the knowledge that no challenge was too great, and no dream was too far away, as long as I had the courage to achieve it.

Memorable Experience During High School

By NOVIA AURELIA YUHA

One hot morning I woke up from my sound sleep, my cellphone vibrated which made me curious about the message from who had entered my cellphone this morning, I saw the contents of the message from the high school registration group that I registered for, it turns out today was the announcement of the registration results I immediately checked the website, my face was confused and slightly wrinkled, indicating that I was nervous about seeing the results. After the website opened, my face changed and I felt a little relieved to see my name displayed clearly on the notice board on my cellphone screen.

I have passed the first day which was my first MPLS period, I was so amazed by the introduction and explanation about SMAN 5 GOWA, oh yes here I have my first friend at this school, her name is NABILA TIRANA IBRAHIM, a girl who is cute and beautiful, I was sad because I didn't have one. class with him, with mixed feelings at the time of class division I was so afraid because I knew a stranger I had just met.

The first time I entered class, I was so surprised to see my new friends who were so enthusiastic about introducing themselves, they looked so funny because they introduced themselves to each other while being a little talkative. Day after day I take part in all the activities at SMUDAMA through the Gmeet application, I am so surprised by the activities at my school where there are morning literacy, mentoring, SSC, UKO, etc. It looks so much and tiring but I still carry on with a little grumbling.

One semester has passed, it's time to enter the second semester, where the Covid conditions at that time are gradually improving and my school will start face-to-face meetings for the first time. Before we enter face-to-face meetings, the school will hold a zoom socialization regarding when we first come, what we will bring. , regulations, etc. At that time I couldn't join the zoom so I only knew a few rules regarding clothing and what to bring.

Saturday, January 1 2022. I went with my family to Makassar so that the next morning I could immediately go straight to high school, in a group with several of my family members. I had very mixed feelings because I was used to being at home doing school via Zoom and sometimes falling asleep or skipping somewhere. but this time it's no longer possible. When I arrived in Makassar, I immediately gathered with my family and prepared the things I would bring the next morning. The next day I woke up earlier and showered earlier than usual because today I was going to my school for the second time, well this wasn't my first impression of entering my school because when I was online I had time to go there to pick up books but only for a short time. With mixed feelings during the trip my parents gave me advice and reminded me of all the things, during the trip I really enjoyed it with a slight feeling of wanting to vomit because the road was so winding and made me a little dizzy.

When I arrived right at the entrance gate to the school, I started to feel sad because I would be far away and live alone without my family. I was so unfamiliar with the place and people around me, with my mixed feelings this made me a little nervous and I was going to sleep with people I didn't know. All my things had been taken to the room I was going to stay in, the room was so dusty and so dirty it made me a little anxious and had difficulty putting my things away. After my things went into my room, I and my family headed to the car, which meant I would be separated from them, that's where I felt even more sad and anxious that I wouldn't be able to live out my days here, my parents hugged and kissed me and my family. Others also hugged and gave a little advice. One by one my roommates arrived and went into the room to arrange their things, I was so enthusiastic about meeting 3 strangers who would become my roommates, namely ALIFIA RANATA ISKANDAR, NURFARISKA ARIANOS, NI PUTU CHIKA AURELIA, these were my roommates who would be roommates with me for 3 years.

On the first day of face-to-face school, we gathered for morning roll call and cleaning the classroom. I was so excited, until the time came when we called our parents one last time before we gathered on our phones. There I just accepted it because it was a necessity, but a few weeks after our haoe got together I started to feel homesick and homesick, I kept crying uncontrollably with my roommates and we spent time together and were a little naughty together. Yes, that's TULIP 5. After going through 3 months that were very painful and made me mentally shaken, finally the suffering of this new child was over.

Semester 2 is over and finally we can go home. Such a short holiday made me forget that soon I would return to my natural habitat as a boarding student living in this cool forest. With my sad feelings because I had to go back again I cried asking my parents not to return to high school because I had I didn't like and wasn't comfortable at school, but my hopes were dashed because that day I went to my school. I met a strange face. Coming back after yesterday's holiday made me feel a little strange because I met lots of people plus the addition of new people which made me feel even more uncomfortable because I was already comfortable with loneliness. The cute younger siblings with their newly adapted attitudes made me remember when I was at that time feeling stressed about the situation in my youth because of the busy activities, rules and attitudes that had to be followed, making the mentality of the children who were growing up feeling very disturbed. Sounds funny but actually sad.

The first day I was suddenly appointed as a secretary, this is where the beginning of my life was really tested because basically I was a child who was easily emotional, suddenly became a secretary who faced a very tantrum and brutal class made me overwhelmed by the additional problems I faced while being a secretary made me even more down and out. My level of wanting to transfer was getting higher, to be honest, when I wasn't talked to in one class because I had offended my friend, it made me feel uncomfortable because I was being teased and shunned, but it all made me change from being very active to being quiet and closing myself off, my heart was so hurt towards them but I think it might be a test to make us mentally stronger, hmm I don't know but I still do it without telling anyone except my sister , well I told them everything I was going through and I thought while crying I was a little weepy but it hurt.

Me and Smudama

By Siti Fithriyyah Nurdin

 

At that time the rain accompanied my tears..

I am a girl who was born as the youngest child, for me separating from my parents is the most frightening thing in life.

 

In January 2022 I was getting ready to start the even semester but I wasn't at home anymore but I was going to the dormitory. A week before that I kept crying hoping that my parents would change their minds about continuing to send me to Smudama, but it turned out that what I did didn't change my parents' decision. I will continue my journey at that school.

 

At that time, very heavy rain accompanied my journey to Smudama, at that time my parents continued to give me understanding so that I would accept their decision, they even told me how important Smudama was for my future education.

 

When I arrived at the school gate I took a very long breath hoping that everything would go well, from the outside I saw that the atmosphere here was very cool, calm, and made me more relaxed.

 

When I saw my friends who were accompanied by their parents while sobbing, it made it even harder for me to separate from my parents, I broke down crying again and I really hated that kind of mood, my parents calmed me down again, but their tears also broke down because they saw me not stop crying.

 

A few moments after that I started to calm down and I went to the registration area and then went into the hostel accompanied by my parents, but not long after that you had to really separate because I had to pack up my things and they also had to rush home because it was already evening.

 

The first night in the hostel was not as scary as I imagined, I had good roommates and a peaceful environment, but the next day I started to feel pressure, this pressure little by little became a very heavy burden for a teenager like me, this pressure was none other than from the rules in smudama.

 

I just discovered a rule like that, not only did I feel pressure over this rule, so did my friends, that's where a high level of fear started to emerge, a feeling that I couldn't live my days at high school, I kept complaining to my parents, but my parents only encouraged me and said it was a normal thing to train a teenager to discipline, but my thoughts were different from my parents' thoughts, for me these rules were torture.

 

I live day after day, apart from the feeling of depression that I feel, there are my friends who always fill my days at high school, I am very grateful to have friends like them, they are always there when I need them, in good times and bad.

 

I still live my days at high school normally, but every now and then I ask my parents to change schools, but again and again my parents explain how important high school is for my further education, which makes me feel guilty towards my parents.

 

As days passed, I remember that at that time I had passed the first semester of high school, at that time I was a student in the second year of high school, which means I had a younger sibling in the first grade.

 

The most impressive thing about being in level 2 was that apart from getting closer to my friends there, my class also held a simple but very impressive event, namely a night fest where we announced the name of the class and had many other amazing performances.

 

Being at level 2 is not something to be proud of but something that must be undertaken with enthusiasm because there are so many committees in an event and not to mention we have to remain diligent in studying to improve our grades in the previous semester.

 

One year has passed and now hb I am at level 3, which means I already have a younger class 2 levels below me. Being at level 3 is very stressful where we are entrusted with helping take care of younger students in the dormitory. Apart from that, we also have to study hard to improve our grades in the previous semester. .

 

Day after day, many activities were carried out, especially these activities were very fun and we who were in level 3 really enjoyed them, but don't forget that in a few months we would no longer be in high school, which made us feel very sad.

 

I really remember that in first and second grade I often complained to my parents about being transferred from this school, but now it's only been a few months since I was a junior anymore.

 

I now feel a mixture of sadness and happiness, sad because I will be separated from my friends and happy because I managed to survive in high school despite all the pressure I was under.

 

The moments that I will miss are moments of togetherness with friends, especially with my roommate, as well as moments with my classmates.

 

Now I'm just counting down the days I'm at Smudama, lots of unforgettable memories, and this is the story of me and Smudama.

Turns Out It's not as Bad as You Know

By Nabila Amalia Sultan

 

Two years ago, at the start of 2022 I was on my way to my school SMUDAMA. At that time I was still in first grade, second semester. When I arrived at school, I didn't know all the students there. My school is a boarding school where all students have to live in a dormitory. When I first entered this school, I was very unfamiliar with the surrounding environment because it was my first time going to boarding school and there was no one I knew here. All of this didn't last long because after I entered the dormitory area and got to know my roommates, it made me a little relieved because I could immediately get to know my fellow roommates.

After I had tidied up the few things I had bought for the hostel, I went back to meet the family who brought me here. My family who accompanied me at that time wanted to say goodbye to go home because it was getting close to evening. I am a typical person who cannot be away from my family because I am often home sick and sick if I don't see my family around me. This situation occurred when my family had said goodbye and I couldn't hold back my tears so as not to leave me alone in a place I had never lived in. Right at that moment my mother also cried because it was the first time I had separated from her. My mother knows I can't sleep if she's not next to me. Because of that, my mother always told me that I was already big and had to be independent, that's why my parents enrolled me in school here so that I could live independently without causing trouble to other people.

When my family came home, I went back to my room to tidy up some of my things that I hadn't had time to tidy up, starting from putting up the bed sheets to ironing my clothes for me to wear to school the next day.

Evening arrived where I and all the Muslim dormitory residents performed Maghrib prayers at the mosque in the dormitory. After fulfilling my obligations as a Muslim, I returned to my room to get ready to go to the serving room to have dinner with all the dormitory residents. At first I was very surprised by what I saw, namely gathering for lunch, my eleventh grade seniors clapped their hands to call all the dormitory residents to go to the serving room. After being absent from each room, I and the other dormitory residents headed to the serving room to have dinner together. There we were taught how to queue to get food, offer ourselves to the elders to sit at the dining table, good eating etiquette, chat with fellow students starting from the highest classes, namely third grade, second grade and first grade.

In the dormitory I found many things that I could apply in my daily life, starting from carrying out obligatory prayers on time, gathering with fellow dormitory residents, greeting older brothers and sisters who were older than me, and many other things that made me more able to be a student. mainstay.

My first day of school, all electronic items were collected by the dormitory supervisor or homeroom teacher. So, my classmates and I didn't hold or play with electronic devices for two months. Here I can learn a lot of lessons about why when starting school here you have to be quarantined for the first two months. during quarantine I spent a lot of time hanging out with my fellow classmates, starting with me often staying overnight in my neighbor's room, chatting until late at night, joking together, sleeping in the same bed as two people, washing together, eating noodles after working together in a friend's room. I sometimes even want to go to the toilet together.

The next day went smoothly. Every day's activities at school and in the dormitory are different every day. Mondays are like schools in general, but here the class start time is 06.20 for Mondays, apart from Mondays the class starts at 06.25. Every time I get home from school at 15.15, I usually go straight back to the dorm to change into my dorm clothes and do my usual activities.

After eating dinner and performing Isha prayers, the next activity is studying at night at school with subjects that have been determined by the school. There we usually learn to repeat the students at school that afternoon, or do the assignments given by the teacher.

Until now, school and dormitory activities are still continuing according to the previous schedule.

It doesn't feel like I'm at my highest point as a student, I'm already in grade 12, which means that soon I will enter my student years. In grade 12, I was often rarely in the dormitory on weekends because I went home for additional tutoring in order to fulfill my third grade grades. Every Friday I go home and come back again on Sunday, and that continues until now because I have to focus more on finding a place where I can focus on achieving what I have always wanted and dreamed of.

My Story in SMUDAMA for 3 Years

By Aditya Wafie Asnandi

My story began in 2021 where I first entered smudama at that time I entered smudama at the same time as a terrible tragedy that hit the entire country for 2 years, namely COVID 19, due to the outbreak the government issued an appeal that schools would be held online at their respective homes, at that time I only studied through Google meet for 1 semester in the middle of it I also got acquainted with friends New friends, a lot of what you did at that time was chatting, telling, playing, and others even though you hadn't met in person, but after a few months at the end of 2021, the spread of COVID 19 had begun to be handled by the government, which resulted in school children being able to return to school again and at that time also crossed paths with the final semester 1 exam in Smudama.

In 2022 in early January after facing terrible exams and outbreaks, finally my friends and I were able to come to Smudama for the first time studying at school, Enda felt that semester 1 had been missed and now entering semester 2, when I arrived at Smudama I was accompanied by my family when I arrived at school there were so many people who had just arrived between their respective families there I was with my parents Going to the school administration to ask for more information, there I also did not forget to share my room where and with whom.

At that time I got a room division in the dormitory called Pinus 4, yes Pinus 4 My first room in Smudama and even happier I was in the same room with a fun and cool friend there I met Muh Fattah Rahman he was my roommate who was in the same class as me, namely class I didn't know him too well but over time we became more familiar with stories, chatting, joking, playing, and others we also felt the atmosphere of the dormitory how with kaka, in the serving room with kaka and at school too, I was surprised by the atmosphere of the dormitory was rich like it had to socialize, Respect your elders, and follow very strict rules in boarding as well as at school.

During the first grade was a wonderful time, full of stories, and many new experiences that I got from kaka kaka and teacher teachers in smudama until the time it didn't feel like me and my classmate 26 would go to class XII and would have a class deck and sadly you also had to part with our class kaka, namely kaka 24 who would continue their struggle at the next level there moment The saddest emotion had to be separated but what could be made time go on, when it was in Smudama only left. Our 26th and 25th batches continued our lives in Smudama.

After the separation, I finally went to class 2 at that time I already had a class of class 27 last night 2 semesters it was the time that felt most fraternal we in class 26 we did everything together playing, joking, ignorant, sad, happy , and other things we all experienced and it turned out that time did not feel like your brother class 25 was going to leave also infiltrating kaka 24 who continued to the next stage after graduating from high school.

From the departure of our brother class 25 finally me and my rank were at the top level in Smudama, we also had a new adek coming, yes it was batch 28 me and batch 26 continued the story in SMUDAMA as kaka for his adek adek we educated our adek adek like what was taught by our brothers 24 and 25 before they left semester 5 we went through with great happiness and enthusiasm and arrived me and At the end of our journey in Smudama in semester 6 endak felt 3 years had passed, it didn't feel like there were only a few days left for us to graduate and reach our respective dreams very happy to study in Smuadama many stories, experiences, and knowledge in it that we got and before graduation time arrived I wanted to spend the remaining time with full happiness with Adek Adek 27.28, and most importantly with the extended family of the 26th batch of IRVANA.

 My story of being a student at smudama

By Erifah Ruh Elwaduds

Smudama is a state boarding high school, I only got to know this school when my father introduced it to me. Even though I don’t know anything about this school, July 12 2021 is my first day wearing a white and gray school uniform and becoming a high school student. Yes, that’s right, I entered SMA 5 Gowa after studying for 3 years at the Sultan Hasanuddin Islamic boarding school. Even though many people can’t stand boarding, I’m proud because I’ve experienced boarding before. After arriving at Smudama, the first people I looked for after entering the Smudama dormitory for the first time were Eva and Naya. Why both of them? Because Eva was an old friend of mine from junior high school, I was also close and knew Naya during the online era (covid), the three of us used to have a WhatsApp group where every time there was an assignment and a zoom link for literacy we would communicate with each other so that no one was an alpha. During the room assignments, I cried in the car because I didn’t share a room with Naya and Eva. However, as time went by, the quarantine period at SMUDA for class 26 ended, me and my roommates, namely Auril, Piya, and Aca, were very close and friends who helped each other when one of us needed help. It didn’t feel like we were all holding cellphones and for communication as the quarantine period started to decrease and we started to get busy with assignments and events organized by older siblings 25 and 24 in the dormitory.

The first class in Smudama was something that my friends and I thought was hard and difficult because of the activities and people I had just met. As time went by I was upgraded to grade 2, here my desire to move began to disappear and began to be busy with all the affairs that were the management of the responsibilities held. In the 2nd grade, I didn't really feel the warmth of my classmates because my dormitory was far from my friend's dormitory, yes, that's right, my dormitory is in Apucil where it only contains 8 people. Even though 8 people, after moving from Apucil, I sometimes miss the time that my Aspucil friends and I did in Apucil, such as ordering food together, waking up from a nap because of a knock on the door from the courier, taking food in the serving room for sahur together, and others. It didn't feel like I was in 3rd grade in Smudama and could be said to be the eldest brother for the 27th and 28th generation of Sister.

At first I was afraid to be in 3rd grade, I was afraid that what I got in 1st grade would happen to the 27th and 28th grade sisters, but from what I felt and saw so far my classmate Irvana managed to build a brotherhood without distinguishing one from another. We spend a lot of time together on the block. Oiya, my classmates who used to plan when they were in 3rd grade would not want to enter the serving room because they thought that they were already in 3rd grade, so why go to the serving room. But thank God it turned out that none of that happened, and once again I am proud of my generation, especially to this 2023/2024 dormitory home for making regulations that can change habits and make progress for dormitories, for example, people who used to be lazy to go to the serving room are now all diligent without having to wait for chicken day, rooms and blocks that are usually left messy without paying attention to the cleanliness around are now clean and comfortable because of the daily hygiene checks carried out by Division 3. Being in 3rd grade is not as easy and easy as I thought, it turns out that being 3rd grade is a harder thing than 1st grade. Even so, I was still excited because of what my friend's friend did that made me smile and get excited.

The warmth and togetherness made by Irvana's friends is felt because they embrace each other without choosing friends. Irvana's friends always have a way to entertain and build togetherness, like every birthday will be splashed in the greentea pond / old fish pond next to the library and after that chase each other so that others feel the water from the greentea, when they want to go to the stall they must invite each other, and so on. Yes, it's simple, random, but all of those things are an experience that will be sorely missed when graduating from here. I was actually a shy, timid child, but not many people know about it because when I was with my friends I was an encouragement for my friends, so they didn't know that I was a shy and timid child. Sometimes I'm so scared that when the teacher tells me to go up to the blackboard to answer or explain, I'm afraid I'm wrong with what I'm going to say in front of my friends. Yes, I know that I am wrong because I am afraid of being wrong, because my parents, teachers, teachers, and friends always say that "Don't be afraid of being wrong, but be afraid when you don't try at all". As time went by I began to understand what the people closest to me meant, that it turned out that it was in the school where we studied and learned everything we didn't know, so I began to take courage and throw away all my fear of such things.

Since I was in 3rd grade, all I felt every day was fear and want to cry. So many experiences, memories, and stories that happened during the three years with Irvana's friends, both good experiences and bad experiences, even though everything felt exciting because they were passed together. When I had my birthday I thought that my roommates and even my own close friends forgot about it, because from morning to maghrib no one said or mentioned my birthday. At first I wanted to cry because I thought they had forgotten it, but I was wrong, after my friend's friend called me at the library and told me to go back to my room. When I walked it turned out that all my dorm mates were hiding and prepared several buckets full of water. While I was talking to one of my friends, it turned out that all the water he prepared was thrown at me, and finally I got wet and chased all my friends who splashed me while carrying a dipper filled with water so that my friend's friend also got wet.

Not only that, it turned out that after I sorted out and started doing assignments, all my friends' friends came to my room carrying a birthday cake that said "happy birthday siclean" and playing birthday songs. Instantly I was shocked and speechless because of everything I got on my 18th birthday. The next day it turned out that someone secretly gave me a gift with a message to keep the gift from being damaged and lost. My birthday this time is very memorable and I will not forget because of the efforts and togetherness of my friends that moved me.

I am one of the students from class 4 where the name of this class is so underestimated and always a topic of conversation for everyone in Smudama. But I'm still proud because it's in mipa 4. If asked "why proud to be in MIPA 4 class? Why not be embarrassed?" The answer is only one, "why not?". Although our class rarely gathers, always playing, noisy, rioting, but we can create memories and happiness with our own version. However, among us, there must also be those who can direct and direct others to continue to do the assignments given by the teacher. But recently the MIPA 4 class has finally carried out a class event where this event has been planned from class 1 but has always been a discourse or did not happen. Although there are many twists and turns, obstacles faced before conducting such class events, But we have all finally realized one of the wishlists of all MIPA 4 friends, namely staycation together. Short but I think it is very pleasing and is something that will not be forgotten because of the fun done together. When else can it be like this? Although many disliked and opposed our class events, we remained calm and enjoyed our company without having to fight anything other people talked about our class.

March 4, 2024 is the last day of the ceremony held by my batch, the 26th batch of Irvana. Not many people know all the twists and turns faced and passed before the day of the ceremony. Nevertheless, the entire irvana force participated well in it. At the last ceremony yesterday I participated as troop 9. Alhamdulillah, the last ceremony of the 26th batch of Irvana yesterday went smoothly even though at the beginning of the drizzling rain, ut we still carried out the last ceremony yesterday.

March 6, 2024 is the day when all of Irvana's 26th batch are urged to go to the office to take photos of diplomats assisted by the teacher. For a moment I was in a round chair, in front of a red background I immediately fell silent and felt like crying, because it was unthinkable that soon we would graduate high school and would continue our education outside where we were no longer together, and would enter the world of college, there were no more words to play. Immediately looking at all sides and corners of the room while seeing the faces of my friends' friends who were so happy and unhappy they were all adults, who used to be at the beginning of the beginning still playing games but apparently now they are adults. Proud of all those who still survive today in smudama, but sad because next we will have a new environment and people in their lives. Will we all still be able to get together and talk to each other in the future?

When I miss the early days with Irvana's friends, I always open my photo gallery and look at her crying, so many memories, experiences that have passed and made together in the dorm. The photo will be a witness to how proud, how happy I am when I am with Irvana's friends and how sad I am when I have to hang out with Irvana's friends who are always together 24/7, sleeping in the same room.

I don't have much to say to irvana's friends, I just want to say that I'm happy with all of you. Thank you for everything you have done both online and offline until now. And I hope that all of us graduates at the university we have dreamed of all along. Success is always a friend of Irvana's friend. Never forget all the memories we have made! And never forget the kindness and patience of our teachers during this time.

The Transition between Two Worlds

By Naufal Ahnaf Khairi

Before I tell you my story, I’d like to introduce myself. My name is Naufal Ahnaf Khairi, I go by lots of names but you can call me Noah. I am currently a Third-Year student in SMAN 5 Gowa or more commonly known as SMUDAMA.

But let’s rewind a bit before I became a student here. I was an introvert during my Second year in a Junior High school. I didn’t have lots of friends, I was basically the quiet kid in my class. And when the announcement came that we’d get two weeks off from offline school due to the pandemic, I was super happy, I get to play games that I enjoy and I don’t have to experience the agony of socializing. Two weeks turned into two months, two months turned into two years, and I enjoyed every bit of those two years. Each time the online class period increases, I was a happier person. I heard that lots of people complained about the long period of the pandemic but not me.

Eventually I graduated from Junior High School, I picked a Senior High School near me to enroll, to enjoy the familiar feeling of course. However my mother told me otherwise, she told me about this boarding school called SMAN 5 Gowa. Boarding school? What’s that? I was very unfamiliar with the concept of boarding school but I didn’t care much, I was more intrigued by the fact that it’s one of the top schools in South Sulawesi. So, I rolled the dice and took my chance with it. I ended getting accepted, Oh wow. I did not expect that.

 

The selection was pretty tough due to how high your entire score from the 1st semester up to 5th semester. But I managed despite myself slacking off during the pandemic and mostly play games, I didn’t put much thought onto it because the pandemic was still ongoing. So, I continued to slack off during my first year in my Senior High School. I ended up getting placed at Exact Four, it was merit-based placement so it was fair since I slacked off most of my Junior High School year. I didn’t make any attempt at making friends at all, I refuse to even chat in the WhatsApp group unless it’s necessary like attendance list. So, I continued my habit, nothing pretty much changed since Junior High and I forgot about the whole boarding school thing in the first place.

Until one day, at the end of the First semester, the government started rolling out offline schools again and a notification came up on my phone that changed my whole world in a blink of an eye. School begins its offline class on the 2nd of January, 2022.  The concept of School terrifies me once again, it has been 2 years since the pandemic started and I didn’t even think once about the pandemic ending. But the nightmare hasn’t ended yet. My mother told me that once I get there, I’d be quarantined from any form of electronics and communications with outside world. I was shocked, so shocked that I refused to put any thoughts onto it. I pretty much surrendered to the situation and hoped for the best.

 

When the time came, I moved all of my stuff to my dorm, it was very awkward when I first came in. Afterall, it has been 2 years since I made any attempts at socializing. The transition between Two worlds begins.

One of my roommates attempted to start a conversation and I took my chances and jumped straight in, I was very bad at conversing, but that was my first actual attempt at socializing after two years. But one of the skills I've earned being a shut in is that I have a great general knowledge about the world, that gave me a boost in jumping in on a conversation.

At school it wasn't any better, I am supposed to be friends with my classmate, for the next two and a half year I am going to see them every day. But it was difficult due to friendship between most of them already forming, we've been classmates for a whole semester before coming here after all. But I saw a chance when I heard a topic in one of the groups that I could fit in. And I forced myself to join in the conversation, and it worked!

Fast forward until today, today those very first people I talked to in school and dorms are one of the few closest friends in SMUDAMA. I am grateful that I took a leap from a closed introvert to making friends frequently, I wish to look forward now to making new friends.

Not only in school, but outside of school too. In events, or wherever I go, I make sure to at least make a friend. Thank you all for reading my short story, and I'm signing off.