Purdue Fulbright Association

If it wasn’t because of the Fulbright scholarship, I wouldn’t be here. Yeah, being a Fulbrighter means that you have a privilege to have this amazing experience of studying here in the USA. Then again, being a Fulbrighter does not mean that you only ave to stuck with studying stuff. One of the thing that I find really nice, is that here in Purdue, we also have a Fulbright Association.

It’s not something uncommon for universities here to have this kind of Fulbright Association. Then again, not all universities have it. Luckily, we have PFA, Purdue Fulbright Association here. I found that this association has helped me a lot with so many things, not to mention that I meet some good friends here.

The first time that I come in contact with PFA, was when I was still in my Pre Academic Program in UC Davis. Baiba, the President of PFA, sent me a message to welcome me to Purdue. She even offered to pick me up by the day I arrived in Purdue. And at the second day, she even helped me and some other friends to go to Walmart to buy some basic stuffs.

So basically, PFA is a student association in Purdue, mainly aimed to facilitate communication between people who are related to Fulbright in Purdue. Not just students who are currently having the grant, but also Fulbright alumni, or people who are interested in the Fulbright program.

At the beginning of the semester, PFA has a formal reception for the new incoming students. We also had a campus tour, where some of the seniors led us for a walk around the campus, showing us places around the campus.

Throughout the semester, PFA has a bi-weekly coffee hour, where we would sit together just to relax and have a light chat about what’s happening in life. We also have monthly dinner, but sometimes instead of just having dinner, we have some other fun activities. We did pumpkin carving, ice skating, bowling…

It’s a nice organization, really. Not too formal that you feel awkward to join, instead you’re actually making friends through this organization.

Ngeeeniweeeiii… before I continue, let me just tell you something about me. Somehow, I always have a lack of confidence in my social ability. Like, seriously, I am not a very social person anyway. In fact, I always consider myself to be socially awkward. I don’t like doing public speaking, and always get terribly nervous whenever I have to do it.

So when PFA Board 2013 sent an e-mail, announcing that they are opening the application to be members of PFA Bpard 2014, I was in doubt.

On one hand, I was really unsure whether I can do that. But then again, I know that maybe by joining this organization I can actually help myself on my social skills.

Dan tentu saja, saya dengan lebaynya bergalau ria cuma untuk mikir mau daftar atau enggak. Dan akhirnya saya daftar. Pas hari terakhir. Mhuahahahahaha XD.

In 2014, the PFA board has 5 members. Baiba, from Latvia as the president, Gulcin (from Turkey) as the Vice President, Timo (from Germany) as the treasurer, Ularee (from Thailand) as the Outreach Officer, and me. My position? Communication Officer.

Jiaaaahhhh… So basically, I am in charge of…communicating. Isn’t it obvious?

Oh well, pada dasarnya sih, saya in charge untuk membuat pengumuman-pengumuman yang terkait dengan acaranya PFA. Dan sebenernya juga, apapun posisi kita, tetep aja kok ngerjainnya bareng-bareng.

Tahun 2014 ini, selain coffee hour rutin itu, sampai dengan akhir Spring Semester, kita udah ngadain Bowling Night, dan PFA Picnic! Yeay!

Me and Ularee were in charge to organize the Bowling night, while Timo and Gulcin organized the picnic. The bowling night actually became a bit messy, because we didn’t expect so many people would join us. We estimated an event for about 12-15 people, and we ended up having almost 30 people showing up. But still, it was super fuuunnnn… :D

PFA Bowling Night

Me and Gulcin at the Bowling Night

Ignacio in action

The picnic was also a fun one. Especially because it was when we were starting to have gorgeous warm days of Spring after the long winter. There are plenty of good food, and it was a very nice break from studying before the finals.

such a glorious sunny day

picture of a picture. Me, David, and Mariana

see that sweets on the left? it's just so good!

more food...

can we just start eating? good weather is good for your appetite

And our biggest event? PFA Farewell Dinner. To be completely honest, maybe organizing this event was even a little bit…stressful. Anyway, despite all the tensions and this and that, we finally made it. The PFA Farewell Dinner went successfully.

seneng dengan foto ini karena saya jadi paling cantik sendiri :p

It was such a relief that we finally made it. And in fact, it was a nice event indeed. It’s a formal dinner to celebrate the Fulbrighters who graduate in Spring. And because it’s a formal occasion, we had some VIP guests (which made me and some other a bit nervous, actually).

our table at that night

Purdue Fulbrighters who are graduating in Spring 2014

 Oh, dan tentu saja, salah satu highlight dari acara ini adalah… saya jadinya di make-over dong sama Dhina. Mhuahahahahaha… Jarang-jarang lho ya saya tampil pake dress formal, high heels, dan full make up. Kayaknya malah Dhina dan Pam lebih semangat pas dandanin saya. Mehehehehe….

sekali-sekali deh ya tampil kek gini :)

Anyway, this is Summer now, so we’re kind of having a break. But soon, PFA will be busy again, welcoming new incoming students of 2014, and of course, arranging some other event. Well, bring it on :D! 

PFA Bpard 2014: Gulcin - me - Timo - Baiba - Ularee

Purdue Fulbrighters!