Canberra, February 9, 2010
Every moment has been very precious during my first 33 days in Canberra. I thank God for giving me a chance explore the unknown. Why?
First, My PhD program will become a fulfilling learning journey. My first exercise is a 2,000 words literature review to engage, compare, contrast, and critique various journal articles in corporate social responsibility (CSR); to find the research gap; and to identify my research topic and working definition of CSR. This is a starting point of my PhD. Two new things I have to learn: getting in-depth understanding of a large volume of reading materials and writing them in a concise, coherent, and clear academic writing style. So overwhelming, but yet I have to do it. How?
I strive to understand the assignment, consult my supervisor, follow his instructions, conduct research at the library, read, re-read, take important notes of the relevant readings, write and re-write my assignment, submit my first draft, listen and follow up on my supervisor’s comments, improve my assignment… then back again to step 1… It is a cyclical process. And I will exercise this process for the next three years of my PhD journey. Really!
Second, I am looking forward to settling in my new sanctuary – a nice, cozy, compact two-bedroom townhouse at Lyneham. For the last two weeks I have been receiving many stuff – a full set of kitchen and dining utensils – from friends returning to Indonesia.
What is more challenging is finding big furniture such as mattress, sofa, fridges, microwave, table and chairs. There are many friends who offer to give away their furniture, which can be collected and transported by a rented container. But I don’t have a driver’s license. Then I decide to buy new furniture and home appliances from warehouse stores in Fyshwick suburb. They will deliver my order with additional $45 per delivery. Worth it and less headache!
Third, I enjoy my survival recipes and dining experience with friends at Toad Hall. I have also started my physical exercise by playing table tennis and swimming with friends from PPIA (Indonesia-Australia Student Association). I’m so proud to know that the chairperson of PPIA ANU, Momo, is a second year undergraduate student of ANU. What a future leader of Indonesia!
Fourth, I have new friends from all over Indonesia and the Asia Pacific region. During my five-week Introductory Academic Program, I meet scholars from Aceh, Jakarta, Kalimantan Timur, Jawa Timur, Papua, Timor Leste, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Fiji, Tonga, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan, China and Mongolia. A United Nations in a small scale!
Finally, I just celebrated my 44th birthday on February 4 by launching this blog on my journey to PhD at https://bhinekawati.wordpress.com. My sincere gratitude for your kind comments. Special thanks to Yonalita Wirman for designing and keeping the blog enjoyable for visitors.
Let’s keep our dreams and spirit high! Cheers!
Risa.. So happy to read your writting…you are blessed with talent to understand more many cultures and also opportunity to contribute to CSR… Semoga semuanya lancar ya… Wish you success and a happy journey… Salam dari jakarta… Vit
Hello Vita, thanks juga atas doanya.. Semoga semua lancar.. Perjalan saya 33 hari pertama ini penuh tawa dan tangis juga.. Salam buat teman-teman ya..