They say life is a walk on the ground until you find your purpose. For a long time, I thought purpose was something you found at the destination. Now, I realize purpose is in the walking itself.
I started my days recently looking at the people on the other side of the room—my friends, my family—trying to build chemistry, trying to understand the human "source code" of personality. I know I have limitations. But I made a pact with myself: If I walk out the door today, I must return with an insight.
In a world obsessed with money, I found myself asking a different question: What is the currency of wisdom? I learned that wisdom is often just the ability to treat your own ego as an enemy. To stay cool when the heat rises. To listen when you want to speak.
Part I: The High Note (January)
My 2025 didn't start with a whimper; it started with a roar.
I landed an internship that felt less like a job and more like an awakening. Imagine a place where electronics meet software seamlessly—that was my playground. My mentor wasn't just a boss; he was a guide who taught me that technical skills are useless without the art of negotiation and design.
I remember the days spent researching how to integrate hardware components with software pipelines. It was a time of rapid growth. The company treated us like professionals—monthly outings, serious responsibilities, and a culture of "diligent progress." When we hit trouble, we didn't panic; we analyzed. I felt unstoppable.
Part II: The Labyrinth (The Middle Year)
But ambition is a double-edged sword.
Somewhere in the middle of the year, I whispered to myself, "If we don't try, how will we know?"
So, I tried everything. I tried to juggle the intense internship, my university studies, and a demanding bootcamp all at once. My schedule became a blur of code, lectures, and deadlines.
I also joined a fellowship connecting journalists and creators. We dove deep into the dark waters of digital security—doxing, data breaches, and content awareness. It was fascinating. It expanded my mind and connected me with brilliant people who care about digital rights.
I was learning so much, but I was spreading myself too thin.
Part III: The Crash (The Regret)
Here is the part of the story that is hard to write.
I joined a prestigious coding cohort (ITB). I felt accepted. I felt ready. But as the Capstone Project loomed, the reality of my fractured focus caught up with me.
I became obsessed with the "research" phase. I wanted the perfect theoretical solution. I spent days analyzing, planning, and thinking. But I forgot the golden rule of engineering: Shipping is a feature.
To my Capstone team: I am sorry.
I was so deep in the analysis that I failed to help us cross the finish line with a complete product. I learned the hard way that a "perfect" unfinished project is worth less than an "imperfect" finished one.
The Conclusion: The Loop
As I write this, sitting in the quiet of December, I realize my year was a loop.
I started with success because I was focused. I ended with a stumble because I was distracted.
The lesson of 2025 isn't about Python, or electronics, or data security. The lesson is simple: Finish what you start. Knowledge without execution is just philosophy. Real impact comes from closing the loop.
Life is a choice. And next year, I choose focus.
0 Comments