A Week to Remember

FIE 2011 is, and will always be one of the best things that has ever happened to me in my whole life. Priceless moments, fun experiences, motivational workshops & conferences, inspiring people, and hundreds of new friends. I feel so grateful for having been given this once in a lifetime opportunity (many thanks to Prudential and Prestasi Junior Indonesia!). It was such a crazy week I had there and I LOVE every second of it! I'd never thought the event would be that great though, it totally exceeded my expectations.  Anyway, FIE stands for Foro Internacional de Emprendedores, or International Forum for Entrepreneurs in English. The event's theme is Sueña, Busca, y No Te Rindas (Dream, Go For It, and Don't Give Up). There were many activities, competitions, conferences and workshops which encouraged and motivated us to reach our dreams. Now it doesn't seem to be impossible anymore 'cause they gave us the tools to be a successful person in the future. Had I not been a member of Student Company in my school, I wouldn't have been there, having the time of my (high school) life. Looking back, canceling my resignation from the student company was one of the best decisions I've ever made. So here I'm gonna try to tell you every little thing I went through. Enjoy :)

Sunday, May 8th

We left Buenos Aires at around 12 o'clock in the noon to Cordoba by local plane. As soon as we arrived there at 3 p.m, we were greeted by Emanuel, one of the staffs who'd been contacting us this whole time. We were picked up by a 2-level-bus (and it was the first time I got into it). Apparently, the delegation from Peru and USA were in the bus too! they waved their hands from inside when they first saw us coming.

On that day, all of the participants were gathered in Sheraton Cordoba Hotel and stayed there overnight before going to where the even took place at. On the lobby of the hotel, we met some other participants too from Venezuela and Paraguay. At first I was very surprised yet a little bit afraid because there were tens of them, while there were only 7 of us (me, Yemima of Surabaya, Dian of Jakarta, Ines of Central Java, Dhika of East Kalimantan, and 2 chaperones). But seeing how friendly they were to us (regardless the difference of language we spoke), I felt nothing to fear anymore.

The Elevator Story

 During our stay in the hotel, I got into the elevator for several times because my chaperone's room was on the different level, and I also needed to go to the lobby to surf the internet. What interesting was, we met and made a lot new friends inside the elevator! Everytime, we ALWAYS got into the same elevator with other participants coming from Argentina, Peru, Brasil, Uruguay, or Paraguay. They always were the ones who greeted us first, saying "Hola!" with a smiling, welcoming, very friendly face. I love the way they responded to our answer when they asked us where we're from. They usually became very surprised and excited. They became even more surprised when we told them we flew halfway across the world for 27 hours to get there. One of the most memorable new-friends-meeting-in-elevator was when we were in the same elevator with Brazilians. There were around ten of them, and when we got in, they immediately greeted us. Only around 3 of them spoke English, but even so, they were all welcoming us in a way I could understand, and that wasn't an obstacle for us to get along. The Brazilians were really noisy (there were the total of 74 participants from Brazil) in a good way, made me feel the atmosphere of the event already. When we told we're from Indonesia, they became so much excited they sang and laughed and even one of them (who caught my attention 'cause he seemed really friendly and attractive) danced Samba. Still IN THE ELEVATOR. We had too much fun in there that we forgot we had to get out. Hahaha. 

The Food Court Story

In the evening, 3 of my friends and I decided to go to NuevoCentro shopping mall located exactly next to the hotel to look for dinner. It wasn't very much different from Botani Square though. Not knowing where to eat, we just went to the food court 'cos there would be a lot of choices. And guess what!!! We met again with the group of Brazilians we just had a short fun moment with in the elevator. They were the ones who saw us first. They immediately stood up and came toward us, greeting and cheering (somehow I was confused how they could be very happy all the time). We made quite a big mob and noise, and soon all the people's attention in the food court was on us. They taught us their yells with its funny dancing, and I love it! Soon we did it together and they were very happy seeing us. They also showed us the Samba dance and it was really fun! As in turn, they asked us to sing an Indonesian song and so we sang Garuda di Dadaku out loud :p The nice man who caught my attention was in there too, named Bruno Lucas. He was very energetic, happy, nice, and spirited. Unfortunately, he only spoke Portuguese and a little Spanish, not English at all. Even without being able to speak in the same language, he still was one of the friendliest and most unforgettable friends I made. Coming back, we sat for a while at the lobby and other 3 new Brazilians approached us, all boys, Shay, Lucas, and Carlos.They all spoke English, greeted us, and had a little talk before them leaving to the mall and us going upstairs. 

I lay on the bed and tried to remember again what had happened in the past 12 hours. I was so excited and thrilled I could barely sleep. The event hadn't started yet but the atmosphere was already there! I wondered how fun the next 6 days would be. 

Monday, May 9th

We checked out of the hotel at 7 o'clock in the morning and directly went to a place with a big hall for the first formal gathering of all participants by the same bus we used the day before. When we arrived, all the participants immediately marched, sang, danced, jumped, and made some noise as loud as they could. We were all sooooo hyped! They brought along their big drums and shouted their yells. Their voice echoed in the big hall. Really felt like I was in a stadium watching the final of FIFA world cup *exaggerated*. But that was not totally wrong! Imagine we were all like little kids, singing and yelling and shouting and hopping. Everybody went mad.

It was the first time for me to meet all the 600 participants. They came from everywhere--mostly South America. In fact, it was the first time Indonesia, Germany, and France -non Soth American delegations- participated in this event. The rest had participated for several times, and all of them were South Americans: Argentina (sending +- 8 delegations from different provinces), Brasil, Peru, Mexico, Paraguay, Uruguay, Venezuela, Guatemala, and (except) USA. The MC then welcomed us, and greeted us by mentioning each delegation. When he mentioned a delegation, all of the participants from the country mentioned had to yell and scream as loud as they could. Obviously, Brasil, Argentina, and Peru (who seemed to be the delegations with most members) staggered the hall. I was kinda worried if he mentioned Indonesia, because there were only 7 of us and that the hall would suddenly turn quiet. But apparently not! Knowing that we were only 7, they all made the yell for us. Everyone shouted IN-DO-NESIA! IN-DO-NESIA! and clapped their hands. If you had no idea before, THAT is how sweet and nice South Americans were. (Not to mention they're also good-looking. Hahahahaha)

After that we left again, heading to the real place where the event would be held at. It was at Tanti, located on hills with a very beautiful scenery. The event itself wasn't held in a hotel, but in a complex or a vacation site with several buildings each containing around 30 rooms and places to do some sport activities including a huge field. Before, at the bus, we were given a name tag with our room key. All Indonesian participants were placed in separated rooms, so that we could mingle with others. I was placed at Misiones building with Dian, but different room and level. Later I figured out that I was in the same room with Juliana of Tucuman and Flor of Cordoba, both Argentineans. They were still 16 years old and were very, very nice and beautiful. Usually at night after coming back from parties at around 1 a.m, we had a short talk and share our culture to each other. They both spoke Spanish, but whenever I was around they decided to speak English so that I could understand. Very kind of them! 

At one o'clock we had lunch in a big, dining room. As usual, everytime Brazilians entered a room, they made some noise. So did other delegations with a lot of members like Peru, Santa Fe, and Salta. They had their own yells which I still exactly remember at the moment. After lunch we went to the main room. Everytime we, Indonesians, entered the room, we had to give our name tag and exchange it with a headphone. The whole thing was in Spanish, so we should always wear that to hear the English translation. 

In the room we were explained about the competition "The Entrepreneur of FIE". So we were divided into 25 groups, each group containing 25-30 people. Everyday we would be given a task , and on Friday, the best 2 groups and one best person from each of all groups would go to the next phase. The next phase was held for individuals; written test, outdoor activities, and interview, so later on, they would pick 5 best participants to go to the final and there would only be one winner. 

So my group, Somalia group, gathered at our meeting point which was at the theater room. The first time I gathered with my group, I felt like crying.They all spoke Spanish and no one seemed to understand me so I kept quiet and did nothing while they talked about something. Then they left the room and moved I didn't know where to. I could only follow them. Then again, they talked and talked and talked and I could only watch them. Thank God it was over at around 18.00 and I went back to the main room, looking immediately for my friends and poured my heart out. They apparently underwent the same thing too, and fear began to rise again everytime I had to gather with the group.

In the main room there was a workshop by Edgardo Donato and Marcelo Nonohay. At 21.00 we went to the dining room again to have dinner, then we were instructed to change our clothes to black or dark clothes. At 22.30 there was an opening at the field outside. There was a big hot air balloon, and also fireworks. On the clear autumn night sky of Tanti among stars. Along with other 600 "dreamers" coming from different background and cultures. Looking up to the sky, seeing where our future would be. For a moment the cold night autumn wind that stabbed our bones didn't feel so cold at all. That night we promised ourselves to keep dreaming big and going for it.

Tuesday, May 10th

After having breakfast that day, we had  a magistrate conference with Ndaba Mandela, the grandson of the legendary Nelson Mandela. He mostly told us about the history of South Africa and his grandfather's struggle back then. To me, both Ndaba and Nelson Mandela are very inspiring. People with high profiles like them are very hard to find, and I'm so lucky to be able to meet one. 

In the afternoon we had again a magistrate workshop by Andres Aguilar. He was a funny person. He asked some people to come to the stage and took his challenge, doing things that seemed "impossible". In his funny way he proved us that nothing's impossible, and that we have other who will always help us through good and bad moments. After that, we were given the first task of the "The Entrepreneur of FIE" competition, which was entitled Responsabilidad Social Empresaria, or, based on what google translate said, was Corporate Social Responsibility (I don't know if it's right or wrong). The point is, we had to make a short drama regarding social responsibility, record it, and give it to the committees in a CD. We were only given 2,5 hours to do it all.

I was kinda reluctant to do this competition you know, gathering with a group of people speaking things I didn't understand. But fortunately, there was a girl from Tucuman in the group named Mariana who spoke English (and later on, she became the best foreign friend I'd ever had). I was really really happy and also relieved! She kindly translated almost every little thing what every person was saying. Sometimes I felt so sorry since because of too busy translating, she couldn't participate in the group's discussion that much. But she said it was completely okay, that she was glad to do it because she could also improve her English.  

She was about my age too, and sometimes, instead of discussing with others, she and I had a chat. She was very nice and sweet, and I instantly became close to her. On the first day of our meeting, we told many things to each other already, including our personal life. I would also never forget the day she taught me a slang word in Spanish and I taught her one in Indonesian so that we could use it whenever we're angry but didn't want people to understand. It's really funny! Another day in a group meeting on the field, she asked me to tell about what my life was like in Indonesia. And so I told her about everything, mostly about Islam and its rules. As usual, she was surprised to know about that, but she seemed to appreciate it very much.

We once talked about the meaning of our names, or the reason why our parents gave that name to us. I remembered very well I told her my mom gave the name "Putri" because she wanted to have a daughter that was feminine just like a princess, and she said "Oh, that is so sweet. You ARE like a princess. You're kind and nice, you keep smiling all the time..."

I was touched hearing that. 

I'm not, Mariana. You are. 

Anyway, our group decided to make a drama about a poor person who needed help so desperately but was ignored by the government. I became a demonstrator who demanded justice and finally the government did something to help. What I thought would be depressing again turned out to be something really FUN! Although they couldn't speak English, they still considered me as a member, asked me what I wanted to be (via Mariana) in the drama, and helped me. Ever since, I was always looking forward to gathering with my group. Doing things together, sharing this with Mariana.  Gathering with them gave me the experience of being a professional worker -- to be able to cooperate with different kinds of people under any circumstances (in my case it was the language we had a problem with).

At 21.00 there was a competition called Going Around the World in One Night. This event, is one of my favorites. Each delegation had to make a booth/stand about their country, culture, education, politics, foods, etc. During the event we had to wear our traditional outfits. After the judges scored the booth, we were able to walk around and visit any booth we liked. Dian, Dhika, and Ines were in charge of presenting our booth so Yemima and I had a chance to go around and take pictures with others in their traditional outfits. 

Like the name, the event really made me feel like I was going around the world in only one night. Everytime I visited a different booth, it felt like I was in another country already. Anyway, we were kind of the center of attention because of Kebaya we're wearing. They'd never seen it before and thought that it was very beautiful. It's not so rare that when we're walking around, some people suddenly asked us to take a picture with them. Well, now that I know how it felt to be an actress for a night. LOL :p

I was so happy that our booth had a lot of visitors. Since we were the only Asians and the first time to come too, they were so curious about us. Ines brought along her stove to make batik and taught them how to make a simple batik pattern. You had no idea how crowded our booth was. They came, they asked many questions, they took pictures, they wrote their comments on a piece of paper. It was such a big success!  

The event was followed by a party. Every night, there always was a party starting from 23.00 til' 01.00 with different themes. That night's party theme was Traditional, so that we didn't need to change our outfits. You know what, it was like the real party I'd ever had. Not like the ones my friends usually hold to celebrate their 17th birthday. Held in a disco-like room, all the people were literally dancing to Latin music. Dancing all the time. My friends and I could only watch them dancing, since we couldn't dance and we were not used to that kind of party. But some of them grabbed our hands and asked us to join them. They showed us the moves and we could slowly follow them. They were laughing and seemed to be very happy, releasing stress after one day of tight schedule. Seconds later, I started to forget my wish to go to bed soon. 

Wednesday, May 11th 

We had to wake up early at 5 in the morning because that day there was an international breakfast competition. Every delegation had to cook their own traditional breakfast and present it again on the stand we used the day before. We decided to make tumpeng, gado-gado, and wedang jahe. Yemima was in charge at this competition because she was the only one who fully understood how to cook. She was helped by Dhika and Ines at the kitchen while Dian and I decorated the stand. At 8.30 people started to come to taste the food. Most of them were surprised (again) that we served rice for breakfast. Some of them loved it so much, but some weren't even interested to taste. No wonder, because they're used to eating anything sweet. Well, at the end of the competition there was nothing left on our stand but a little leftover. This time I didn't get much time to walk around and taste every other delegation's food 'cause Yemima and I had to stay at our stand. But some people came to our place and brought their food for us. We were very, very delighted. 

At 10.00 we had another magistrate conference. It was by Belinda Frazier, the head of Disney's theme park. Because she's from USA, the conference was held in English and so it's the others' turn to wear the headphones for Spanish translation. She told us about some marketing tips and how to be a good marketer. No one would understand better how to manage a good marketing than Disney people--almost every one in the world knows Mickey Mouse!

When we were having our lunch, one of the staffs came to our table. She asked whether everything was okay or whether we needed anything. Wow! we were quite specially treated. Maybe, like I said before, it's our first time to come there, the only Asians from a very very far country with a very different culture, and they wanted us to feel comfortable. It was really nice of them. They even reserved the third row seats in the main room only for us! However, I didn't feel exclusive and such. We were all there the same, doing the same thing, pursuing one dream. 

The staff said "We know you eat rice all the time, so for today's lunch, we cook rice only for you!"

O my God, I couldn't understand more how they could be really really nice to us. We were all so happy, of course. Having not been eating rice for several days was quite agonizing for Indonesians. Then came the rice. Then came the salt and cheese powder. Then nothing came again. We were all like "......."

Maybe they thought we're used to eating rice, literally only rice. So we eventually ate it with only salt and cheese powder. But even so, we truly appreciated their nice treatment to us. All we could say was muchas gracias.

In the afternoon we were given the second group task, which was Innovation and Creativity. It was held outdoor, on a huge field where we saw fireworks the other day. Each group had to make anything they wanted from boxes, plastic bottles, branches--anything they had. The creation had to have a good meaning. It's like recycling-- making something meaningful from second-hand stuffs. After quite a long discussion our group finally decided to make a hot air balloon, but changed the balloon with earth. I hardly remember what the meaning behind our creation was, but it definitely had something to do with "we're one, together we're reaching our dreams". I was satisfied with our creation. Compared to others', it didn't look really bad.

At night there was another competition called Company Fair (in which we got the second place! yey! :D). Each delegation had to present their companies (like CEPot'S) on the stand, show their products, and explain about the profits we'd gotten so far. It was my turn to be in charge along with Yemima, explaining about Horta Doll and Go Green Bag. People were very interested in visiting our stand, and when others already started to have their dinner, we still had to stay because people kept coming. They wanted to have our products so bad, so on Saturday, we exchanged them with anything they had--clothes, key chains, wallet, pencil case, etc.

Because earlier that day we had Belinda Frazier speaking, that night's party theme was Disney Costume. I saw people becoming Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Cinderella, Jack Sparrow, Peter Pan, Aladdin, Mad Hatter, even Dalmatians! Too bad we Indonesians didn't know about it before so we had no costume to wear. Well, in the same time I had an audition though. The audition of Talent Show. The best five performances would perform on the farewell night. My audition was at 00.30. I played Kecapi and Dian played guitar. Too bad 2 of the strings were broken so it didn't sound as good as it had to be. We were very nervous, playing Let it Be on the stage in front of judges. There were minor mistakes but overall it went really well! When Dian and I were practising in front of the room, some Brazilians came and listened to us. They were very interested. Unfortunately we later figured out that we didn't break to the final, but I was happy enough to have introduced Kecapi to those Latin people :)

Thursday, May 12th

Thursday wasn't as hectic as Wednesday anymore, because there was no more competition and we could be a little more relaxed. In the morning we had a magistrate conference by Juan Carlos Sagastume, a very inspiring athlete who'd been through so many things in his life, achieving so many goals of his own. Listening to him speaking has fueled my passion in getting what I want in the future, and hopefully it lasts long! The conference was continued by a simultaneous workshop. There were over 25 workshops with different themes, and we got to choose which workshop suited us best, either about marketing, leadership, technology, management, art, etc. Since all the workshops were in Spanish and there was only one translator, all the Indonesians had to be in one workshop, which was about the spirit of entrepreneurship. And it was indeed the workshop I'd like to attend. 

In the afternoon we had a recreational activities. It was more like a free time--playing soccer, doing aerobics, taking pictures, whatever. I spent it by walking around the vacation site, taking pictures with it's beautiful sceneries. Then we had another magistrate workshop by Vanessa Duran and Luciano Nicora.

At 19.00, the last group task was given. It was called Emprendedorismo or Entrepreneurship. We had to make an origami company, making 75 birds in less than 2 hours. Unfortunately, I was the only one who could make a bird, so while making some by myself, I had to teach the others too. It wasn't quite an easy task you know, especially when you didn't speak the same language and were running out of time. But they were all very kind so I wasn't that stressed out. In the process of making the birds, I felt even closer to them. Suddenly, the committee gave us a newspaper saying that we couldn't make any birds anymore 'cause the Japanese thought that they were bad luck and thus they won't import any. We had already made tens of them and suddenly this thing came!! We then stopped, and discussed our solution to the news. I bet the committees did it on purpose so that they could know how we dealt with such things as a company.

Again after dinner, we had a party. That night was what we called "peace night", so we all had to wear white clothes. What I thought would be a peaceful, silent party, turned out to be the same party with the other nights. Still dancing, still jumping, still going mad. But it was unforgettable though, we made a big circle and danced together.  

Friday, May 13th

Last day. How time seemed to fly 10 times faster there in Cordoba. In the main room after breakfast, the committees announced the best 2 groups who continued to the next phase. And those were none of our groups. So, we had quite a lot of free time that day since the schedule was mostly for the finalists of the competition. In the morning, though, there was a workshop by Roberto Avilia. But it was more like an ESQ. We sat and closed our eyes, imagined things what he said, and cried. Anyway it was the first ESQ done in English I had and it successfully made me cry! Maybe it was also because of the factor that he reminded me of my life here in Indonesia, my family, my friends. After all, despite all the fun I had there, I kind of missed my hometown. 

Maybe I would just like to tell about a game on the other day. When we were in the main room, the committees asked us to write our name, Facebook, and e-mail on a piece of paper and collected it to them. They randomly gave us back the paper and got someone else's name. The committees said that we should consider the person we got as our "angel". We had to find which one our angel was, had a talk, and made friend with him/her. In the dining room, a girl suddenly came to me. She said that she got my paper and that I was her angel. Her name is Valentina from Tucuman. She spoke English very well and was very friendly. She reminded me that I had to look for my angel too, so I began asking people whether they know the person or not. Anyway, my angel's handwriting was a little difficult to read so I didn't know how to read it--Hellyomar or something. I finally found him, a Brazilian,the boy she wanted to go out with but spoke only Portuguese. So we just shook our hands and talked a little. He was good-looking, and later Mariana told me that he was 

Anyway, Gala Night was a formal farewell party held that night. Girls had to wear formal dresses and boys in their best suit, came as a couple. It's a tradition in FIE that girls should be the ones asking the boys out. That's why, during the week, some girls had been looking for cute guys they wanted to go out with. I, definitely didn't plan to go with anyone, and so didn't the other Indonesians. 

At 20.30 the final of the "The Entrepreneur of FIE" was started in the main room. There were already 5 finalists on the stage, being asked by questions whose answers were supposed to bring out the best of themselves. Valentina was among them and she eventually turned out to be the winner! She was smart, and answered the questions with confidence. I was happy for her, she truly deserved it.

The event was followed by the final of talent show. The performances were dancing, singing, ensemble, poetry-reading, and the combination of them all. I then suddenly realized how I was surrounded by a lot of great people coming from all over the world -- talented, creative, leadership spirited, and determined. 

Anyway, unexpectedly, the third performance was by Bruno Lucas, the friendly playful guy I told you before. I didn't know exactly what he was doing though, he was alone on the stage, telling us a story or maybe reading a poetry in either Spanish or Portuguese --I wasn't really paying attention because I was too busy taking pictures. And what surprised me even more was that when he was already finished speaking, he took a flower from inside his blazer and threw it AT ME! Hahahahaha I was so happy I couldn't stop smiling. That kinda made my night =))))))

After all the performances were done, we all went to the dining room for the Gala Night and had dinner. Some people sat in front of their couple, and some who didn't have one, sat together with the ones who also didn't. I sat in one table with other Indonesians and Americans. When we were having our dinner, Bruno came into the room, saw us, and came toward us. He directly greeted me, saying something in Portuguese I couldn't understand while pointing at the rose then pointing at me. He smiled a lot and nodded and put his thumb up. He asked his friend to take a picture of us and said goodbye.

When everybody was finished with their dinner they went down to the dance floor and started dancing. One of the most memorable and was also most-played songs in the event was entitled Chora, Me Liga, a song in Portuguese. It's very easy-listening and every time I listen to the song, I feel like dancing. It reminds me a lot of the fun we all had together back then. I went back to my room at 2 o'clock in the morning while my roommate came back at 4 -_-. Before going to sleep, I packed my luggage because the next day I already had to leave. Believe it or not. Sad, definitely. There would be no more party next evening.

Saturday, May 14th

We all woke up at around 10 in the morning. I immediately took a bath and hurried to the dining room to have my last breakfast there, the last time to eat sweet croissant and baguette after having them for 5 days in a row for breakfast. After finished having breakfast, we exchanged things that we had with others. Our jacket written Indonesia on the back, was the most wanted by almost all participants. Everytime I walked wearing the jacket, there was always someone who came toward us and begged to exchange the jacket with their sweater, t-shirt, and even a musical instrument. A lucky girl from Brazil asked me first, so I exchanged mine with her Brazil t-shirt. We also exchanged money, key-chains, postcards, and most definitely, Facebook account.

There was a formal closing in the main room after breakfast. They announced all the winners from each competition and as I told you before, we surprisingly got the second place in the Company Fair. Somehow I was so proud getting on the stage and bringing Indonesian flag along with us. First time, and we were only 5. Alhamdulillah :')

We went back to our room to take our luggages and leave. On my way to the bus, I said goodbye to many people I just became close with, people I already considered as my new family in Cordoba. We hugged to each other for quite a long time and cried. Tears streamed down our faces and it was inevitable. I couldn't believe it was my time to leave already. Everywhere I looked, people were hugging and crying while carrying their luggages, ready to come back to their own daily life. Because we had to immediately fly to Buenos Aires, we didn't have much time to be around. Such a pity I still hadn't had the chance to say goodbye to some of my close friends including Flor my roommate and others who had been very kind to us. I could only see them from inside the bus.

Goodbye, Cordoba. Chao, chicos. I would never ever forget every single moment I had with all of you. Six days of dreams, cultural exchange, new friends, and great challenges. A week I will always remember to motivate myself achieving my goals. Coming back, I keep one thing in my mind. What our future will be is based on our ourselves: our own effort, perseverance, and our will to keep on fighting everytime we fail. Everything was just the beginning of my dream.

P.S: here is the summary video of FIE 2011 I found on YouTube. I appeared at 1:45 for a sec,hahaha :p