In the intricate tapestry of my life, the threads of love, support, and laughter are woven by the incredible individuals who make up my family. As I reflect on the journey so far, I can’t help but express my deep gratitude for each member who has played a unique role in shaping who I am today.
To my mom: Thank you for being so strong, kind and caring. Your unwavering love and care have been a source of guidance in my life. Despite your busy work schedule to provide for our family, you still manage to spend lots of time with me and Grandma. Thank you for taking us to the mall to hang out nearly every weekend since I was a baby. Thank you for listening to me rant about my activities and random dramas late at night since I was in elementary school. Thank you for listening to me sing in the car whenever we go on drives, for watching K-dramas with me, and for moving to the U.S. to give me a better education. You are someone I look up to the most, especially your ability to balance responsibility and relaxation, no matter how stressful something seems you are always so chill and calm. Thank you for never placing academic pressure on me, but instead encouraging me to always have fun. Mom, you are my source of guidance.
To my dad: Thank you for your hard work and dedication to the family. Although miles away in Indonesia, you remain an essential part of my life. Your calm and rational demeanor has undoubtedly influenced the side of me that values order and stability. Fond memories of you sharing stories from where you grew up are etched in my heart. Thank you for being the midnight savior when my mom’s and my cravings for martabak strikes. Dad, you are my source of stability.
To my grandma and grandpa: Thank you for raising me since I was a baby. Thank you for your love, care, support, and boundless affection. Grandma, the scar on your hand is a testament to your love and the challenges of taking care of the heavy baby that I was. Your cooking will always be the best. Grandpa, thank you for listening to me ramble and sing about the most random topics. Thank you for riding the motorcycle to get me to and pick me up from elementary school. Thank you for buying me stickers from the convenience store every day when I got home from kindergarten; those fond memories will forever stay in my heart. Grandma and Grandpa, you are my source of support.
To my aunt and uncle: Thank you for the countless adventures and memories in the malls of Indonesia. Eating with you in mall cafeterias is something I will cherish forever. Thank you, Aunty, for sparking my interest in makeup and fashion; you have always had great taste in fashion. You both are my source of creativity.
To my cousins: Thank you for being so cool. To my older female cousin, who doubles as a sister, thank you for your caring nature and for allowing me to be the third wheel in the early days with your now-husband. I miss watching K-dramas with you and Mom. And to my older male cousin, the gateway to the enchanting worlds of manga, Detective Conan, and Pokemon, your influence on my interests is immeasurable. You are my source of inspiration.
To my little nieces and nephews: Thank you for being so cute and adorable. Even though I have yet to see some of you in person, you are my source of motivation.
To my family, you have supported me and shaped me into the person that I am today, and I can’t thank you enough for it. I love you all!
