The University Entrance Exam Gives Me Precious Lessons

Foto: Bro. Jeffrey Pioquinto, SJ

I just dropped my sister at this random junior high school in Shouth Jakarta for SIMAK UI. The venue is definitely not the most accessible, perhaps even the least, in the history of university admission test. We planned to leave home at 5 and arrive at 6 a.m., even though the test would start at 7. We arranged so as we have tracked our way to the school yesterday to make sure, and we're glad that we did. The challenge only to locate the place itself is beyond compare.

Along the way, the driving experience was rather nerve-racking—we went through the tiniest streets ever, some not-so-friendly locals (or maybe they were just sleepy af and bothered by the surprise morning traffic), and although Google Maps is always helpful, directions to the school were far from clear.

I am concerned that my sister will be distracted due to all the ruckuses we had to undergo on our way to the destination. It's sad that I don't know what to do or at least whom should I report this problem to. I can only hope that she'd be doing okay with her test because I witnessed how hard she studied and how depressing her post-SNMPTN struggle was. I also remember four years ago when I was at her position, though I wasn't working as hard, but the high school where I had to do the test was not easy to be found too. In my case, I even had to drive on my own to get there.

At first, I wanted to complain to UI, or whoever responsible to organize SIMAK, for allocating such hidden school as a place for its crucial admission test. My sister as well as all her fellow freshmen-to-be (and I, back then) would be able to focus and consequently do so much better in the test if only reaching the venue was not another trial of patience on its own. My sister and I were lucky that we checked out the school beforehand, but how about those who didn't, or couldn't make it because they are not from the Greater Jakarta Area? Right?

But then on my way back home, I passed the junior high school at which my sister and I studied. We both are quite privileged to go to this good one, only 15 minutes from our home, and situated at one of East Jakarta's main avenue. The building stands tall that I could always see it from the highway, the teachers are above average and the school provides an ideal academic environment. At least better than the school where my sister is right now.

That very thought striked me right in the heart.

I came to a realization that the my sister and I are fortunate enough to go to one of the best junior highs in Jakarta—and how selfish we have become this morning because we take our luckiness for granted. I imagined how the students at the school where my sister's test took place have to go there every weekdays, through the roads where SUVs can barely make it. Some of them might even have to go by foot because their family don't have any vehicle. It's unfair that their classrooms are now taken by those whose parents can afford to provide them with luxury cars and high-quality education, currently competing with one another to further broaden the gap between 'the have's and 'the have-not's.

Come to think about it, maybe this particular SIMAK is not only a test, but also a lesson of humility for me and my only sibling. We didn't realize that all this time we have been spoiled by our parents' support and pure kindness. We might have worked our asses off at school, but we forget that there are students who also work as hard but cannot achieve the same result due to the differences of facilities we enjoy. As an UI student myself, of course I don't want my sister or anyone facing the same situation to let such ignorance grow larger within our society.

If you feel like you come from a family that is as privileged as my sister and I, don't you think that it's time to start capturing the bigger picture instead of complaining the little things? To listen and think more before we speak? To empathize with others who are less fortunate and reflect on ourselves?

Last but not least, I wrote this because I was utterly mad this morning before I arrived at this retrospect. I hope reading this will give you a new insight on your perspective to conceptualize your surroundings, at least in regards with privileges and inequality. Nevertheless, good luck to all UI-freshmen-to-be!

Faiz Annindito // tapak.in