Thariq Rahman Aly is Biology student from year 2019 and he’s willing to be an environment scientist in the future. This year, Thariq got the chance to joining IISMA (Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards).
“I felt grateful like never before. It made me contemplate and be grateful for all the things I’ve experienced throughout my life and all the people that supported and helped me. They made me the way I am now to be able to achieve this milestone,” he said, to express his gratefulness to be selected for joining this program.
In this opportunity, he managed to choose University of Queensland, Australia to be his host university as it offered courses that pursue his dream in contributing to maintain the global environment. At UQ, Thariq found courses that specifically would fulfil his ambitions and interest the most, there are Analysis of Scientific Data, Environment and Society, Design for A Better World, and Media and Society. The courses supported him in shaping his perspective, deepening his knowledge, and improving his skills. He believes that environmental issues under biological contexts are inseparable from anthropological dynamics. It is an ongoing discourse that requires the perspectives of a diverse community. For Thariq, these courses offer the opportunity for discussions, lectures, and intercultural exchange of perspectives needed to dive into that world.
At his first time arrived at UQ, he was quite surprised by how diverse the students are, because there is a melting pot of various cultures and ethnicity. It was harder for him to spot a native Australian than finding international students. Besides, UQ St Lucia Campus has beautiful views with its connection with the natural environment. Walkways are surrounded by trees and plants, seated with various colourful birds. The view is at its most beautiful during spring when the purple jacaranda trees start to bloom.
Thariq perceived that UQ is holding its academic integrity to the utmost importance. Throughout his study, Thariq received modules that educate students about academic integrity comprehensively and the consequences if they do not follow it. At first, it made him feel a little bit tense but it also gave him the positive learning experience that inspired and motivated him to study better.
Thariq spent his time at Brisbane, where he can enjoy the various awesome views and the connected natural environment within the city. He also participated on various events while living at Brisbane, such as student gatherings and festivals. Other than that, Thariq enjoyed casual walks and outings with his fellow IISMA awardees and new friends he made there. He also found quite remarkable diving spots just offshore Brisbane. He dived several times together with the UQ diving community and it was an irreplaceable experience to gain. He felt much livelier than ever.
IISMA is not just a program to further enrich skills and knowledge, but also utilize it to solve current global issues. Thariq hopes that after finishing this program, he can further contribute back to Indonesia for the advancement of society and consequently improve the living environment for the sake of future generations. “Though I am going to need to finish my thesis first,” he closed his statement. (TRA/AS)