"Scholarship is not for those who are smart, but for those who want to effort more.."

Some moments ago, my dad informed me about a scholarship program provided by a private bank in Indonesia. The program offered a chance to study in one of two best universities in a Indonesia's neighboring country. As a contingency plan, my dad prompted me to apply; and personally, with quite-interesting offer and straightforward prerequisites, I decided to give it a try when the registration was nearly closed.

I prepared my drafts, school reports, remarks, certificates, etc. My favorite prerequisite was to enter a 500-words personal statement about this scholarship program. And I supposed this was the part when I could show off my rhetoric utterances. Regardless its influence in chance of being admitted, I would likely share it here.. hehe..
*I've censored the name of the institution, for the confidentiality's sake

The end of the story, my drafts qualified, and I passed the first step of selection. The next session of selection would be English test, forum group discussion, and many others.
Since later I was admitted in a public university in Indonesia, and this program lasts until December this year (still the program, not even the univ tuition term), I decide to resign and rescind from this scholarship program.

For you who still want to hunt scholarships, there are abundant sources of scholarships which you could find in the internet, like rumahbeasiswa, infobeasiswa or follow @BeasiswaGratis on Twitter..
happy pursuing the future!! =)

Name : Muhammad Iqbal

School : SMAN 3 Medan

From : Medan, North Sumatera, Indonesia

I have been dreaming for a lifetime to step my foot and study overseas. I see this undeniably-intriguing scholarship program as a great opportunity to actualize my firm obsession. Malaysia is a leading country; as prominent instance of development and innovation in Southeast Asia, even Asia. Moreover, within this program, two universities offered (National University of Malaysia and University of Malaya) are the best universities in the country. Thus, having a campus life in Malaysia would be a magnificent experience.

‘Why should I receive a scholarship from *****?’ Well basically, I utter; I am not a sluggish person. The dream to study abroad from the very first place was initially restrained due to my economical condition. I had to precede what is best for me, and best for my parents’ affording too. Consequently, I had to lay it down, only to be my secondary obsession. I do not want to illustrate myself more impoverished here, but that is truly my circumstance; and again, ***** gives a glimpse of hope.

I choose economics as preference of subject, because I think economy is very important sector in which mankind’s reliance in it is very decisive. In addition, conceiving the globalization that perpetuates; economy –along with politic and socio-culture– is determinant factor, which inflicts global policies, also influences human’s life and welfare. In addition, ***** also offers engaging-recruitment contract, where later I could probably have a chance to have occupation in this Southeast-Asia-leading bank. Having career in bank might sound suave; but I already have a long-term fervor, which is to be economic expert, to observe problems as well as to find the solutions, to be individual who can give benefit to mankind in the whole world. My vision sounds cliché, “to make something in the world”. But the notion has already internalized and prompted; in order that someday, perhaps I could become like the innovative Sri Mulyani, the valiant Tun Abdul Razak, or even the legendary John Maynard Keynes. And I really feel those glancing prospects within this ***** scholarship program.

If I am later admitted; beside economic-related lessons I will learn, I am interested to scrutinize the growling issues which frequently arise between Malaysia and my own country, Indonesia. If then I feel the atmosphere of dwelling in Malaysia, it will automatically give me amplification, how public people of Malaysia actually see Indonesian people, as well as many issues that emerge. Then, of course, to exert an effort of perennial conciliation; because prior to the confrontations, both countries had many common things upheld, common histories and both peoples were from similar ethnic. Also to establish more cooperation –particularly economy–, so that economic development of both countries could sustain in the global scale, even to vie with West domination.

Ultimately, I am looking forward for this scholarship program. This is a big step of my life path, to begin actuating my dream and having education as high as possible. Should I am not the recipient of this scholarship program, I will simply not surrender. God is the best planner; and towards that, I should strive harder. I will improve myself, so someday I could prove, that my existence in this world is a worthwhile creation.