Perseverance
is the key to success. A recurring theme in Raissa Almira’s life.
An author
with Gramedia, one of the leading publishing groups in Indonesia, Raissa is an
Australia Awards Scholar at the University of Melbourne studying a Master of
Strategic Communications.
After
obtaining a bachelor’s degree in social development and welfare from Gadjah
Mada University, Yogyakarta, she still needed the proper communication tools to
make and implement change.
Success did
not happen overnight. Raissa faced over nineteen scholarship rejections before
receiving an Australia Awards Scholarship in 2021. She never gave up.
“You’re
not applying for a scholarship for yourself but for your country. Think about
how this scholarship will benefit your country and how you will contribute.
Always try to think about others and how to help others.”
For Raissa,
one of the highlights of being an Australia Awards Scholar is the ability to
build connections quickly. “I’ve met several people from different
countries and been able to share our different cultures. Being on the Australia
Awards Student Association committee at the University of Melbourne, we can
connect with many scholars through barbecues and picnics to learn about their
culture and food. “
Raissa’s love
for the art of communications comes with a desire to convey the most effective
message to the right market. Using her experience to help others, she has a
growing social media following by providing and sharing valuable information
back home to Indonesia, especially regarding opportunities for potential
scholars and advice on living abroad.
After
completing her studies, Raissa plans to work in communications roles for
companies with a great Corporate Social Responsibility program that addresses
areas in sustainability and reducing environmental degradation. Raissa is also
an avid volunteer and plans to keep volunteering and contributing to the
community.
Raissa’s
advice for anyone interested in applying for an Australia Awards Scholarship, “I
have faced several rejections, including job applications and publishing my
book. I am proud of myself for my persistence and perseverance.”
