In the rhythmic journey of my academic pursuit, I’ve found myself under the sway of what I affectionately call “My US Pendulum.” This pendulum, an allegory for the unpredictable twists of life, has taught me invaluable lessons about the ebb and flow of success, the beauty of letting go, and the necessity of embracing the unexpected.

The allure of having everything perfectly arranged, especially in Indonesia, is undeniable. The human instinct to chase success, driven by a fear of failure, is deeply ingrained. However, as my US Pendulum persistently swings, it unveils a truth often overlooked – the utopian dream of flawless success is both unrealistic and elusive.

The mentorship chapter in my story embodies the pendulum’s teachings. A proposed six-month research program faced repeated setbacks, leading to a pragmatic compromise of four months. Just as I settled into this rhythm, the unexpected departure of my mentor to a different university threw me into a whirlwind. Frantically searching for a new mentor, I submitted five candidates to AMINEF/Fulbright. Miraculously, in early September, a new mentor emerged, accepting the offer for a six-month research stint. The lesson was profound: letting go, even when deeply attached, opens doors to new and, hopefully, better experiences.

The bureaucratic hurdles and accommodation quests introduced another layer to the pendulum’s sway. Plans may unfold seamlessly or take unforeseen detours. A bureaucratic snag with never-ending paperwork in Indonesia constitutes one layer, and graduate housing left me unable to register due to a missing ID number in the US adds another. Panic set in, but as I reached out to my supervisor in the late September, the initial one-and-a-half-month silence that worried me sick, was replaced by a flurry of action this week. Not only did my supervisor respond, but they efficiently worked on necessary paperwork and secured a house for my stay during the research visit, proving that sometimes, even when things seem bleak, a positive twist may await.

Half of my research journey unfolded in Indonesia, where I dedicated six months to cultivating marine sponges and exploring the depths through SCUBA diving. The promise is evident in the specimens, the material transfer agreement is on its way, but the ultimate question remains – will this effort translate into at least one good publication? The hope is sincere, but I’ve learned from the pendulum’s wisdom to enjoy the swings, acknowledging that outcomes are uncertain.

Drawing inspiration from Deepak Chopra’s wisdom, I now learn the hard way that true happiness is a product of embracing both joy and pain. Life, much like my US pendulum, is a package deal, and accepting its dual nature is essential. As the pendulum swings, and the uncertainty of my research visit looms, I find solace in the words, “Embrace it.” The only antidote to the anxiety of potential missteps is to welcome both the beauty and challenges that life unfolds.

In the grand orchestration of my US research visit, I realize that the true magic lies in the journey, in the unpredictable swings that shape a unique and resilient narrative. Life’s package, like my pendulum, contains both highs and lows, and it is in navigating this dance that the most profound discoveries are made