Grateful for the Tzu Chi Education Scholarship and Becoming Part of Tzu Ching

Journalist : Khusnul Khotimah, Photographer : Khusnul Khotimah

Through Tzu Chi activities, Karina has gained valuable knowledge and has been able to realize her potential.

Karina (21) is very grateful for the Tzu Chi education scholarship, which has enabled her to study pharmacy. This fourth-semester student at 17 August 1945 University aspires to become a pharmacist.

"My dad had TB in 2022. Now, my mom has panic attacks and asthma. So, I feel like this major suits me well and can be beneficial, at least for my family," said the youngest child who deeply loves her parents.

Since high school, Karina and her two older siblings have moved to Jakarta. Her parents still live in South Kalimantan, specifically in Balangan Regency, where they work as rice and corn farmers and sometimes as laborers in other people's fields.

“I am incredibly grateful to the Buddha Tzu Chi Foundation. If I hadn’t received this scholarship, I probably wouldn’t be able to study in the major I wanted. Relying on my family's finances, pursuing a degree in pharmacy would have been difficult,” she said.

Karina was tasked with assisting patients after they received their medication at the Degenerative Health Social Service Phase 2 event in Duri Utara, West Jakarta, held on Sunday, June 23, 2024.

Before this, Karina's older brother, Gerson, also received a Tzu Chi education scholarship. He recently graduated from Bunda Mulia University in Jakarta. Both Karina and her brother first learned about Tzu Chi at their high school, SMA Tri Ratna Jakarta, during a bamboo bank awareness event. After graduating from high school, Karina applied for and was awarded the Tzu Chi scholarship.

As a recipient of the Tzu Chi education scholarship, Karina often receives information about Tzu Ching activities, which are events for young Tzu Chi volunteers that she can participate in as a student. Curious, she started joining activities such as environmental conservation and "warung cinta kasih" (a love and care kitchen).

"When I first got involved, I already understood their vision and mission, and it felt really positive. It has been incredibly beneficial for me, so I've stayed actively engaged ever since," she explained.

Karina completed her training and officially became a Tzu Ching member on April 9, 2023. Joining Tzu Ching has brought numerous positive changes to her life. She has had many opportunities to assist others through Tzu Chi's charitable activities, learned valuable organizational skills, and, most importantly, she is now surrounded by kind-hearted individuals who are committed to personal growth.

"I've made a lot of positive friends here, and everyone is welcoming and embraces a humanistic culture," Karina said.

Karina, distributing food to residents during the "warung cinta kasih" program.

One of Karina's most memorable experiences was volunteering as an observer at Tzu Chi Hospital PIK. "I really enjoyed being a volunteer observer, and I'd love to do it again if given the chance. We learned many soft skills, and it was incredibly satisfying to accomplish those tasks. Plus, I got to know the hospital better—who knows, maybe I'll have a career at Tzu Chi Hospital someday," Karina said with a laugh.

On Sunday, June 23, 2024, Karina and her friends from Tzu Ching Indonesia participated in the Degenerative Health Social Service Phase 2 in Duri Utara, West Jakarta. This social service event was organized by the He Qi Center volunteers in collaboration with TIMA Indonesia, and it served 319 patients. Karina's role involved assisting patients after they received their medication. Her ever-present smile brought joy to the predominantly elderly patients, making them feel appreciated and valued.

Translator: Vissia (Tzu Chi School)