Linguistics

Enrolling in the Master's Program in Linguistics with a concentration in Translation at USU has given me sufficient experience to pursue the translator profession. Not only did I have the opportunity to intern as a translator, but we also frequently received visits from guest lecturers and practitioners in the field of translation. Upon graduating from the study program, I am not only capable of pursuing a career as a lecturer but also in the translator profession.

In 1997, I completed my undergraduate education at Universitas Sumatera Utara. Equipped with a bachelor's degree in English literature, I was accepted to teach at several private schools, teaching English. Several years passed, and in 2005, I decided to try my luck by taking the civil servant examination (CPNS) held at the North Sumatra Language Center. Alhamdulillah, I passed the exam and was placed at the Aceh Language Center. It was this institution that provided me the opportunity to pursue my master's degree in 2010.
I am motivated because some of my colleagues at the office already have their master's degrees. My initial intention was to use my own funds. To achieve that, I submitted my civil servant assignment document to one of the government banks to secure the funds. Armed with the form I obtained, I informed my superiors about my intention and signed the registration form. Upon learning that I would pursue my master's degree (S-2), my superiors offered me a scholarship instead. Indeed, the blessings of the pious will not go anywhere. Of course, I did not decline the offer. So, I continued my master’s studies with a scholarship from the Language Center, now known as the Agency for Language Development and Cultivation in Jakarta.
Considering my undergraduate educational background was in pure linguistics, coupled with the absence of similar master's programs in Aceh, I decided to pursue my studies at the Universitas Sumatera Utara Postgraduate School. This school is the nearest to the location of my institution in Aceh. There was some doubt in my heart, considering I was no longer young. Would my mind still be capable of engaging in intensive learning after 13 years?
Alhamdulillah, I was accepted as a student at the Universitas Sumatera Utara Postgraduate School in 2010. We were provided with a matriculation period in the early days of the program. This activity was intended to refresh our memory about the subjects we had previously learned. One course that I particularly enjoyed and which inspired me was the Research Methods course. This course expanded my knowledge about research methods and inspired the title of my thesis.
I had kind and supportive classmates during my studies. For every assignment given, we made an effort to have group discussions, and we even had discussions at a fast-food restaurant once. Among all these experiences, one thing that stands out the most for me is an assignment from one of the lecturers. I once stayed up all night working on a single assignment. Just as I was about to rest my eyes in the morning, guess what? A Javanese art performance called "Jaran Kepang" was held right outside my house. Of course, the music and rhythm of the performance kept me awake until they finished. The event concluded late at night.
As a scholarship recipient with certain agreements tied to the granting institution, I needed to find a way to complete my studies within two years. The condition also meant that I couldn't afford to take things lightly during my studies. That's why, from the very beginning of the semester, I had a title for my thesis, even though I hadn't proposed it yet. Based on my research, no one had ever explored dialectology in the context I was considering, especially in North Sumatra. Given that I had been equipped with knowledge about that field, I was confident that I could complete my thesis within the targeted time.
I managed to do so with the help of lecturers, staff, and friends. Thank you to all of you for your support.