Looking Back, Moving Forward

In 2014, I wrote a book—a collection of words, ideas, and stories. But as I reflect, I realize it wasn’t the stories themselves that inspired me. It was the time I was living through, the emotions I carried, and the way creativity became my refuge. Back then, the world felt simpler. Dreams felt within reach. Every page I wrote was not just an expression of imagination but a testament to the resilience that kept me moving forward.

Yet, life has a way of leading us down paths we never expected. My heart was once set on becoming a doctor, but here I am, in my third year studying law. It wasn’t what I had planned, but plans change, and so do we. Sometimes, we find ourselves standing at a crossroads, longing for what could have been, forgetting that every path—even the unexpected ones—can lead to something meaningful.

But if there’s one thing life has taught me, it is that creativity, no matter how small, can open doors you never knew existed. At 12 years old, I never imagined that a love for words would pave the way for me to become a writer under Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP). It was proof that even as a child, with nothing but creativity and a pinch of dreams, you could go far beyond what you ever thought possible.

As Arthur from Passengers said,
"You know where you wanted to be, you feel like you're supposed to be somewhere else. But you can't get so hung up on where you'd rather be, that you forget how to make the most of where you are."

And that is what life has taught me—you cannot spend forever looking back at the doors that have closed. Instead, you learn to stand tall, embrace the journey, and find beauty in the present. You grow not just by reaching your destination but by learning to walk with grace, no matter where the road leads.

If you wish to glimpse into a time when creativity was my guiding light, I invite you to read the book I wrote back in 2014. Perhaps within those pages, you might find a spark of inspiration, just as I once did.

Mahu Menjadi Doktor.