There are moments in life that quietly reshape who we are. Not through grand celebrations or dramatic turning points, but through small decisions that require courage long before we realize how meaningful they will become.

For Juanita, an MIPD Spring 2026 student from Indonesia, that moment began with a decision to leave home and study abroad for the first time in her life.

Coming to South Korea was not simply about pursuing another academic degree. It was about stepping into the unknown after years of building a life rooted in family, familiarity, and responsibilities. Leaving home for such a long period required courage, determination, and countless considerations. Yet behind that difficult decision stood the unwavering support of the people she loves most: her husband and children.

“It was not only my decision,” Juanita shared warmly. “It was a family decision. My husband and children fully supported me to be here.”

Their support became the quiet strength that carried her across borders and into a completely new chapter of life.

Like many international students arriving at Korea Development Institute School of Public Policy and Management, Juanita arrived with excitement, uncertainty, and curiosity all at once. But what she found during her first days on campus was something she did not entirely expect: a deep sense of care.

For Juanita, one of the most memorable moments at KDI School was the initial orientation period. Beyond introductions and schedules, she felt something much more meaningful hidden within the experience: genuine attention toward every individual student.

“I could really feel how much the school cares about each person,” she recalled. “Not only through the facilities and activities they provide, but also through the dedication of the people here.”

That care revealed itself in many forms. It appeared in the patience of staff members answering questions, in the kindness of DAs and TAs helping students adapt, and even in professors who welcomed students with warmth and understanding. Slowly, what once felt unfamiliar began to feel comforting.

At the same time, KDI School also opened the door to a world Juanita had never imagined before. Surrounded by classmates from different countries and cultures, she found herself building friendships that stretched far beyond borders.

Meeting fellow Indonesians brought a sense of familiarity, but getting to know students from all around the world became an entirely new adventure. Conversations over meals, shared laughter during orientation activities, and learning about different cultures transformed the campus into more than just a place of study. It became a space where strangers slowly became companions in a shared journey.

“It was really fun,” she said simply, though behind those words lies the quiet wonder of discovering how large and connected the world truly is.

Yet perhaps the most meaningful lesson Juanita found at KDI School was not only academic.

Living far from home, surrounded by people carrying different stories and dreams, made her reflect more deeply on the kind of person she wants to become. Through her experiences, she began to realize the importance of treating others with kindness and always striving to give her best in everything she does.

“KDIS has made me realize that life is limited, but that does not mean we should limit our potential to do our best,” she reflected. “I think I am currently in a phase where I keep teaching myself not to stop trying. It may not be perfect, but at least I continue to do my best and never give up.”

In many ways, Juanita’s story is not only about studying abroad. It is about growth that happens quietly and gradually: the courage to begin again, the humility to keep learning, and the determination to continue moving forward despite uncertainty.

Some journeys change us because they take us far away from home. Others change us because they teach us that growth has no age, no boundaries, and no final destination.

For Juanita, perhaps this chapter at KDI School is both at once.