Hello, I am Amanda Citra Nabila. I am a 21-year-old singer, songwriter, and student from Indonesia.
Why Saxion?
I joined a double degree program for a year in Saxion. I chose Saxion for my short degree because I wanted to experience international exposure, especially in Europe. From the subjects that I have studied so far here, my perspective has broadened not only in academics but also personally.
Here in Saxion, I am delighted to meet and make friends from all over the world. It enriches my knowledge, and it changes my point of view on different things in my life. Also, I live in student housing that makes me more independent, tolerant, and creative. I have met people from all over Europe, which was one of the reasons I chose Saxion. I really enjoy living in Deventer because it is a lovely, peaceful city while also you can have some fun with friends from time to time. It has many vintage buildings and a nice view. Overall, the Netherlands' landscape is just unique. Everywhere you go, it has a mesmerizing sight. Deventer is really suitable for studying. If you want, you can also go to other cities within an hour by train because of its location.
International Finance and Accounting at Saxion
I am currently studying an International Finance and Accounting program. I chose this program because I love learning how data can transform into information and be processed and used for decision-making purposes. It definitely affects my way of approaching a particular issue. For example, when I want to decide something, I want to choose based on evidence. Another point is that at Saxion, we study finance and learn about management and professional development, which is really helpful for improving one's personality and professionalism.
Navigating my own journey
I am a full-time student and a part-time musician. I started my solo music career in 2018 with my first single debut, "The One," published on every digital platform such as Spotify, iTunes, JOOX, etc. Since then, I have been invited to be a guest performer in almost every event in Indonesia. This is especially true for local campus events, Indonesian brand events such as the Honda Basketball event and Sunsilk (shampoo brand) event. I was also invited as an open act for Raisa and Kunto Aji, which are well-known as prominent musicians in Indonesia, for one of the musical events in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Moreover, I write songs not only for myself but also for other musicians. "Asa" is the song that I wrote for Olski, which is an Indonesian band.
With more than 50.000 listeners on Spotify and 6.200 viewers on YouTube, I am still producing and making music whenever I can. During my study here in Saxion, the Netherlands, I am also still performing for the musical events in Indonesia by online streaming, which is the only possible way to execute events. Last month, I became a music performer for music performance events by an Indonesian radio station called Fiesta Radio via online streaming. I bring my equipment for recording and always work and contact my music team back home on producing the music.
My music really affects me as a human being and as a student. It helps me to grow and to elevate my personality higher in terms of self-development. While making my music, I have learned how to handle myself and coordinate with my team. I always want to obtain any aspiration from my team and define what I want and need. Thus, from a student perspective, it helps me be more confident in communicating what is essential and relevant for a particular objective that we need to achieve. Importantly, as a hobby, my music is what makes my life happier. I really think that it is fascinating and enjoyable when producing music from scratch. It is a whole journey until the song shapes to the point where it is performed and delivered as a message to the audience. I have learned to enjoy the process and appreciate the patience.
My advice to you
My advice for you, future full-time and part-time students, is to make the most of your youth. Explore anything that you like and believe that the sky is your limit. It is unnecessary to always do big things to become someone special; we can begin with small things that we enjoy as a hobby or are interested in. Continually seek opportunities that can improve your progress through connections. With proper evaluation, you can monitor its progress and learn from your experience. Still, don't forget about your responsibilities and priorities as a full-time or part-time student. Learn anything from anywhere, and anyone, do not limit yourself to school only. Never stop reading and listening as it is a great way to increase your knowledge. It is better to have a willingness to understand and discover so many things that still uncover. Lastly, always appreciate people who help you and be grateful for every small win you already take, especially in these uncertain times.
Kind regards,
Amanda
