Onomatopoeia
Singapore, Changi Airport, Terminal 2
I was 12. Looking through the enormous glass window where all the planes are parked. That’s where I saw a very enormous plane. An Airbus A380–800 that was operated by Emirates. I was really amazed by how this pile of steel tubes with two floors could connect humans to the opposite side of the world.
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Both of my hands were touching the glass really close, while my nose pressed against the glass windows. Moisture formed on the glass from my heavy breathing as a kid. I was truly amazed.
“Nak, kamu kalau bisa bahasa Inggris, ayah jamin kamu udah bisa naik itu,” my dad suddenly sneaked up on me. I don’t really take his word seriously. I mean, of course I’m a kid at that time, but how could simple knowledge of a language boost my career? I mean, it just doesn’t add up.
Suddenly, I’m 20 this year. I was looking at the same window but in a different airport. I just realized what he meant 8 years ago, and his right. My English proficiency is not the best. But this knowledge gives me a chance to study in a prestigious university, in a prestigious major, with prestigious lecturers and friends. If I’m being honest, the basic pillar of my career has been basic English skills. English gives me a very broad connection to the world, and its just amazing.
I still haven’t got into the A380–800 tho, but I’m willing to wait for that particular moment. I can’t wait to see where my basic English skills are taking me again!
