Hi, my name is Mikhael Alexandro. I’m called Ale. I was born on August 30th, 2003. I am the second child of three siblings. I’m from Vincentius Putera shelter and I’ve been living in the shelter for six years. I started living in the shelter in grade seven. I come from a remote area near the border between Indonesia and Timor Leste, namely Atambua which is in the province of NTT. I am currently studying at Kalbis Institute majoring in Informatics Engineering.
I entered the Vincentius Putera shelter because when I was in the 6th grade I received an offer to continue my high school education in Jakarta from a Pastor named Lasarus Subagi OFM. Pastor Lasarus Subagi OFM was the head of the Vincetius Putera shelter. In Atambua, education and economy are still not good. With the approval of my parents, I accepted the offer to continue my education in Jakarta. I live and study at the Vincetius Putera shelter since 2016 until now. I’m very happy because so far I got many experiences and important lessons. I’m so grateful that I can now also continue my education at university.
I am very happy and grateful and thank the Heliconia Scholarship Foundation for choosing me, which has given me the confidence and opportunity to continue my studies at the Kalbis Institute. My commitment is that I will be responsible for the trust that has been given to me. I will study hard to get good grades and I will graduate on time. I’ll do my best so that I can help others with my knowledge and energy.
Message from Mikhael, January 2026
During my internship at PT Mitra Artha Solusi Informatika, I gained strong hands-on experience in the IT field, including system support, troubleshooting, network monitoring, and basic server management. I learned how to analyze technical problems, implement effective solutions, and apply theoretical knowledge in real operational environments. This experience significantly improved my technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of professional IT workflows.
The highlight of this semester was successfully completing my internship. This experience allowed me to gain valuable hands-on experience in the IT field and apply my academic knowledge in real working conditions. I am proud of myself as I was able to handle technical tasks, solve real problems, and adapt to a professional environment. This internship increased my confidence and motivated me to continue improving my skills and commitment to my studies.
At the beginning, I lacked confidence when assisting in resolving customer issues for the first time, especially while adjusting my working hours with other mandatory activities. I was afraid of making mistakes and felt unsure about my abilities. However, over time, I learned to manage my time better, became more confident, and viewed each challenge as a valuable learning experience. My learning goal for the next semester is to complete my thesis, finish my study on time, and graduate with good academic results. I will focus on effective time management, consistency in my work, and fulfilling all academic requirements.
On December 13th-14th, 2025, Vincentius Putra shelter held a music concert at Puri Indah Mall Jakarta. I became an Master of Ceremony in that event, I also sang some songs. I was so glad to be part of this event.
I have received a great deal of guidance that has helped me reach my final semester. I am truly grateful for the continuous support and guidance provided, which have played an important role in my academic journey.
Studying at university has helped me grow academically and personally, and with the outstanding support from Heliconia, I am able to stay focused on my education until my final semester.
Message from Mikhael, July 2025
My biggest learning point in the 6th semester was being able to complete my internship successfully at PT Menn Teknologi Indonesia Tbk. I realized that real work experience is very different from what we learn in class. Theoretically, I got a deeper understanding of how projects are managed and how technology is applied in real situations. Emotionally, I learned about discipline, time management, teamwork, and how to adapt in a professional environment. During this experience, I gained a lot of new knowledge and practical skills that I couldn’t get only from the classroom. It felt good to see myself growing both professionally and personally through this opportunity.
The low point of this semester was when I sometimes felt insecure about whether I could keep up with the tasks in the office during my internship. At first, I doubted my abilities and worried about making mistakes. But then, I learned to be more confident, I was brave to ask questions, and I could face every challenge as part of the learning process.
My learning goal for the next semester is to improve my practical skills and broaden my knowledge by doing another internship in a different company. I want to challenge myself to adapt to a new environment, gain different perspectives, and apply what I have learned so far in new ways. This way, I can grow both professionally and personally, while preparing myself better for my future career.
I really appreciate the guidance I received from Heliconia Scholarship Foundation. The support has been helpful, especially in motivating me to stay focused on my studies and giving me confidence. Studying at university with the support of Heliconia has opened new opportunities for me, giving me knowledge, confidence, and the chance to build a better future.
Message from Mikhael, February 2025
The 5th semester was full of challenges and new experiences! I learned a lot about digital security, from managing risks in IT Security and Risk Management to understand the basic encryption of Cryptology and Computer Security. Language Theory and Automata subject was pretty confusing at first with all its formal concepts, but I eventually understood how it forms the foundation systems. On the other hand, Data Science Application taught me how to process data into meaningful insights, while Computer Graphics helped me understand digital visualization better. Beyond technical knowledge, I also learned the importance of patience, persistence, and not giving up when I faced difficult concepts or assignments. This semester made me even more convinced that the world of IT is challenging, but also incredibly exciting!
This semester was truly special for me! Academically, I feel satisfied with my grades, but what made it even better was being trusted to serve as the secretary of Informatics Student Council (HIMIF/ Himpunan Mahasiswa Informatika). It’s been an exciting experience to be part of the student organization and give some contribution. Being the secretary of HIMIF has a big responsibility. Sometimes, I had to manage my time between academic activities, organization duties, and my daily life in the shelter. Although it wasn’t always easy, it became a challenge for me to improve my time management skill and to maintain balance in different aspects of life.
Another highlight was when I performed in a band as a vocalist at Kalbis Welcome Party event in November 2024, one of the biggest events on campus—it was such a fun and memorable moment. What makes this semester even more meaningful because it was my last event with my classmates, after that I’ll be starting my internship and thesis journey. It feels like a big transition, but I’m excited for what’s ahead.
Next semester, my main goal is to complete my internship and start my thesis. Through the internship, I want to gain real-world experience, apply the skills I’ve learned, and improve my problem-solving abilities in a professional setting. At the same time, I hope to develop better research and analytical skills as I begin working on my thesis. This will be a crucial step in my academic and career journey, so I want to make the most o
f it by staying focused, disciplined, and open to learning new things.
My experience with Heliconia has been very positive and meaningful for me, especially the guidance from my mentor, Veronica and Kak Naomi. For me, their support has been incredibly valuable and helpful. I think it’s already enough for me. Studying with Heliconia’s support has helped me stay focused on learning and growing. I feel more confident, have gained more knowledge, and I’m ready to face the future.
Message from Mikhael, August 2024
In semester four, my biggest learning point was understanding the importance of user-centered design, which I learned in UI/UX, this course was about how the digital business world works through Entrepreneurship. I also got more knowledge in Cyber Security, Software Engineering, and Ethical Hacking, which taught me about data protection and how to build secure systems. I also gained insights into the advancements in technology through Artificial Intelligence (AI).
This semester, I participated the Catholic Retret and the Students Gathering (Malam Keakraban) in Bogor. Those events were strengthen my relationships with friends and increased my personal growth. I also was so proud for participating in the KOMFESTO event for five days, it was a futsal tournament for high school students. Those experiences made me feel good about myself because I was able to manage my time between academics and extracurricular activities, while also contributing to my community and building meaningful connections with others.
This semester has taught me so many new things. I’ve learned how to manage transitions, collaborate with others, and seize opportunities to grow. Although challenges are always present, I feel more prepare to face whatever lies ahead and to achieve the goals I haven’t reached. Studying on campus has opened new opportunities and personal growth, and with Heliconia’s support, I’ve gained the skills and confidence to pursue my dreams while balancing academics and meaningful connections.
Message from Mikhael, March 2024
This third semester was so dynamic and full of challenges. This semester I was involved in several organizations on campus, I also joined in a band. I was successfully overcoming the challenges of managing my time between study, organizations, and personal activities. One experience that made me feel good about myself was when I managed to balance my tasks and organizational duties effectively, even though it was difficult. As the Head of Futsal Organization, I have to manage the practice schedule, find sponsors, build cooperation with other student organizations, find sparring partners, and participate in tournaments. As a Public Relations of the Catholic Organization, it gave me the opportunity to develop leadership and communication skills. I am responsible for promoting religious activities and maintaining good relationships with the members. This experiences taught me the importance of time management, leadership, and effective communication. Seeing the results of these efforts, both in the organizations and academic achievements, made me feel proud and more confident in facing future challenges. I see this as an opportunity to learn and grow.
This semester some courses taught me to increase my creativity, technical skill, and design skill. I had Web Programming Course, I learned about logic and creativity in programming the game development. In this course, I understood the basic of creating the web aplication. Another courses that interesting were Human and Computer Interaction and Operation System, I was taught about the importance of interface design and how to learn the memory processing and management.
Overall, this semester was valuable for me, especially since some of my target grades were achieved. This semester not only helped me grow as a person, but also provided an opportunity to contribute to university and its organizations. I received a lot of guidance from Heliconia, such as learning how to manage my time effectively, follow the rules, and maintain better grades. Studying on campus has opened my eyes to endless possibilities, and with the support of Heliconia, I’ve learned the importance of balancing academics and personal growth, empowering myself to pursue my dreams with confidence.
Message from Mikhael, August 2023
Semester 2 was the period where I started to feel the difference from the previous semester. I was happy in the learning process. Course materials became more interesting and relevant, and I became more involved in the classes. While working on assignments and projects, I found new enthusiasm in exploring topics that interest me. This excitement helps me to stay motivated in the face of academic challenges. Apart from that, the solidarity between my friends and I also getting better.
Despite the joy of studying, I also experienced various challenges and struggles. The courses are more difficult and the academic demands forced me to learn to manage my time better. I realized the importance of self-discipline and the ability to overcome laziness. I have several lecturers with different ways of teaching, and I struggle more to understand them. However, this taught me about patience and perseverance.
This semester also brings opportunities to expand my social circle. I had more group assignments. I met many new friends from various backgrounds and cultures that I might not have known before. Collaboration with classmates and students from other majors in group assignments made me learn different perspectives that makes me appreciating the diversity and uniqueness of each person in my group.
There were some moments when I felt pressured and stressed, the deadlines, the exams, and there was a moment when I wasn’t allowed to do some activities that I like even I was obliged to participate in. But I learned to build good communication with the administrators of the shelter and campus, so that there would be no misunderstandings. However, that makes me learn to manage my emotion better and to look for some ways to relieve stress, such as exercising, praying, and talking to friends or family. This experience taught me that it is important to always be enthusiastic and to be mentally strong.
Not everything I did in semester 2 went smoothly. There were several failures and errors that I faced. However, I learned that failure is a natural part of the learning process. What important is how I learn from the failure and use that experience to improve better in the future.
I realize the importance of self-development outside the academic environment, I joined several organizations at campus. Being involved in some extracurricular activities helped me to increase my social, my leadership skill and my contribution to the campus community. This experience also provides an opportunity to build valuable networks and connections. Of course it also taught me the importance of communicating.
Overall, semester 2 was a time full of challenges and opportunities to grow and develop. This experience has shaped me to be more mature, passionate and resilient. I hope that I can continue to apply these valuable lessons in my future university journey and in my personal and professional life.
Message from Mikhael, March 2023
My first day at university was very memorable and important in my life. For most people, this is an experience filled with hope, anxiety, and joy. I also experienced the same thing as a new student in August 2022 when I attended campus orientation period on the first day at Kalbis Institute.
I was very excited to start this new phase in my life. For many years, I have been looking forward to study at university. I feel proud and excited to join the academic community, to learn from my lecturers and to meet my classmates. However, along with that excitement, I also felt anxious. What if I can’t adjust to the new environment? What if I can’t attend lectures or don’t have friends? These worries made me feel a little bit depressed and worried. When I first entered the campus, I was amazed by the big beautiful buildings, the wide field, and the campus facilities. The campus has a large and complete library with various books, laboratory facilities and modern classrooms that equipped with advanced technology, as well as an atmosphere full of enthusiasm and many activities. I am also impressed by the diversity of students and teaching staff. Everyone has a different background, and I feel happy to be able to learn and interact with them.
At the beginning of the lecture, I found it a little difficult to follow the lessons because the lecture materials were different from High School, but I started to learn to organize my time and set a good study schedule. I also have some friends who are very helpful in completing assignments and understanding lecture material. Apart from studying and interacting with my friends, I am also involved in various activities at campus such as Basketball, Futsal, and Chatolic Organization (KMK/Keluarga Mahasiswa Katolik). Through those activities, I feel more connected to the community at campus and understand more about social values that are important to apply in everyday life. On February 19th-20th, 2023, My friends and I, from Chatolic Organization held a Pilgrimage, recreation, and Christmas event.
Overall, my first experience at campus was a very valuable. I learned a lot about myself, found new passions and amazing friends, and involved in some activities. Even though I was feeling anxiety, I am sure that this experience will help me grow and can develop myself to be a better and successful person in the future.
