For Azmita Putri Sherlian, a student of Russian Studies Program at Faculty of Humanities Universitas Indonesia (FIB UI), class of 2022, studying Russian is not merely about memorizing vocabulary or writing long essays on Dostoyevsky. For her, knowledge should not remain confined to the mind alone but must flow into actions, attitudes, and perspectives on the world.
When her name was announced as the representative of the Russian Studies Program in the Outstanding Student Competition 2025, Azmita felt as though she was looking into a mirror and seeing a version of herself she had long been pursuing. Not a perfect version, but one brave enough to learn, to try, and to move forward despite self-doubt.
The Russian language has always filled her with awe, but the journey of mastering it also taught her the courage to speak up. In the past, speaking in public felt heavy; her tongue often stumbled before her thoughts, her confidence fragile. Yet, through small roles and working as a part-time MC, selling products, and interning behind the scenes, she gradually learned how to greet the world. Conversations with strangers and spontaneous exchanges with native Russian speakers showed her that courage is built through small opportunities one chooses not to avoid. Thus, when the great opportunity arrived to moderate a public discussion with the Russian Embassy in Indonesia, she no longer questioned her ability.
Her love for the arts also shaped her path. Since childhood, she has enjoyed singing. When she began learning Russian, she combined it with her passion for music, singing Russian songs, recording them, and sharing them on social media. This journey led her to an extraordinary experience: becoming the only representative from Indonesia in the international music video project “Священная война” (The Sacred War), organized by Russia Today to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Russia’s Victory Day. Singing alongside performers from different countries made her feel like part of a cultural bridge between nations.
Her passion for the stage deepened further at Malenkij Russkij Teatr (MalRus Theater), the first Russian theater in Indonesia. There, she performed as an actress and trained in singing. One of her roles was performing a German song that she personally translated into Russian to preserve the spirit of the show. Singing in two foreign languages on stage was not easy, yet she believed art continuously shapes courage.
Azmita also had the privilege to perform twice at the Russian Arts Festival, organized by the Russian Embassy and the Russian House. From those stages, she connected with diplomats and artists who broadened her horizons. That moment became a turning point: personal passion can turn into a real contribution.
Beyond the stage, she actively contributes to her student association, creating communicative and educational content on Russian culture and history. She warmly welcomes discussions about Russia, whether directly or through social media, believing that knowledge must grow in encouraging spaces.
In the Outstanding Student competition, she wrote a scientific paper on Gayo coffee and a sociopreneurship approach rooted in local culture. To her, coffee symbolizes how something small we enjoy can carry hard work and deep values. Through this process, she realized no achievement is possible alone. She feels grateful to be guided by lecturers who not only teach but also mentor with patience and sincerity, inspiring her with their dedication and faith in her potential.
Her journey continues. In August 2025, she departs for Kaliningrad, Russia, to attend the Youth Educational Forum “SHUM” (All-Russian Educational Forum «ШУМ»). There, she joins young representatives from different countries to exchange ideas, cultures, and perspectives on the future of the global generation. For Azmita, this opportunity is not merely about representing her country or major, but about bringing the spirit of learning and openness into international dialogue spaces.
She firmly believes that if one loves what they study and pursues it wholeheartedly, they will discover a meaning far greater than grades alone. As a Russian proverb says, “Без труда не вытащишь и рыбку из пруда”, which means without effort, you cannot even catch a fish from the pond. (RMRW)
