2024-2025 Student Ambassador Marta Yufa from Indonesia
I am the youngest child in the family, and I have two older sisters. My Parent and my sister live in Padang, Indonesia. My father is a Farmer, and my mother is retired teacher. I’m growing up on our family farm in Indonesia has shaped me into the person I am today. The values of hard work, collaboration, and family bonds have been instilled in me since a young age. My parents, who are both deeply rooted in their professions, have shown me the importance of dedication and perseverance. My father, a farmer, has taught me the value of working the farm. My mother, a retired teacher, has always encouraged my pursuit of knowledge and has been my guiding light throughout my academic journey.
I am currently studying Certificate III in Rural Operations and will continue to Diploma of Agribusiness Management at TAFE Toowoomba. I chose to study in Toowoomba because it is a great place for agriculture. I found a website called the Farm Transparency Map, which shows the locations of various farms, and I was excited to see that Toowoomba is surrounded by many types of farms, from livestock to crop production. Additionally, I researched agriculture studies at TAFE and discovered that they offer both theoretical and practical learning experiences. I also learned that Toowoomba is known as the “Garden City,” which further influenced my decision to study here.
Upon my arrival, I was truly amazed by the city. One of my first visits was to the Botanical Gardens, which are right in front of TAFE. I enjoy running there after school. From September to October, the flowers bloom beautifully, and the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers takes place during this time. There are also several small parks nearby that are perfect for morning and afternoon walks.
I was pleasantly surprised to find many Asian restaurants and stores, which make me feel at home. As a Muslim, I appreciate that there is a mosque in the city, allowing me to practice my faith with ease. All these aspects of Toowoomba make me feel comfortable living here, and I have no regrets about my choice to study in this city.
I previously worked at a poultry farm near Toowoomba, but I resigned because it was challenging to balance my study and work schedules. I needed more time to adjust to my academic commitments. In the future, I hope to find a farm job that allows me to develop my skills while managing my studies effectively.
After completing my diploma, I plan to continue my education by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in agriculture at UniSQ.
In my free time in Toowoomba, I enjoy exploring beautiful parks such as Queens Park and Japanese Garden, where I can relax and appreciate nature. Additionally, I like to discover local cafes and restaurants to experience the vibrant food scene. Attending local events and festivals, like the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, is another favourite activity that allows me to immerse myself in the community spirit.
Lastly, I enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking in the nearby ranges or having picnics at scenic spots, which always make for a great day out.