Vedanta Wallace Serada
Being a person who was born and raised in Bali, Indonesia, holds a deep meaning for me as a
student. It is not only about my identity and where I come from but also about the values,
traditions, and cultures that have shaped who I am and how I see the world. Indonesia is
home to more than 17.000 islands, hundreds of ethnic groups, cultures, and languages. This
diversity creates a lifestyle where people live side by side in harmony, tolerance, and respect
for differences. Growing up in Bali has given me a strong foundation of these values.
Bali is not only famous for its natural beauty and cultures, but also for its philosophy of Tri
Hita Karana, which means “the three causes of wellbeing”. This philosophy teaches the
importance of maintaining balance and harmony between humans, nature, and the spiritual
world. It reminds me that everything I do should contribute to the greater good, not just for
myself, but for others and the environment around me as well. As a student, this philosophy
influences how I approach my studies, helping me see education as more than just pursuing
academic success. This concept allows me to sense a responsibility, driving me to think about
how I can apply the knowledge I gain to help others and contribute to my country’s
development in the future.
My family has also played a significant role in shaping my worldview. I was born and raised
in a family that works in the tourism sector, which means visitors from all around the world
have surrounded me since I was a child. This environment exposed me to different languages,
cultures, and perspectives very early in life. I am grateful to my family for teaching me to be
open-minded, respectful, and curious about the world beyond my own.
Coming from such a background, studying abroad in Glasgow feels like a natural extension
of my upbringing. Glasgow is a city that embraces diversity and welcomes people from all
over the world. Living and studying here has been an enriching experience. I have met
friends from many countries, each with unique stories, traditions, and ways of seeing life.
One of the things I enjoy most about living in Glasgow is the warmth and friendliness of the
people. Despite the weather often being cold, I feel a strong sense of community that makes it
easy to feel at home, even when I am far away from Bali. Studying here also allows me to
share my own culture with my friends and learn about their culture. I hope that during my
year of studying here, I can continue to learn, grow, and bring something positive back to m