My Life
by Mora Siregar
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My name is Mora Siregar. I am usually called Mora. I was born on September 7, 1971 in Batam, Indonesia. I am the youngest child of my parents. There are five members in my family. My older brother Dame lives in Batam. He is one year older than me. My sister Vera lives in Missouri in the United States, and she is four years older than me. The three of us are married.
The happiest time in my life was my childhood, because my parents love me very much. They are very patient with their children. They never beat me, even when they were angry. I was four years old when I went to kindergarten. My mother patiently escorted and picked me up every school day. I was a tearful kid at that time. Once, my mother found me crying, because my friends had teased me. She rushed to comfort me with candy or chocolate. I always miss her.
Two years later, I went to primary school. I walked to get the school by myself every day, because it was close to my house. I studied at the primary school for six years, and then I went on to junior high school in 1983. Its name is SMP III. My father bought me a motorcycle, because I got good grades when I finished my junior high school. I rode it every day to get school. I cleaned it up and took care of it, because I loved it. Actually, I still like to ride a motorcycle. It is like my pet. However, it is only a thing. Perhaps I'll buy a big motorcycle like Harley Davidson if I have much money. I will ride it on the weekend to the beach or just for going around.
In 1986, I began attending senior high school. The school's name is SMA II. It was a well-known school in my hometown. At this time, I was changed a little. I always went out with my friends rode our motorcycles. I was almost never at home. Because of this, my grades dropped. My father was so angry, that he sold my motorcycle. My parents figured out my problem. As a result, they sent me to another city for school. They thought to separate me from my friends. I moved to Medan and began school there in 1988. I finished my senior high school at SMA I in Medan. I got my good grades back, because I rarely went out from my apartment. I always studied in my room and concentrated.
I continued my education at North Sumatera University in Medan in 1989. I chose management for my major, because I dreamed of becoming a successful manager someday. I soon became active in a campus organization called GMNI (Gerakan Mahasiswa Nasional Indonesia). It was made up of many different kinds of students. In particular, there were people from a variety of religions, cultures, and manners. However, we adapted to one another and became one.
My third year in the university, I was chosen as a leader in the organization. It was a busy time after that. As a consequence, I neglected my studies. I concentrated on the organization, and rarely attended the classes. Suddenly, I felt like I had just woken up from my dream. Most of my friend at the same level finished their studies. I pushed myself to finish my studies quickly, because I knew that I already wasted my time. Finally, I got my degree in 1996.
I went back to Batam after my graduation. I found my first job at a manufacturing company there. I worked as a human resources supervisor at last. I learned a lot at that time. I often met the government officers and the employee organization. I quit the company in 1998 to set up my own business. I decided to do it, because I couldn't progress in my career. It was impossible for me to replace my manager. Every manager in my company must be Japanese. I chose to be a supplier of companies. I provided office supplies to the companies. I earned a little bit more money than when I was an employee of the manufacturing company.
I met my lovely wife in 1998. Her name is Elsya Novitri. I am in love with her, because she is beautiful and a very kind girl. She treats me kindly, therefore I always miss her wherever I am. We got married after dating for five months. She works at a telecommunication service company in Batam. We met when I went to her company to register my cellular phone. She impressed me very much.
Late in 1999, after running my office supply company for one and a half years, I thought there was no improvement in my business. I talked it over with my family. I called up my sister, and she suggested that I come to the United States to study. I agreed with her and began to prepare to go. She picked out the English Language Center in Provo for me, because she knew the ELC has a good program for studying English. In April 2000, I left my hometown to go to the United States. I have been here ever since then. In fact, it is hard for me to live separate from my wife, but we both know that is good for our future. Now, I am taking classes at the English Language Center in the third level. Hopefully, I will get my English perfect here.