Jimmy on learning at Marlboro

Indonesian student Faza "Jimmy" Hikmatullah, finalist in the Beautiful Minds Challenge, reflects on coming to America and why the self-directed academics at Marlboro work for him.

[cdmcl]

the pandemic prompts me to explore matters on the web more extensively this month (April 2020) than usual--and I found out that Marlboro is being closed, folding into Emerson, in Boston.  my hope is that any truly inspired by Marlboro--and also correctly aware of the need to change--will not "fade to black."  i hope they "transition thru peach" into new opportunities, to continue with the best of a closing school, and know what prerogatives and values and priorities to develop without the crippling problems Emerson and new allies can overcome.  much heavy lifting will have to be done if the best of Marlboro--and similar schools--is to flourish, rather than for talented people to be overcome because none has solved the problems that sometimes are obvious, yet with no easy solutions. Boston can help.  but Marlboro's priorities should in a sense be unchallenged--else, why merge?  if a merger is valued, what is the plan?  doubtless, maybe details are at best debatable right now, and searching dialogues close to stakeholders must continue without snoopers, etc.  same as people on fraternity row, speaking candidly about membership, standards, etc.  a simple clue: the internet is really essential. Faza should understand rather well!  he has arrived where many need his talents throughout America.  sure, America can help him, but right away, he has seen there is much to do!  that is like people who chose Marlboro: now they can mentor elsewhere, etc.!  have a nice day, but don't get sick because of any pandemic!  YouTube is a safeguard against illness!!!