In memory of Prof. Aoudia

Almost two months have passed for our diploma programme in Trieste. I was walking towards Reading Room C at Galileo Guesthouse to study and to search for my lost cable. Cedric and Fabrizio were with me and we stopped after reading the news that Professor Aoudia might have passed. We thought that it was a bad joke. When we realized that it’s real, Cedric said that he didn’t want to study anymore. We walked to Galileo Guesthouse so I could just check my cable and Fabrizio could book his laundry schedule.

After the news, I entered a classroom in Galileo Guesthouse and I realized how big his presence was. He was just there leading our class a week ago. Even from the first meeting with him, he left the same impression to me.

I told others that our first meeting with him was intense. However, I forgot to mention that it might be the warmest welcome I received. Karim often referred to himself as the strange and rigid guy. However for me, he’s the friendliest person ever. He had probably visited each of our country and he somehow brought a piece of it to the classroom by his stories. I was proud to be someone from my country and to remind him of the good time he had there. He took note of my smiley face and I immediately felt comforted knowing I’m bringing my country’s habit here.

I realized that I’m in a safe place when he stressed that we’re not here to compete, but to help and complete each other. I wanted to connect more with everyone after he asked us to break the ice and be unified. I hope he could know that I’m very grateful for this advice. I wouldn’t enjoy my daily life and push myself to learn harder if it’s not for my classmates. I hope he’s proud of us if he could see us hanging out and studying together.

I just realized now how amazing he was. He literally started our diploma program, probably driven by his background coming from a third world country, just like us. He comforted me by knowing that he came from a math background too. He made me feel like I belong in this space, especially by convincing us that we all can be an earth scientist just in one day (exaggeration, I know). He’s also clearly protective of his home institution and students.

I think I feel the most heartbroken by knowing I missed the chances to talk to such an amazing person. Until now, I’m not really sure about my life, specially by entering a new field. During the several last classes with him, I felt that I could find some answers from him. He encouraged me to join his research and invited me to have a talk with him in the future. I really wish I still have this chance even if I choose climate in the end. I regard his opinion highly and I wish I can still receive one. Maybe this is why I also looked forward to the oral exam with him. I know it will be stressful, but I knew that talking with him is already a big privilege in learning.

It blows my mind to acknowledge that just by several classes, he might have laid the foundation of framework in navigating Earth science for me. He taught us how to do critical thinking for Earth science and to communicate our research. I will try my best to honor him by holding on to these values; also, to somehow cherish this diploma program and the people, knowing that it is part of his legacy.

By just a few classes in which you taught me, you were able to change my worldview. I’m glad that you’re the one who introduced me to Earth science and physics. I hope you know that I will always remember you on every step of my study in this field. I also hope you know that your past Indonesian students adore you so much.

Warm love from the country of smile and wonderful nature (or lab as you once said)