What's in a name?

Hi, I'm sexy Sammy, but what's in a name? cool smirk I also have brains and media skills. I'm a student at the academy for Applied Art and Technology here in the Netherlands.

Art and Technology

The study is very broad, meaning they handle a lot of different schools in multimedia. For example, I got lessons in photography, cinematography, web design, concept design, interaction design, 3D, audio. Plus all the programs you need like: Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign, Flash, After Effects, Avid, Maya and the list goes on.

Now that sounds pretty impressive huh smirk, well don't jump to conclusions yet. Like I said they "handle" these subjects. They don't really give in depth classes. In the first two years they introduce you to these subjects and give you assignments to give you a little taste of (for example) what concept design is.

In the 3rd and 4th year it's up to you in what you want to specialize yourself in. This still sounds great, right? But in reality it's not. Cause now it's up to yourself to educate yourself. The teachers here are merely for consultation. If I want to study motion graphics I have to find tutorials on the internet and buy the DVDs myself. I would have to get myself organized and disciplined to religiously educate myself.

And to be honest, that's not that easy to me and most of my friends. Especially when your interest lies in motion graphics, web development and 3D.

But I digress, this article should be about myself and not school.

About Myself

Well, on march 24 1983 Sri Rachwinarti and Ben Hubner had the cutest baby boy in the history of our universe. They called him Sammy, when he grew up people called him Sexy... but again.. what's in a name? cool hmm

I have a 5 year older brother and a stepfather I'm also close with. My parents are originally from Indonesia and to be more specific the island Java. Yet, I was raised dutch and don't speak fluent Indonesian. I only knew some words, my favorite is "Garuk" which means "to scratch, to rub". I always liked it when my parents or brother scratched my back

My life in Indonesia

In 2003 I decided to take a sabbatical year. I just finished the study IT and I wanted to see more of the world, more importantly I wanted to learn more about my "roots". So I found a job and saved some money so that in 2004 I could travel to Indonesia for a whole year. I went there with my good friend Jeroen and ever since we have this urging desire to return.

2004 has been the best year in my life so far. I fell in love with the most beautiful girl and for a whole year I had no obligations to anyone. No deadlines, I could do whatever I wanted. Being so far from Europe in such a different culture makes you look at life differently. It changes you, I've gotten more philosophical about life, more tolerant towards other cultures. And I experienced true happiness.

Ok, red face this might sound weird in a new age kinda way and even though I've never taken drugs, I felt high. High on life, I had this period in my life where I experienced that everything was so good and so great. Life was a total bliss to me. Love, life, the world, the universe it all made sense to me.

Oh gosh, I feel a bit embarrassed writing this down, but it is the truth. This is how I felt in 2004 excaim. I'm not saying I have all the answers, but I believe there are several answers. You still following me rolleyes. Life is not about reaching a goal or the way you reach that goal, but it's about the experience of it. Oh gosh, haha this really sounds awkward.

Let me try to explain it better. You know the saying all roads lead to Rome, right? Well, some roads are quicker and some roads take a detour. The quicker road isn't always the best nor is the detour. It's all about the experience. Having fun with your friends, or enjoying the beautiful panorama.

This is also my view on religion. For example if you compare different religions with each other you'll find a lot of similarities. To say it bluntly the goal is the same, to reach heaven, nirvana, enlightenment etc. The only difference is the road. And if somebody likes and enjoys to take a short cut or a detour, who are we to say that they are wrong.

Wow surprised, I never shared my thoughts with anyone and now I'm seriously thinking about putting this stuff online. I usually keep my thoughts to myself, I don't want to influence people. But this section is about myself and therefore it should be on the website. If you really want to know who I am, then you also need to know my thoughts, right?

It's quite a long read, but then again..l'm a complicated kind of guy cool smile

SexySammy