Joining YCAB Foundation as an Ambassador since 2009, 24-year-old Indonesian model, actress, and entertainer Dominique Diyose believes that we were born to make this world a better place. Read through her story in achieving her dream in the entertainment world, while at the same time not losing sight on what’s most important in life!
Can you tell us a little bit about your journey in the modelling world?
When I was in my Junior High School, I watched a television show about fashion news and models. I realized I wanted to be one of them – to show people about the art of clothing so that people could feel the message of these beautiful designs. Then I told my mother that I wanted to have a career as a model. She fully supported me and took me to John Casablancas to learn all the basic about fashion and how to be a model. I was 13 years old when I started modeling.
I continued my job as a model and still went to school. But when the job became too many and I was still at Grade 10, I almost skipped most of my school days and I felt so guilty, because I love modeling but I didn’t want my education to stop (plus, I felt guilty to ask permission from my teacher everyday). My mom and I then talked to the principal, and we decided to take a home-school program. I said my passion is modeling but I wanted to have a good result for my education too. I was so lucky they supported my decision and gave me permit to do homeschooling, as long as I can proof them that I’m serious and get the “Professional Certification” in the fashion industry. I agreed and promised them to make it.
After I finished my education, I continue my modeling career until now, and start to spread my wings into the movie industry. I enjoy both of them, as the two of them are running in the same energy and the tagline that I called “acting”.
How do you feel of becoming a model/actress?
I prefer to be called as a model or artisan/entertainer, as I work in the entertainment world. I love art since I was kid, and I want people to enjoy the show they watch, and get the message after the show. When I hit the stage, it feels like the stage is mine, and I’m the spotlight.
How do you know about YCAB Foundation?
My friend told me and introduced me to one of the volunteers from YCAB. He knows I love to share stories with other people around me – about how to be brave enough to make a decision for our lives, especially for youth. After that they introduced me to Mrs. Veronica Colondam, and as long as I can remember I start to share my stories and do the campaigns from school to school – sharing stories on how to work hard without leaving the fun-side, to focus on what we do, and to maintain our work without using drugs.
What makes you decide to become an ambassador for YCAB Foundation? Furthermore, what are the most memorable experiences in being our ambassador so far?
I become an ambassador for YCAB because I love to communicate with others (through anything – whether it’s through social media or campaign), and I want to encourage people especially youth to work hard to achieve their dreams. Nothing is impossible as long as we have faith and believe it could happen, so don’t give up your dreams.
My most memorable experience as being one of the Ambassadors of YCAB is when I came to this school at one of the places around Pamulang area. YCAB builds this place for youth who can’t get proper education or don’t have the opportunity or accessibility to get one. I went there and shared my story with them – how I made my decision to take a homeschool program and finished my education. I love being there because there are still plenty of people with hopes and dreams who are still serious and passionate in making themselves a better person.
There are still millions of children who can’t get access to education and still roaming on the streets in Indonesia. How do you feel of this?
I feel sad to know that. Everywhere I go I can see these kids roaming on the streets, running here and there asking for money, while actually they should’ve spent most of the days learning and going to school.
What are your dreams and hope for Indonesian children?
I do believe that every child has the right to live their live to the fullest. I hope they all can get a proper education and an access to bring their dream into reality. Because these children is the key for a better nation.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I’m very proud to be one of the Ambassadors of YCAB Foundation. I hope I can help youth to realize that it is important to have a dream and to work hard to make it true. We were born to make this world a better place. So let’s do this: child by child we build our nation! 🙂