Hi, I’m Lia Damanik. Welcome to my little corner of the internet—a place where thoughts turn into words and memories become stories.
I started this blog in late 2012, shortly after completing my bachelor’s degree, at a time when I had plenty of free time because I hadn’t yet found a permanent job. At first, it was simply for enjoyment—following trends and writing about whatever came to mind, no matter how light or unpolished. Over time, I discovered that blogging was more than just a pastime; it became a space where I could pause, reflect, and breathe.
When I pursued my master’s degree, the pace of my writing slowed. I imagined it would be only a brief pause, something I could easily return to afterward. Looking back now, I wish I had kept writing, for those years shaped me in ways I only came to understand later.
The years from 2014 to 2016 were intense. I was juggling academic deadlines, coping with the loss of my father to an illness we never fully understood, and dealing with suddenly losing my job. But after graduating, life surprised me with a better path. Through what I can only call divine timing, I ended up where I am today—and I’m grateful for it.
Now, I’m coming back to blogging with more intention. I want to tell stories that matter—whether they’re big moments or the quiet, ordinary ones that leave a mark. Writing has always been my safe place, the way I process the world and make sense of my own journey.
What I Do
I hold a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and a master’s degree in Applied English Linguistics. Today, I’m an English lecturer at a State Islamic College in Panyabungan, Mandailing Natal, Indonesia, where I teach Translation and English Literature. As part of my academic role, I actively engage in Community Service—especially projects that help high school students improve their English skills and confidence.
Why “Bordam”?
“Bordam” is an abbreviation of Boru Damanik. In Batak tradition, boru refers to “a daughter of the family,” followed by the clan name. Thus, Boru Damanik means “a daughter of the Damanik clan.”
When I first created this blog, the name came almost by chance. I simply needed something to call it. But in time—especially after I began teaching at my current college—I became the only member of the Simalungun sub-ethnic group here. In that setting, my Damanik surname quietly yet firmly became an anchor of identity. What began as a simple choice has since become a name I carry with quiet pride.
What You’ll Find Here
Books have always been quiet teachers. They leave me with small lessons, ideas that stick, questions that make me think, and reflections that find their way into my own life. And when I travel, it’s rarely just about the places—it’s about the people I’m with, the laughter on long rides, the quiet talks on unfamiliar streets, and the stories we carry home.
This blog is a mix of thoughts, moments, and everything in between.
Feel free to wander around—and thank you for being here ❤️
Feel free to wander around—and thank you for being here ❤️
Write what disturbs you, what you fear, what you have not been willing to speak about. Be willing to be split open. — Natalie Goldberg