“God, can I reach my goals? Or am I just a crazy dreamer?” Those are the questions in the autobiography I’m Not Crazy, I Am Bipolar written by Maria Yeti Saputri (42). The book sums up her life experiences and dreams.

Saputri gave me the book she wrote in 2020 after we talked about the Indonesian Disabled Care Foundation at the Modeling Studio, one of her houses located in Sondakan, Laweyan, Solo, Central Java.

Shortly after giving me the book, she told me a glimpse of her past. Born into a modest family of three children, she was the youngest and raised by her father after the divorce of her parents.

The years when she was raised by her biological father and stepmother, her life was filled with love. Her father encouraged her to pursue dance and modeling. However, she often remembers the bitter parts of her life. Her father told her that her mother attempted to abort her in the midst of their divorce. Years later, her own marriage did not work out.

The mounting pressure at the time triggered depression. In 2017, she was diagnosed with bipolar. Soon after, she separated from her partner. Amid all that, Saputri kept on working as a model and fashion entrepreneur.

Saputri tries hard to create a life that positively impacts others. She founded the Indonesian Disabled Care Foundation, which provides free training to develop talent and self-confidence for students with physical and mental disabilities, one of which is through modeling. Her contribution was awarded with the 2022 Merdeka Award.

“When I educate and teach them, I also get a lesson in patience and understanding,” Saputri reflects.