An inspiring story comes from Shareent Violent Kusuma Ayu Wardhani (18), a girl from Wonokromo, Surabaya, East Java. She was accepted as a new Faculty of Economics and Business Universitas Gadjah Mada (FEB UGM) student in 2025 without a test through the Seleksi Nasional Berdasar Prestasi (SNBP).
Not only that, as a recipient of the Kartu Indonesia Pintar-Kuliah (KIP-K) scholarship, she is also exempt from tuition fees until she graduates. She hopes to improve his future by studying at the Management Study Program of FEB UGM.
Limitations Not a Barrier
Shareent is the youngest of three children raised by his mother Ekowati Susilo Ningsih (47). Since childhood, she has strongly desired to reach college and pursue education as high as possible. She believes education can change her life and raise her family’s status.
“From elementary school, I wanted to go to college to pursue a better future,” she explained when met at her home in Ngagel Rejo, Wonokromo District, Surabaya, recently.
Fortunately, Shareent’s family fully supported in realizing her dream. Her mother raised him alone and became the breadwinner. Her mother sold neighbors chicken porridge daily to provide for the family. Despite growing up in a household with financial challenges, Shareent stayed motivated to learn and achieve excellence.
“My mother has been a strong supporter of my studies, praying for me and encouraging me to pursue my dreams,” she said.
The Struggle to Achieve Dreams
She also tried to prove his determination by studying hard and doing well in school. With her academic achievements, Shareent managed to get into junior and senior high school through the achievement pathway and received educational scholarships during school. Not only did he excel academically, but she was also active in various school activities, such as joining the paskibraka in high school and participating in school organizations.
Shareent admitted that the struggle to achieve his dream of studying at UGM was difficult. But he did his best to realize his dream of becoming a successful entrepreneur. She does not apply special tricks in learning; she maintains learning consistency by setting aside 2 to 3 hours daily to review the material at school. She tried to pursue the target of increasing his grades every semester and entering the class rank so that he could enter the university through a test-free route. The results never betray the effort. Hard work and perseverance in learning succeeded in delivering him to study at the Management Study Program at FEB UGM without a test, plus receiving a KIP-K scholarship.
“When I found out that I passed SNBP, I was very happy. Then shortly after that, I was declared to have passed the KIP-K with a Single Tuition Fee (UKT) of 0 rupiah, which was encouraging news because I was previously afraid of burdening my parents with tuition fees,” said the alumnus of SMAN 5 Surabaya.
Shareent revealed the reason for choosing the Management study program as his top choice. She decided on this study program because he had a strong interest in economics since grade X of high school.
Don’t Fear Failure
Now, his dream is getting closer to reality. Soon, she will be studying at FEB UGM. Living overseas, away from family, and being a student is new for Shareent.
“It may not be easy, but I have to learn to be independent, manage my time well, and try to adapt to different environments and learning,” she said.
Shareent does not forget to express his gratitude for the results he has achieved now. He does not want to waste the opportunity he has received as a gateway to realizing a better future.
“For my struggling friends, keep trying, work hard for whatever you want to achieve. Don’t be afraid to fail. When you are tired, rest, but don’t stop reaching for your dreams. After trying, don’t forget to pray and leave the rest to God,” he said.
He also did not forget to express his gratitude to his mother, who continues to motivate him to excel and achieve the highest education possible.
“Thank you, Mama, for all this time for supporting and helping with prayers. The journey is still long and not easy, but I believe Allah will help us, so I can help raise the family’s level,” she said while holding back emotion.
Family Support
Meanwhile, the mother said she encouraged all her daughters to attend college. She wants all her children to be able to get more education than her, who is a high school graduate. As a result, her three daughters were able to experience college.
“I want my children to have a better life than their parents. So, no matter what, I try to make my children become graduates. I believe there will be a way and sustenance,” she said.
Susi couldn’t hide her happiness when she learned Shareent had passed UGM without a test. She called it a Ramadan blessing, as the announcement came during the holy month.
Letting her youngest daughter go to college far from home is not easy. She can only pray that Sharent will do well in her studies.
“Don’t forget to pray and be disciplined and responsible for everything you do. I hope to become a successful person later,” she concluded.
Report by: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
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