Fransiska Anindya Putri (22) never specifically aimed to become the best graduate of the Faculty of Economics and Business Universitas Gadjah Mada (FEB UGM), achieving a cumulative GPA of 3.93 in 3 years and 8 months.
The Yogyakarta-born student, affectionately known as Anin, simply went through her college years with one principle in mind: always giving her best in every step she took. Today, what she once wrote as a dream on a piece of paper during PPSMB orientation has finally come true.
Anin completed her studies and was named the best graduate of FEB UGM at the Graduation Ceremony for Period III of the Academic Year 2025/2026. For her, this achievement is not merely an award, but proof that every process carried out wholeheartedly can lead to unexpected results. Anin’s decision to pursue a degree in Management at FEB UGM was not made without careful consideration.
From the beginning, she had a strong interest in human resources and organizational management. Although she once considered other study programs, that passion ultimately convinced her to choose FEB UGM.
“I really enjoy learning about how things are managed,” she explained.
During college, Anin did not focus solely on academics. She was actively involved in the Student Executive Board (BEM FEB UGM), served on the Management’s Event committee, and completed an internship as a compensation and benefits intern at PT Bintang Toedjoe (Kalbe Group).
Not stopping there, Anin also took part in various business competitions, including becoming a semifinalist in the Gadjah Mada Business Case Competition (GMBCC) 2024. She even earned the title of Highest GPA in the Management Study Program for the 2022 cohort for two consecutive years in 2023 and 2024.
However, behind all these achievements, the greatest challenge she faced was not difficult coursework, but determining priorities. Amid the many activities she could pursue, Anin had to learn how to choose what she truly wanted to focus on.
“The most challenging thing was actually choosing priorities. There are so many things I could do, but I can’t do everything right now,” she shared.
From there, Anin built a consistent strategy: always knowing her priorities. For her, studying and academics remained the main focus, even if it often meant sacrificing personal time. Her study method was also unique. She preferred reading and writing to watching videos, so she became accustomed to studying materials well in advance, making summaries, and taking notes during class.
“I always study until I feel confident enough to take the exam, even though it doesn’t necessarily mean I can answer every question,” she said.
Anin believes that the FEB UGM ecosystem also played a major role in her journey. The classroom culture that encouraged students to sharpen their opinions, supportive lecturers, and helpful staff created an environment that continuously motivated her to grow. She emphasized that everyone has their own path and that there is no need to fall into FOMO simply because others are doing something different.
She also shared this message when representing graduates during the graduation night speech for Period III Academic Year 2025/2026.
“There are days when we feel left behind, when plans do not go as expected, and long nights filled with assignments, worries, and exhaustion. Yet through all of that, we keep moving forward,” she said before the graduates and their families.
More than that, she reminded everyone that growth does not always come in the form of major achievements.
“Sometimes it comes through small things, slowly, almost unnoticed. Until one day we realize that what brought us to this point was our decision to keep moving forward,” she emphasized.
She also encouraged students to continue daring to try and explore opportunities as long as they remain aligned with their ultimate goals.
“Do what truly makes you happy and fulfilled. But that does not mean forgetting your priorities. Don’t be afraid to keep trying. Because I believe every step will bring us closer to our dreams,” she concluded.
Reported by: Dwi Zhafirah Meiliani
Editor: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
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