For Anindya Putri Fatikha Sani (22), education is a ticket to turn limitations into opportunities and hope into reality. She has never stopped believing that big dreams can come true if you pursue them with determination.
This young woman from Surabaya has proven that economic challenges cannot stop her from pursuing her dream of studying at UGM. In November 2024, she stood tall among thousands of other graduates, brimming with remarkable achievements. A management student in the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Class of 2022, she graduated with honors, earning a cum laude distinction and a 3.76 GPA.
Pushing the Boundaries
Known as Anin, she shared that she grew up in an environment far removed from academics. However, her desire to pursue higher education was strong. Her resilience was tested when her family faced financial difficulties during her sophomore year of high school. Her father, the sole breadwinner, retired, leaving the family to rely on his pension and her mother’s modest tailoring business, which barely covered daily necessities – let alone the cost of Anin’s and her siblings’ education.
Despite these challenges, Anin is grateful for supportive parents encouraging their children to pursue higher education. With their encouragement and dedication to her studies, she was admitted to FEB UGM and awarded the Indonesian Smart Card College (KIP-K) scholarship. This program, designed for high-achieving students from underprivileged families, became Anin’s stepping stone to begin her academic journey at UGM. “I am so grateful to have supportive parents who believe in their children’s success,” she said recently.
Outstanding Achievements
Effort never betrays results. Not only did Anin graduate on time, but she also achieved several outstanding achievements. She won several national competitions, including first place in the 7th Islamic Economic Festival 2024, first place in the LKTIN Technology Days of Ahmad Dahlan University, and the Science Project TED 2023 of UGM Vocational School.
In addition to her academic excellence, Anin has been active in various organizations. She was the president of UGM’s Visual Arts Unit, a member of FEB’s Student Executive Board (BEM FEB), a teaching assistant, and a peer supporter at FEB’s CSDU.
Anin was also selected to participate in the Merdeka Student Exchange Program at Lambung Mangkurat University, South Kalimantan. This experience became a memorable milestone, as it was her first time flying on an airplane and learning about Indonesia’s diverse cultures.
Anin revealed that she faced minimal challenges during her time at FEB UGM. She felt fortunate to have supportive friends and well-equipped campus facilities. However, financial constraints remained a hurdle, forcing her to live modestly while studying away from home. Nevertheless, she remained patient and persevered without complaint.
“God would never give someone a life filled only with sadness. Joy and sorrow come as a package. So when I am struggling, feeling sad or down, I remind myself that it will pass,” she explained.
Chasing her dreams
Now, Anin has achieved one of her dreams. She attributes her success to FEB UGM’s core values, emphasizing social responsibility and professionalism. Throughout her studies, she deeply felt the supportive environment of the campus. These values have also shaped her into a polite individual who understands how to interact and adapt to different environments.
When asked about her plans after graduation, Anin shared her goal of pursuing a master’s degree abroad to support her dream of becoming a teacher. She is currently preparing herself diligently and seeking scholarships for further studies. In addition to becoming a lecturer, she dreams of starting her own business in the garment industry.
Anin shared a message for those who strive to achieve their dreams despite limitations: “Everyone has the right to dream and to live a decent life. When life feels too heavy, take a moment to rest and remember the faces of those you love who want to see you succeed. Persevere because nothing in this world can defeat a person with strong determination,” she concluded.
Reportase: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
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