Her spirit to have the best education and support from her teachers have encouraged Ridha Wahyuningtias to apply for the student entrance test to UGM in spite of the uncertain condition surrounding her family that cannot afford to pay for tuitions.
Surprisingly, Tias, her nickname, has been accepted at UGM Faculty of Medicine to study there for free. She had collected information on what university offers quality health education, and she finally selected Nursing Science at UGM, although she was aware of her limited financial situation. But her teachers told her the government Bidik Misi scholarship and asked her to just apply for it.
For Tias, health sciences are her dreams. At school, she joined the girl scouting activity that often teaches medical emergency lessons.
“I have been involved in boy and girl scouting programme at school and learned a thing about medical assistance. It was there that I got interested in health sciences and wanted to be a nurse,” said the third of four children at her home at the outskirt of Pontianak, West Kalimantan, on Wednesday (20/7).
Tias’ father makes a living by selling sugar cane iced drinks at the Kapuas Square which is one of tourism sites in Pontianak. But his income has dropped drastically since the past year as he had been banned from working at the site. So, now he has to transport the sugar canes in a pushcart to a street nearer home and sells the drinks there.
Despite this limited condition, for her parents, education for their children is a priority. Two of their older daughters are studying at universities now. He is thankful that their children have the high spirit and enthusiasm to make achievements and earn scholarships as well.
“For other needs, I think we can refrain ourselves. Most important thing is for my children to study well,” he added.
And, eventually, they get parted from their daughter to study at UGM. The Bidik Misi scholarship and support from her seniors who are already studying in Jogja have convinced them that she would be able to study well. They prayed that Tias would finally make her dreams to study health sciences come true and utilise the knowledge for public good.