Both studying and working have been experienced by the girl from Purworejo. It was during her first two years in French study programme, Faculty of Cultural Sciences of Universitas Gadjah Mada, that Esa Agita Anjani, 21, had to do a side-job to make ends meet. Her parents were forced to stop sending her money. “Dad’s business had collapsed and Mum and Dad told me that they could no longer send me money. They asked me to be independent,” recalled the first of three siblings.
Fortunately, she earned the Bidikmisi scholarship since her first year at UGM in 2010. Initially, she was shocked by her parents’ decision, but she understood well that the earnings of her father as a cloths seller could only suffice for their basic needs.
Then Esa decided to give French private courses for students of French study programme. She did this twice a week in her rented room in Sagan area. She was paid 100 thousand for each student. “There were three students from UNY that became my students,” she said.
Her command of French and English impressed one of her lecturers. She was asked to become a tutor for foreign students who were studying in The Indonesian Language and Culture Learning Service (INCULS) Faculty of Cultural Sciences. She was paid 50 thousand per hour.
Esa recounted her experience when tutoring. An Australian student asked her to tend for her three children also. “I was like a babysitter then, but I was happy doing it. And the mother also spoke French,” said Esa who aspires to be a lecturer of French language.
Passing Cumlaude
Despite her job, Esa did not ignore her obligations to come to class on time. Even she completed her studies in only 3 years and 4 months. She passed cumlaude, being inaugurated together with other 1,268 graduates on 19 February.
On her academic achievement, Esa said she wanted to dedicate it to her mother, Herlina Ika Djendrasti, as a present. In the early time of studying, her mother advised her to graduate with flying colours. “If you would like to help me, just give me your best when you’re graduating,” Esa repeated her mother’s advice.