YOGYAKARTA- Never be afraid to dream! When we have the will and work hard, there will always be a way to achieve dreams. This should be instilled in our heart and in daily life. The message invites us to be enthusiastic in learning, working, and achieving goals.
It also became the inspiration for Agung Bhaktiyar (24 years old). He is a doctor graduated from Faculty of Medicine UGM who was newly sworn in on July 8. So, what distinguishes Agung from other doctors graduated from the Faculty?
The man born in Yogyakarta, June 30, 1987 is the son of Suyatno (63), a becak driver, and Saniyem (59), who daily collects trash from around Terban Market. It is indeed a noble work which may be viewed by some people as the profession of the lower class. Despite coming from family whose income is barely adequate, this does not dampen Agung’s determination to finish his study at Medical Faculty. "I am grateful to finish the study in the Faculty and inaugurated as doctor in almost six years," Agung said when met at his home at Terban GK/V/No. 719, Wednesday (20/7) morning.
On that occasion, Agung seemed relaxed chatting at his bamboo-walled and plywood-insulated house. He also looked neat in a black shirt and glasses. "Today I will also have a meeting with doctor’s association in Wates, Kulon Progo," he added.
Interspersed with jokes, Agung told the beginning of his story why he chose Doctoral Education at Faculty of Medicine of UGM. Agung explained that when being a student at SMAN 6 Jakarta, he did not think to be a doctor. It was precisely the profession which he did not like. He was more pleased with the engineering field. Medical profession, according to Agung, is just putting forward prestige. "There are many doctors, but, yes, that’s it. Sometimes their behavior does not reflect the real identity of the doctor. Only the prestige is showed off," Agung said.
Therefore, after graduating from high school, Agung tried to continue his study at UGM by selecting Faculty of Pharmacy and Faculty of Agriculture through written Entrance Examination (UM). However, the effort failed. The failure to get accepted at UGM had become a burden for Agung. What is the reason? Apparently during his study in SMAN 6, Agung was an outstanding student, even on the first rank.
Not wanting to sink longer in his failure, Agung retried to enroll to UGM through Selection of University Students Acceptance (SPMB). This time he chose Department of Medical Education and Science of Plant Pest and Disease. Through this SPMB, eventually he successfully passed the first selection in Faculty of Medicine. "I was confused because, previously, I did not like the profession of doctor, but my parents still encouraged me to continue my study," the youngest of four siblings said.
In the first year of college, he claimed to be confused with the lectures at the Faculty. The reason is that the courses taught were not only the field of exact sciences, but more in the social sphere. In fact, so far Agung likes studying exact science more, such as Physics. "The first year, I got confused and had wanted to drop off," he said.
However, the condition did not last long. His love of the profession of doctor finally emerged. At that time, he had met several people who had blood cancer and tumor being brought to the Faculty. Agung finally knew that doctor is a very noble profession, who helps others who are ill. From this empathy, Agung gradually adjusted himself to the courses taught. His grades got better day by day. In fact, up to his graduation, his GPA reached 3.51.
Agung also said that there is always something which is not thought of before. He pointed out that some scholarships are available from the Faculty, such as BBM scholarship, which pays for his tuition and BOP fees. "I filled out the ‘zero’ option for SPMA in the registration form due to family background. The Faculty finally approved it. But for SPP and BOP fees, I did not ask for some reduction. In principle, if we are able to pay it, don’t ask for reduction," he said firmly.
According to Agung, his study was quite memorable. Friends, seniors, and lecturers were very close and very helpful in his study. Agung saw that as long as we are not introverted, certainly much convenience can be gained, whether it’s about borrowing textbooks or a friend’s laptop. By doing so, the cost could be reduced during the study.
Now, after holding the title of doctor and undergoing internship program in Kulon Progo District Hospital, Agung is still aspiring to take specialist courses or take PTT courses outside of Java which is still lacking of doctors. "I haven’t thought about the specialist program that I will take. If it can’t be here, I will take the PTT outside Java that still lacks of doctors,” Agung said.
At the end of the conversation, Agung reassured parents not to hesitate to enroll their children to UGM. The cross-subsidy program from the rich to the poor is proven good, at least in his Faculty. "So, go to UGM first. There is always a solution. Just don’t forget to keep the spirit of learning," Agung suggested.
Congratulations, Agung! May your spirit inspire other UGM students to learn and work for a brighter future.