A pair of twin siblings with the same interests and hobbies might be common. However, choosing to study in the same program and graduating together is certainly rare.
This was the case at UGM’s graduation on May 22, where twin sisters Sherlina Oktavian Putri and Sherlita Oktavian Putri graduated together as cum laude Biology graduates. Sherlina graduated with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.79, and Sherlita graduated with a GPA of 3.80.
Sherlina (21) admitted that she and her twin sister never planned to graduate simultaneously. She felt fortunate because they both had thesis advisors who enabled them to complete their studies on time.
“We did not plan to graduate together; it happened because our thesis advisors were very helpful and guided us in writing our thesis,” Sherlina said on Monday (June 3).
At this graduation, they completed their studies in 3 years, seven months, and nine days, graduating with honors. Both enrolled as Biology students in 2020.
When asked why they chose the same program at UGM, Sherlina said she and Sherlita happened to have the same interest in biology since high school in Magetan, East Java.
“We were in the science stream in high school and liked biology. We wanted to study Biology at UGM because it is one of the best programs in Indonesia, and our parents supported our choice,” she explained.
Because they are twins, Sherlina said, they always attended the same school from elementary to high school, though they were placed in different classes.
“We always attended the same school but different classes,” she recalled.
With almost identical appearances, Sherlina admitted that she and her twin sister Sherlita were often mistaken for each other by teachers and classmates. This also happened in college, where professors sometimes confused one for the other.
“Professors and friends often had trouble distinguishing us when we were together. We are regular twins, not very identical, so it should be easy to tell us apart,” said the girl from Magetan.
While at the Faculty of Biology at UGM, they chose to live in the same boarding house. This allowed them to care for and motivate each other in their studies. They also shared information about course materials.
“We live in the same boarding house. We usually share information about our courses since we are in different classes for some subjects,” she said.
Although they did not face many challenges during their studies, their thesis defense almost did not coincide because one had to wait for laboratory research results.
“We had to wait quite a while, 40 days, for the lab results. Our thesis defenses were only a month apart,” Sherlinaexplained.
Sherlina and Sherlita also showed similar interests in scientific fields. Sherlina’s research topic was “Utilization of Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes L.) as a Phytoremediation Agent for Chromium (Cr) Heavy Metal in Sewon IPAL Wastewater, Bantul,” under the guidance of Professor Suwarno Hadisusanto.
Meanwhile, Sherlita’s research was titled “Utilization of Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms) as a Phytoremediation Agent for Lead (Pb) in Sewon IPAL Wastewater, Bantul, Yogyakarta,” under the guidance of Dr. Andhika Puspito Nugroho.
Regarding their experiences during their studies, Sherlita mentioned that the professors at the Faculty of Biology were very supportive and helpful. They encouraged students to think critically, develop knowledge, and directly apply their skills to the community.
“We were encouraged to participate in the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka village development program and the mandatory practical work before the proposal seminar,” Sherlita explained.
Moreover, the faculty facilities greatly supported their academic and practical activities. The academic and laboratory staff were also very responsive in helping students with their paperwork and lab work.
“We are delighted to have completed our undergraduate studies at one of the best universities in Indonesia. The Biology undergraduate program has given us several great career opportunities,” she said.
The Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Professor Budi Setiadi Daryono, congratulated Sherlina and Sherlita on their graduation. He hopes they can pursue professional careers, as the job prospects for Biology graduates are very promising.
“Their achievement not only makes their family and friends proud but also contributes to Quality Education and Gender Equality in Indonesia,” he said.
Author: Gusti Grehenson