Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) conferred degrees on 1,455 postgraduate students during the Postgraduate Graduation Ceremony held on Apr. 23.
Among them, Siti Fadila Nuraisyah stood out as the youngest graduate from the Master’s Program in Fisheries Science at the Faculty of Agriculture, earning her degree at just 22 years, 7 months, and 21 days old, a remarkable feat considering the average age of master’s graduates this period is 29 years, 6 months, and 15 days.
Nuraisyah’s academic journey is far from typical. Through the fast-track program, she completed both her undergraduate and graduate studies at UGM in approximately five years.
This program allows high-achieving students to begin their master’s coursework while completing their undergraduate studies.
She completed her undergraduate degree in Aquatic Resource Management in just 3 years and 9 months and her master’s degree in 1 year, 5 months, and 16 days.
“I joined the fast track program offered by the Faculty of Agriculture,” said Nuraisyah on Thursday (Apr. 24).
By enrolling in the fast-track program near the end of her undergraduate studies, she was able to shorten the time needed to complete her master’s degree despite the challenge of managing coursework across two academic levels.
“While finishing my undergraduate thesis, I was also taking master’s classes. It was definitely challenging, especially in terms of time management, but I’m grateful I pulled through,” she recalled.
Nuraisyah shared that her family supported her academic journey, many of whom are involved in education and offer consistent encouragement.
“My grandmother and my mother are both teachers. Since childhood, I’ve grown up in an environment that deeply values learning. My parents always told me, A child’s education should exceed that of their parents. If you have a good opportunity, never waste it,” she said.
Despite a busy schedule, Nuraisyah maintained a balanced lifestyle. She believes mental well-being is essential to staying productive.
“I make time to unwind, like treating myself to my favorite food, watching movies, or doing things I enjoy. Keeping up motivation and avoiding burnout is essential for staying at your best,” the young graduate added.
Beyond academics, Nuraisyah was also actively involved in student organizations during her undergraduate years, including the Fisheries Science Student Association, the Indonesian Islamic Student Movement, and the Nganjuk Student Association in Yogyakarta.
She also contributed to events such as the 2021 Faculty of Agriculture Student Election and Estuari 2021.
Nuraisyah researched microplastic contamination in commercially traded fish at the Tasikagung Coastal Fishing Port (PPP) in Rembang for her master’s thesis.
Her study focused on three fish species, Decapterus sp., Priacanthus tayenus, and Nemipterus sp., with observations made on the gills, digestive tracts, and flesh.
Her findings showed microplastic contamination in all three species, with the most common form being black fibers measuring 50–500 micrometers, primarily composed of HDPE and PET polymers.
Nuraisyah graduated at a young age and earned her master’s degree with distinction, finishing with a GPA of 3.77.
For her, age is no barrier to achievement. Her story inspires students to pursue their goals with determination and strategic planning.
Author: Rahma Khoirunnisa
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Photographs: Siti Fadila