A year ago, the story of Asysyfa Maisarah touched many hearts. The daughter of a farm laborer from a remote village in West Sumatra, she successfully gained admission to Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM).
More than that, Syfa, her nickname, was awarded a full tuition subsidy scholarship, reducing her tuition fee (UKT) to zero. Her journey became a symbol of hope for students across the country who feel discouraged by economic hardship.
Her story quickly spread as living proof that access to higher education is not a privilege reserved for the financially well-off.
After completing two semesters in the Accounting Program at the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB UGM), Syfa is proving that big dreams can be realized through perseverance and determination.
Syfa admitted that her initial arrival in Yogyakarta was filled with emotion and anxiety. She left her hometown with high hopes, though it was her first time being away from her family and home.
With no relatives in Yogyakarta, she was determined to stay and prove that she belonged at her dream university.
That initial uncertainty gradually turned into awe as she stood before the UGM Central Office and saw iconic campus landmarks like the FEB Pertamina Tower, further strengthening her belief that she was in the right place.
“I felt a mixture of happiness, sadness, fear, and worry—all at once,” she recalled.
However, her academic journey has not been without challenges. From the very first semester, adapting to the faster pace of learning and the highly competitive academic environment proved to be one of the toughest trials.
Textbooks, complex assignments, and class discussions were new terrain that demanded extra effort. Syfa chose to turn her initial struggles into motivation to keep moving forward.
“In the first semester, I often felt left behind and stressed out because there were topics I didn’t understand while my classmates were already progressing far ahead,” she said.
Beyond academics, Syfa actively participates in various campus activities. She views campus life as a valuable opportunity to broaden her horizons and build her network. Forums, seminars, and event committees have become platforms for her to gain knowledge beyond the classroom.
She also feels fortunate to have seen prominent national figures visit UGM. Such experiences are inspiring and offer new perspectives on the future.
“I once met Mr. Anies Baswedan, and even had the chance to shake hands and take a photo with him,” she shared with a smile.
The scholarship has had an immense impact on Syfa’s life and studies. In addition to easing her parents’ financial burden, it allows her to focus on learning without worrying about tuition fees.
That financial peace of mind has created a safe space for her to grow both academically and personally. Given her family’s limited economic means, the scholarship is an invaluable opportunity.
“This scholarship has had a tremendous impact on my academic journey,” she said.
Rather than viewing her background as a setback, Syfa sees it as her greatest source of strength. She uses her limitations as fuel to keep achieving and to build a better future.
She believes her success is for herself, her family, and her community. Every step she takes at UGM is part of a promise to create a brighter tomorrow.
Syfa hopes to graduate with outstanding achievements, secure a decent job, and eventually support her family financially.
“My family’s situation is clearly my biggest motivation,” she said.
As a student living far from home, Syfa often struggles with homesickness and mental fatigue. Yet through it all, her family remains her main source of strength. She says the support she receives from home always lifts her spirits during tough times.
Even short conversations with her parents can be a lifeline on her toughest days. After graduation, Syfa aspires to work in accounting and achieve financial stability for herself and her family.
“I hope to get a good job someday, so our financial situation can improve. That would be my way of thanking my parents,” she said hopefully.
At the end of her story, Syfa offered a heartfelt message to younger students in her hometown who may still hesitate to pursue their dreams. She wants them to believe that big dreams are not just for kids from big cities.
Dreams as high as the sky are worth fighting for, so long as they are accompanied by strong will and hard work. She emphasized that UGM offers many scholarship programs to support students from diverse backgrounds. What matters most is having the courage to try and the determination not to give up.
“We are allowed to dream as big as we want, and we have the right to fight for those dreams,” she affirmed.
Throughout 2024, UGM has provided 100% UKT subsidies to 555 students as a tangible form of its commitment to equitable access to education. Through this program, UGM fulfills its role as a people’s university that stands with marginalized groups while advancing social sustainability in higher education.
This policy creates opportunities and bridges young people from remote areas to rise and contribute. UGM believes that inclusive education is a crucial foundation for building a more just and equitable future for the nation.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Photograph: Asysyfa Maisarah