Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) conferred degrees on 1,408 graduates of the Undergraduate and Applied Bachelor Programs for the third graduation period of the 2024/2025 academic year at Grha Sabha Pramana on Wednesday (May 28).
Among the 1,291 undergraduate graduates, Mutiara Anindyana Hapsari from the Faculty of Pharmacy was named the youngest graduate, having completed her degree at the age of 19 years, 1 month, and 9 days, significantly younger than the average graduation age at UGM, which is 22 years, 6 months, and 15 days. She also completed her studies in just 3.5 years, earning a cum laude distinction.
Hapsari’s academic journey has been exceptional from the start. She enrolled in accelerated learning programs during both elementary and junior high school. Family circumstances drove her decision to fast-track her education. She shared that being 13 years younger than her older sibling motivated her to earn a degree as early as possible.
“As a child, I just wanted to graduate quickly so that when I earned my degree, my parents would still be young. My family was also very supportive back then,” she said on Saturday (May 31).
Being the youngest student on campus was not an easy experience for Hapsari. She admitted facing initial challenges in adjusting to university life.
“At first, it was tough. I wasn’t familiar with the new environment, and I had to adjust my learning pace to keep up with everyone else, especially since I had to live alone far from home,” she recalled.
However, those experiences became a turning point. Hapsari worked hard to adapt to her surroundings and get used to being away from her parents. Fortunately, she found herself in a supportive social circle that helped her through college.
“I’m very grateful to have found a supportive group of friends,” she said.
Hapsari managed to complete her degree in just 3.5 years and had already undergone the graduation assessment process in February. Throughout her studies, she actively participated in various activities, including serving on student committees and in student organizations, working as a lab assistant, and engaging in a final research project that aligned with her interest in natural-based cosmetics.
Her thesis was titled Optimization of HPMC and Carbopol and In Vitro Evaluation of Sunscreen Activity and Physical Properties of Gel Containing Coffea arabica Seed Extract and Vitis vinifera L. Seed Oil.
“I chose the topic of natural ingredient-based cosmetic formulation because it’s something I’m genuinely interested in,” she explained.
When asked for tips on how to graduate quickly with strong academic performance, Hapsari shared a message for fellow students to stay motivated in their studies and embrace the learning process.
“I also went through a phase of feeling unsure about my direction and goals, and I think many students experience that. But my advice is to just enjoy the process and don’t forget to explore new things,” she said.
With her remarkable achievements, Hapsari, who graduated at a young age with cum laude honors, stands as a true inspiration for young people to keep learning, adapt, and pursue their dreams without limitations.
Author: Rahma Khoirunnisa
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Photographs: Courtesy of Mutiara Hapsari