Sania Nadlirotullubba, one of the graduates from the Computer Science Program at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FMIPA UGM), achieved a Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.98 at the Bachelor’s and Applied Bachelor’s Graduation Ceremony for Period I of the 2025/2026 Academic Year, held on Tuesday (Nov. 25) at Grha Sabha Pramana. By comparison, the average GPA for the 1,729 undergraduate graduates in this period was 3.51.
Sania, as she is usually called, shared that she initially had no interest in the world of computers. However, her decision shifted after her family encouraged her to explore a different field. After some consideration, she chose Computer Science, which she found most relevant for applying mathematical concepts, her primary academic interest.
“There is still mathematics in computing, so I decided to join Computer Science,” she said in an interview on Monday (Dec. 1).
Sania explained that completing her final project came with its own challenges. She was initially interested in information security and chose the cryptography laboratory as her research focus.
However, this changed after she was accepted for an internship in a government institution. Differences between her research direction and internship tasks required her to switch topics to avoid difficulties in collecting data.
She then shifted to a topic related to algorithms and tsunami simulations, which required learning about wave equations and wave propagation. Although she had to study a new subject from scratch, she said the process broadened her horizons and enriched her knowledge.
“A lot of what I learned wasn’t even taught on campus, but from that experience I gained many new insights,” she explained.
Regarding her achievement of the highest GPA, Sania said that consistent note-taking during lectures was the key. She always wrote down the material presented in class, which made it easier for her to review lessons independently.
Her habit of reading and revisiting class materials also played an important role in strengthening her understanding. She expressed gratitude for having a supportive learning environment and lecturers who continuously encouraged her to complete her final project well.
She further emphasized the importance of time management by dedicating specific hours to focus on a single task. While interning at the government institution, she ensured her working hours were dedicated solely to assigned duties and internship projects.
In the evening, she maximized her time to work on her final project or complete other academic responsibilities. She believes that maintaining this balance is possible by making the most of available time.
“The point is to maximize what you can do in the time you have. If it’s time to work, then work. If it’s time to study, then study,” the new graduate explained.
Although she acknowledges that her knowledge is still limited and she is not yet fully confident about making a major contribution to society, Sania hopes to start with simple steps, such as sharing what she knows with others.
For her, sharing knowledge with close friends, family, and the broader community is one of the plans she aims to pursue after graduating. She also noted that she has long been interested in teaching.
With her newly earned Computer Science degree, she hopes to introduce the public to technological concepts, particularly artificial intelligence and technology-based research.
“I’ve always loved teaching, so I hope I can share knowledge about how AI works and how to conduct technology-based research,” Sania said.
Author: Cyntia Noviana
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Salma
Photographs: Sania Nadlirotullubba