Anggita Veronica Marthin is a diligent and ambitious student in her study to realise her dreams. Since studying at the junior high school, Anggi, her nickname, had wanted to be a diplomat. She said she likes politics and international issues. Her interest in this subject was even made stronger when she went on a student exchange in the USA.
“My interest has always been international relations since my junior high school. I was getting more inspired to work at the embassy, working with international people,” said Anggi when met at her home in Tiban area of Batam City.
The daughter of Alfred Marthin and Marline would do anything to make her dream come true. She willingly followed a long and rigorous selection to be able to participate in the student exchange programme that was funded by the US government. Then, she continued to make more achievements and earned good grades so that she could pursue higher education amidst the limited economic condition of her family.
“So I came to the counselling teacher at school, inquiring if there was any scholarships available for the underpriviledged. I was told not to worry, there is this government scholarship called as Bidikimisi. So my friends and I applied for that scholarship,” she said.
Eventually, Anggi’s wish was realised when she learned that she had been accepted at International Relations study programme at UGM, and without having to bother about tuitions as well because she was finally entitled to receive the scholarship. This all just ensured her that she would be able to achieve her dreams in becoming a diplomat. It also triggered her to make the most of this opportunity and make her parents proud.
Parents’ Hope
Alfred Marthin’s eyes were getting wet when he told us the story of his youngest daughter that had always studied hard to achieve her dream. The 58 years old man said that Anggi kept making him proud with her achievements at secondary level schools. “Anggi likes to read books and her passion for further study is high. She also made good achievements, which made us proud,” said Alfred.
Alfred’s support for Anggi is unequivocal. He sold their property for her to be able to get the best education. Their house was sold when she had to go to the US for the student exchange programme. Alfred used to work as a contract worker at the national oil company Pertamina. But he was laid off ten years ago. Now he has to do anything he can to support his family. “At my age now, it’s difficult to get a job, and I don’t have skills. So, I just try to make ends meet,” he said.
Behind the proud feeling as a father, Alfred was sad and burdened by the thought of having to afford higher education for Anggi. This just seemed impossible. “Sometimes I felt guilty why I couldn’t afford it. We can only pray for her to achieve her aspirations,” said Alfred.
At last, he couldn’t barely hide his emotions when Anggi finally got accepted at UGM and earned the scholarship. For him, this is the answer to his prayers.
“Now we’re trying to get a little money for Anggi to go to Yogyakarta and start the lectures in August. Our last property has been sold, but that’s how we try to do things for the sake of her future,” he said.
Alfred hoped that all these efforts would not go fruitless and Anggi would one day become a successful diplomat that inspires others.
“Recently, I read the newspaper about an Indonesian female diplomat that is very good at what she’s doing. I want Anggi to be like her, I hope Anggi would be successful for herself, family, and the country,” Alfred concluded.