Living in the small hamlet of Tegalweru, Kemalang, Klaten, nestled at the foot of Mount Merapi, Devita Febrianisa never let her humble beginnings deter her from dreaming big.
Raised in a modest household, with a truck driver father who hauls sand and a mother who works as a home-based stitcher with only a primary school education, Devita found motivation in her family’s resilience to pursue a better future through education.
Today, she has officially become a student at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) through the Talent Scouting for Outstanding Students (PBUB) scheme in the Sociology program at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (Fisipol UGM), receiving a 100% tuition subsidy.
Yet, Devita’s path to Bulaksumur was far from easy. She faced multiple rejections from other universities, which left her disheartened and, at times, discouraged.
Armed with a passion for learning and unwavering perseverance, Devita turned her time at MAN 2 Sleman into a proving ground. She was actively involved in research, extracurriculars, and the school’s Islamic student organization for two terms, while also earning numerous accolades at both national and international levels.
Among her accomplishments are a Silver Medal at the 2022 International Science and Invention Fair (ISIF), a Gold Medal at the 2024 FIKSI Proposal Development Training, a finalist position in the KOMPeK 25 Economics Research Paper Competition in 2023, and Third Place in the 2024 National History Videography Competition “History Week.” Every achievement proves her dedication and concrete efforts to gain admission to her dream university.
Still, not every competition ended in victory. But Devita learned to view each setback as an opportunity to grow and improve. Whenever she felt weary or defeated, she reminded herself that as an only child, she must make her parents proud, parents who never stopped encouraging her with their unwavering love and support.
“When I feel like giving up, I remember that there are people who want me to succeed, who want me to have a better life than they did. That reminder always pushes me forward,” she shared emotionally on Saturday (Aug. 2).
A Family’s Greatest Hope
Devita’s parents, Surati and Rejono, expressed their overwhelming joy and disbelief that their only daughter had come this far. With limited education and modest incomes, they admitted they had little to offer beyond relentless encouragement and prayer.
“My mother took a sewing course to stay productive at home. My father hauls sand from the Gendol River every day to support us. But they never stopped motivating me,” Devita recalled.
Now that Devita’s name is officially listed as a UGM student, pride and emotion fill her parents’ hearts.
“We only finished elementary school, yet our daughter is now studying at UGM. We never imagined this was possible. We just wanted her to have a better life than we did,” said her father, Rejono, wiping away tears of joy.
For Devita and her family, being accepted into UGM is not just a personal achievement but also a powerful reminder to always dream big.
“We are deeply grateful to UGM. There’s no way we could ever repay this opportunity and blessing. I hope Devita will continue to be motivated and become the first in our family’s next generation to succeed,” said her mother, Surati.
As the meeting that afternoon came to a close, Devita embraced both of her parents tightly. The three of them held each other in a quiet, heartfelt moment, filled with gratitude for the opportunity given by UGM in the heart of Bulaksumur.
UGM remains committed to expanding educational access for Indonesia’s brightest minds from all backgrounds, including through full tuition subsidies. Devita’s story is one of many that prove opportunities and dreams can come true when pursued wholeheartedly.
Author: Astri
Photographer: Zarodin