Orlando Ferrari, a student from the Mathematics Department at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), was among the 1,408 graduates at the Bachelor and Applied Bachelor’s graduation ceremony held at Grha Sabha Pramana on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025.
The silver medalist at the 2023 International Mathematics Competition (IMC) in Bulgaria graduated with the highest Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.00, while the average GPA for graduates in this period was 3.54. Additionally, he completed his studies in just 3.5 years.
Orlando, often called by his first name, is from Central Kalimantan. The eldest of two siblings, he has achieved remarkable academic and organizational accomplishments at UGM.
“My first semester was tough. I didn’t get accepted at UGM through the achievement track, but I got in through the SBMPTN test, and I was grateful to be placed in the mathematics program,” he recalled.
He shared that his first year in 2021, was especially challenging as his father passed away, leaving him deeply saddened.
“My father was the one who most wanted me to study at UGM and even pursue my master’s degree here,” he said with teary eyes.
Orlando credited his quick recovery from grief to his involvement in campus organizations.
In his second semester, he joined the Mathematics Student Association (Himatika) and participated in the National Olympiad in Mathematics and Natural Sciences (ON MIPA-PT) selection process.
He was one of the five UGM representatives for Mathematics, Biology, Physics, and Chemistry.
“I took a chance. I balanced my studies with the Olympiad preparation and eventually won a bronze medal in the 2022 ONMIPA-PT,” he said.
The following year, he participated in the ON MIPA-PT competition in Bandung and won a gold medal, which allowed him to represent Indonesia in the 2023 International Mathematics Championship in Bulgaria.
“I won the Second Prize (silver) at the IMC 2023 in Bulgaria,” he explained.
After earning his bachelor’s degree, Orlando plans to pursue a master’s degree. While awaiting admission, he continues his side job from college, teaching Olympiad students.
“I’m currently freelancing as an Olympiad tutor to fill my time, but also preparing for further studies,” he said.
Orlando encouraged prospective students not to be discouraged if they do not pass one of the university entry tracks and to continue trying in other selection processes. For current students, he stressed the importance of not feeling overwhelmed by their responsibilities.
“Never feel pressured. Focus on yourself; everyone has their own burdens, and it will get better. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from others because we all need each other,” Orlando advised.
Author: Kezia Dwina Nathania
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang
Photographs by: Firsto and Orlando Ferrari