Maureen Arsa Sanda Cantika, a UGM graduate from Yogyakarta, was conferred as the graduate with the fastest study duration in the Applied Bachelor Program during the graduation ceremony held on Thursday (May. 21) at Grha Sabha Pramana (GSP UGM). She completed her studies in 3 years and 5 months, while the average study duration for this program during this period was 4 years and 4 months.
Being the fastest graduate was not Maureen’s primary goal. Yet consistency throughout her academic journey led the student in the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Study Program at the UGM Vocational College (SV UGM) to earn the distinction of being the fastest graduate in this graduation period.
“I feel very happy, grateful, and also surprised to receive the title as the fastest graduate in this period,” she said on Monday (Jun. 15).
From the beginning of her studies, she intended to complete her education more quickly. However, her main focus was on each process earnestly and completing every responsibility on time. Maureen demonstrated self-discipline in time management, from completing assignments, laboratory reports, and academic projects to participating in extracurricular activities.
“I believe that consistency and good performance in completing small tasks will form habits that influence greater achievements,” she said.
Maureen’s interest in GIS began with her view that geography is not merely about studying natural and spatial phenomena. The field also addresses various development and environmental challenges and enables her to process, analyze, and visualize data. Rapid technological development prompted her to deepen her understanding of a field integrating geography, information technology, data analysis, and spatial data utilization.
Maureen, who was also a graduate of SMP Negeri 16 Yogyakarta and SMA Negeri 1 Kasihan, sees geospatial technology as having prospects across various sectors, including environment, disaster management, plantation, regional planning, and natural resource management. This ability integrates spatial aspects with relevant technologies in the era of digital transformation.
“In my opinion, the ability to integrate spatial aspects with technological developments such as remote sensing, cloud computing, and data analysis is an important competency,” she said.
Her interest was further developed through her undergraduate thesis titled “Sistem Monitoring Spasial-Temporal Berbasis Google Earth Engine untuk Analisis Tingkat Keparahan Kebakaran Hutan Menggunakan Indeks dNBR dan Pemantauan Laju Pemulihan Vegetasi Pasca-Bencana di Taman Nasional Bromo Tengger Semeru” (A Google Earth Engine-Based Spatio-Temporal Monitoring System for Forest Fire Severity Analysis Using the dNBR Index and Vegetation Recovery Rate Monitoring Post-Disaster in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park.)
The study analyzed the impact of forest fires on ecosystems and monitored post-fire vegetation recovery. She used satellite data processed with Google Earth Engine, which was highly effective for large-scale processing.
During her studies at UGM, Maureen was also actively involved in various organizational activities and competitions. In her first year, she focused on adapting to campus life and actively participated in university committees to develop teamwork skills and expand her network. In her second year, she began participating in academic competitions. One of her most memorable achievements was becoming a finalist in a national GIS competition.
“That experience became the starting point for stepping out of my comfort zone and exploring various opportunities available as a student,” she said.
In 2024, Maureen joined a departmental student association and participated in the Student Creativity Program (PKM). Together with a cross-faculty team, she won a bronze medal in the PKM Entrepreneurship category at the 37th National Student Scientific Week (PIMNAS). This achievement continued at the 38th PIMNAS, where she again competed in the entrepreneurship category. Her team was the only UGM representative in that category, bringing home gold and bronze medals. At the same event, she also represented UGM as Dimas-Diajeng during the opening ceremony of PIMNAS.
“That experience was a personal pride because I was given the opportunity to represent the university at a national event,” she said.
Furthermore, she expressed gratitude that these experiences led her to become a speaker in her department. It also taught her the importance of building relationships and collaborating with students from different disciplines. Many opportunities, ideas, and valuable experiences arise from interactions with peers across faculties.
Maureen also emphasized the importance of having a clear direction from the beginning of university life. She advised students to prepare a semester-based roadmap for both academic and personal development. In addition to maintaining academic performance, she highlighted the importance of networking.
According to Maureen, many valuable experiences, opportunities, and collaborations emerge from broad friendships.
She encouraged students to think about their research topics early, in line with their interests. Discussion is one of the fastest ways to grow due to curiosity and knowledge exchange. In completing her work, she emphasized discipline, as she was accustomed to making daily targets or to-do lists.
“Consistent progress, even if small, is far more valuable than delaying work until it accumulates later,” she said.
In closing, Maureen reminded that everyone has their own timeline. Graduating fastest is not merely about reaching the finish line first, but making the most of every opportunity along the journey. Titles, awards, and academic achievements are ultimately markers of a life stage.
She added that what matters more is character, integrity, and the ability to keep learning after all achievements. Maureen hopes more students will dare to dream big, try new things, and not be afraid to step out of their comfort zones.
“I believe that a different future often starts with one decision made today. Every small step at any moment can bring major changes in life,” she said.
Author: Hanifah
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Jasmine Ferdian
Photo: Maureen’s Documentation