Mia Yunita, a recent graduate of the Veterinary Medicine program at the UGM Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (FKH UGM), has made history as the youngest student to receive a bachelor’s degree in the university’s 2024 graduation ceremony held on Aug. 28-29, 2024, at Grha Sabha Pramana.
At just 20 years, one month, and nine days old, Yunita outpaced her fellow graduates, whose average age was 22 years, six months, and 15 days. Her early graduation is a testament to her dedication and hard work.
Yunita attributed her early achievement to starting her college education at 16. While this decision brought her great pride, it also presented unique challenges.
“I felt a bit out of place at first, especially after being accepted into FKH UGM,” Yunita admitted in an interview on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024.
“Many people had high expectations of me, and I felt a lot of pressure to perform well.”
Despite her young age, Yunita could keep up with her older classmates and successfully navigate the demands of college life. Her prior experience with accelerated learning programs in high school helped her adapt to the rigorous coursework.
According to Yunita, the key to success in higher education is a genuine passion for learning. She recalled joining an accelerated program in high school because she enjoyed the challenge and the opportunity to delve deeper into the subjects she studied.
“I didn’t mind spending much time preparing lab reports while seeking additional material not yet taught. This way, I could learn more about the field I was studying,” she said.
To stay focused and organized, Yunita employed the famous Pomodoro Technique. This method involves working in focused 25-minute intervals followed by short breaks of around 5 minutes. She repeats this process for up to 3 hours. She also created a conducive study environment by keeping her workspace tidy and distraction-free.
“Before studying, I tidy up my study desk, adjust the room temperature, prepare snacks, and keep my phone away from the desk to avoid distractions,” she said.
Beyond her academic achievements, Yunita actively participated in student organizations and committees. She mentored new students at the faculty’s orientation PPSMB Vertebrae in 2021 and was a liaison officer at the National Work Meeting organized by the Indonesian Veterinary Medicine Students Association at UGM.
She offered tips on effective study methods, mainly through memorization. She usually reviewed senior notes or materials provided by lecturers. After that, she would highlight the most essential parts to memorize them.
Yunita advised aspiring students: “Curiosity is key to a successful academic journey. You can excel in your studies by asking questions, exploring new ideas, and seeking additional knowledge.”
Author: Tiefany
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang