Mlathi Anggayuh Jati, fondly known as Gayuh, stands tall among the 1,852 recent graduates celebrated at the UGM graduation ceremony on Nov. 22.
Gayuh, a standout from the Faculty of Psychology, views her academic journey as a stroke of fortune but punctuated with challenges. Throughout her studies, she grappled with bipolar disorder.
“Since early 2020, I have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and had to undergo a series of treatments with a psychiatrist and psychologist,” she shared on Wednesday (Dec. 20).
Navigating the complexities of her condition, Gayuh faced the arduous task of managing herself and carving out time for studies. There were instances when she attended online classes from the hospital while awaiting her medication.
Amidst the waiting rooms and hospital corridors, Gayuh diligently finished her assignments and tasks. She actively engaged in discussions, group work, and competition preparations, even during inpatient care.
While it may seem like an uphill battle, for Gayuh, this was a testament to her resilience—a way to stay motivated and keep moving forward even when her health wasn’t optimal.
From the beginning, she opted for transparency, openly communicating her health struggles with those around her. During periods of poor health, Gayuh made it a point to update her parents and closest friends.
“I tell my lecturers and friends about it,” shared the graduate, sporting an impressive GPA of 3.91.
More than just relaying information, Gayuh actively sought solutions and willingly accepted the consequences of her absence. The support from her immediate circle played a pivotal role in bolstering her determination to see her studies through.
“Fortunately, the people around me are very supportive,” she expressed.
In addition to her family and friends, faculty members at the Faculty of Psychology proved to be pillars of support. Gayuh availed counseling facilities from the faculty and received valuable advice from lecturers on managing her academic responsibilities and mental well-being.
With aspirations to delve into inclusive education, Gayuh contributed to the Education and Competence Division during her academic tenure. Studying psychology felt like a journey of self-discovery for her.
It’s not uncommon for psychology students to feel like they are studying while undergoing their own form of treatment. Gayuh would light up with enthusiasm whenever new material was introduced in lectures.
“I feel enthusiastic every time there is new material because the material can be reflected in my own life and explains many things around me. Simple things like how I remember an event, how I recognize language, how I process emotions, and how I make decisions can be explained through psychology materials,” she elucidated.
In addition to organizational activities, Gayuh took on internships and volunteered, exploring opportunities beyond her academic commitments. The organization she dedicated herself to the longest was Kakak Asuh.
She also embraced roles as a podcaster for the Podcast Campus UGM and proudly served as the Wardah Beauty Campus Ambassador at UGM in 2021.
Seeking diverse experiences, she embarked on internship programs in the Lingkaran Youth Community Development Program, worked as an assistant psychologist at RSJD Dr. Amino Gondohutomo, and interned as a customer experience professional at Lazada Indonesia.
Despite juggling numerous responsibilities, Gayuh demonstrated exceptional time management and self-discipline, ultimately graduating as the best graduate with honors.
When probed about the resilience of women in the pursuit of education, Gayuh responded confidently, emphasizing the extraordinary strength of women in the face of educational challenges.
“Around me, I meet many strong women who can still study and deal with all the other responsibilities they have, such as taking care of children and family,” shared Gayuh.
Professor Gandes Retno Rahayu, the Director of Education and Teaching at UGM, acknowledged Galuh’s outstanding academic achievements, citing them as a testament to the remarkable resilience of women in their educational pursuits.
“As each female graduate faces unique challenges on their educational path, my heartfelt congratulations to those who have conquered the realms of bachelor’s and applied bachelor’s levels,” she remarked.
Author: Listi
Editor: Gusti