Education was the most significant legacy left by the parents of Fatimah Azzahra, one of Universitas Gadjah Mada’s (UGM) newly admitted students. Zahra (18), a native of Pasaman, West Sumatra, has fulfilled her parents’ hopes by being admitted to UGM’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (FKH UGM) and receiving a full tuition subsidy.
Her father, who passed away just a month ago, was an elementary school teacher. Her mother, who passed away while Zahra was still in high school, worked as a veterinary technician. Their shared emphasis on the importance of education became the foundation of Zahra’s determination to pursue higher education.
“My parents always said that education comes first. Even our extended family reminded my older siblings not to use my parents’ savings for anything other than my education,” Zahra shared on Tuesday (Jul. 15).
Zahra’s interest in veterinary medicine did not emerge overnight. Her mother, who worked closely with livestock, was a key source of inspiration. Although Zahra admits she is not particularly fond of keeping animals, her curiosity and desire to understand them grew over time.
“My interest in veterinary medicine was also influenced by my second sibling, who is studying the same field at a different university. Additionally, my mother was a livestock technician. So, perhaps this interest has been passed down indirectly,” she said.
A Lasting Memory
Zahra was accepted into UGM through the national entrance test (SNBT). She received the announcement while in Aceh, attending her second sibling’s graduation. On a hopeful afternoon by the beach, she opened the results with her family by her side.
“I initially wanted to check it myself, but my sibling said, ‘Let’s open it together. Whatever the outcome, we support you.’ When I saw that I was accepted into my first-choice program, FKH UGM, we all burst into tears. My sibling even cried before I did,” she recalled.
At that time, her father was still alive and embraced her with pride, a moment Zahra now cherishes deeply. Just one day before she was scheduled to complete her enrollment, her father passed away. Losing both parents in such a short span was a deep hardship. Yet amid the grief, Zahra received uplifting news: she had been granted a 100% tuition subsidy from UGM.
“It was an incredible feeling to learn I’d received full tuition support. If I had to pay even the lowest category, I would’ve had to reconsider attending university. Our family’s financial situation is uncertain, and I was genuinely afraid of not being able to afford it. So, learning that I received the subsidy felt like a huge weight had been lifted. It was such a blessing,” said Zahra.
Zahra’s eldest sibling, Sylvie, also expressed immense relief upon hearing about the subsidy. With both parents gone, she bears the responsibility of supporting her younger siblings.
“When Zahra was granted the full tuition waiver, it was such a relief. Two of our younger siblings are also in college, so all the responsibility falls on me. After we got the news, Alhamdulillah, we were so grateful,” Sylvie said.
With the new academic year approaching, Zahra is preparing herself to begin this next chapter. She hopes to be a friendly and active student, particularly in extracurricular activities related to wildlife conservation, a field she hopes to explore at FKH UGM.
Zahra also shared a message of encouragement for students who may feel limited by economic hardship or remote access to higher education. She believes that with determination and sincere aspirations, a path will always open.
“I never imagined that the day before enrollment, my father would pass away. I was overwhelmed, but somehow, there was always a way. So never give up. Keep trying, and keep praying,” she said.
Fatimah Azzahra is one of 120 new students admitted to FKH UGM through the SNBP and SNBT in 2025. This year, FKH UGM awarded full scholarships to 15 KIP recipients and 10 non-KIP students, providing tuition-free education to approximately 22% of incoming students through both admission routes.
Author: Lintang Andwyna
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Bendina
Photographs: FKH UGM