Prestigious achievements paved the way for 18-year-old Tiara Julianti to fulfill a dream she had cherished since childhood. Thanks to her consistent record of academic and non-academic achievements, the graduate of SMA Negeri 1 Tangerang was admitted to the Undergraduate Medical Program at the UGM Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK UGM) through the Outstanding Achievers Admission Path (PBU). Her joy became complete when she also received a 100 percent tuition fee (UKT) subsidy from UGM, allowing her to pursue her medical education free of charge.
Behind this achievement lies a journey that was not easy. Tiara’s parents earn a living by running a small chip-selling business. The fluctuating nature of the business meant they had to manage the family’s finances and often worried about the cost of education. Even so, they never stopped instilling the belief that education is the greatest investment for their children’s future. For this family, financial hardship was never a reason to stop dreaming but rather a motivation to keep striving.
“Becoming a doctor has been my dream since I was little. During the pandemic, I became even more determined because I wanted to make a positive impact on society,” said Tiara when interviewed by the UGM News Team in Gang Tiger, Teluknaga, Tangerang, Banten, on Tuesday (Jul. 14).
She pursued her dream of becoming a doctor with unwavering determination. From elementary school through high school, Tiara consistently maintained outstanding academic performance. Outside the classroom, she actively participated in organizations, competitions, and extracurricular activities, including the Biology Olympiad, debate competitions, scientific writing contests, and cheerleading, in which she won second place at a national championship. For her, every experience became an opportunity to grow and to shape a disciplined and resilient character.
Behind all of her achievements was the unwavering support of her parents. Her mother, Siti Rohani (41), wakes before dawn each day to prepare her daughter’s meals, then helps her husband, Sabdi (51), sell chips.
When Tiara was unsuccessful in one of the university admission pathways, her parents never asked her to give up. Instead, they continued encouraging her to persevere and try again.
“We simply kept supporting and motivating her. Thank God, her dream has finally come true,” said Rohani.
Their perseverance was eventually rewarded when Tiara was accepted into FK-KMK UGM. The moment became an unforgettable milestone for the family.
“It felt like a dream. I never imagined Tiara would be accepted into UGM Medical School,” said Sabdi.
The family’s happiness grew even greater when Tiara learned she had been awarded a 100 percent tuition subsidy from UGM. The scholarship relieved the financial burden that had weighed heavily on her mind. As the eldest of three siblings, Tiara understood how hard her parents had worked to finance their children’s education.
“I was already incredibly grateful just to be accepted into Medical School. Finding out that I also received a full tuition subsidy was such a relief. Thank you, UGM, for giving me this opportunity,” she said.
Tiara aspires to become a doctor who not only provides medical care but also actively educates the public about the importance of maintaining good health. If given the opportunity, she hopes to specialize in ophthalmology, motivated by her concern about the increasing screen time among young people and the often-neglected state of eye health. She hopes the knowledge she gains at UGM will enable her to make a meaningful contribution to society.
For Tiara, this journey is not the end of a struggle but the beginning of a lifetime of service. She also shared a message for young people pursuing their dreams.
“Never be afraid to dream. Dreaming is free; what matters is that you keep working hard,” she said.
Tiara’s journey demonstrates that achievement, perseverance, and family support can open the door to greater opportunities. Through the Outstanding Achievers Admission Path and the 100 percent tuition subsidy, UGM not only expands access to higher education for outstanding students but also offers hope to pursue their dreams without being held back by financial limitations.
Author: Astri Wulandari
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-Editor: Jasmine Ferdian
Photo: Devi Anviana Putri