At the western edge of Yogyakarta, 17-year-old Ririn Dwi Nurtyani and her family live a modest life under financial constraints. Her father, Sutiono (50), works as a day laborer with an unstable income, as construction projects are not always available. At times, he is forced to remain unemployed while waiting for new work, leaving the family with no income and dependent on social assistance. Meanwhile, her mother, Nur (47), is a homemaker with no income of her own and relies entirely on her husband’s earnings to support their three children’s daily needs.
Being born into a laborer’s family did not stop Ririn from dreaming of pursuing higher education. She believes that earning a university degree will help improve her family’s future. Although her father initially opposed her desire to attend university, she remained determined and worked hard to convince him. She believes that if something is destined for her, a path will always open.
“I want to continue changing my family’s fate so we are no longer limited to the kind of work my parents have done. I want to achieve more than my parents,” said Ririn at her home in Terbah, Wates District, Kulon Progo Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta, on Wednesday (Jun. 17).
Ririn has now officially been accepted as a new student at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) for the 2025 academic year in the undergraduate Animal Science and Industry program through the National Selection Based on Achievement (SNBP). In addition to being admitted through the merit-based pathway, Ririn received the Superior Education Scholarship with a 100 percent subsidy, which granted her zero tuition fees (UKT), allowing her to study at UGM free of charge.
“I’m very happy because my tuition fees are fully covered, and I don’t have to pay any tuition at all. That means the money can be used to support other needs as well,” she said.
Ririn said she chose the Animal Science and Industry program because of her love for animals, especially livestock. At home, she helps her parents care for chickens, ducks, and birds as part of her hobby. These daily activities gradually nurtured her interest in developing the livestock sector in the future.
“I love animals, especially livestock such as chickens, ducks, and cows, so I’m interested in developing livestock farming in the future,” she said.
Her mother warmly welcomed her choice of study program, as she fully understands Ririn’s passion for caring for animals.
Since kindergarten, Ririn has demonstrated strong academic and non-academic achievements. Her mother, Nur (47), said that Ririn had always been bright and accomplished since childhood. She often ranked at the top of her class, and during high school, Ririn joined the marching band at SMAN 1 Wates, helping her school win first place at the provincial level. Seeing Ririn’s many achievements, Nur fully supports her dream of pursuing higher education.
“I have always supported Ririn in achieving her dreams,” she said.
While raising Ririn, Nur consistently instilled the values of discipline. She encouraged Ririn to study diligently and make good use of her time. She also regularly reminded her to always be kind to her parents, siblings, and friends. Nur still finds it hard to believe that Ririn will be able to study at UGM free of charge and may soon improve her parents’ social and economic standing, helping transform the family’s future.
“I hope Ririn can attain a higher level of education than her parents. I hope she can elevate our family’s standing and have a better life, with better income and better opportunities,” said Nur.
Author: Fatihah Salwa Rasyid
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photo: Donnie