A simple house with faded white walls stands witness to how a mother became a single parent, supporting her four children by working as a grocery storekeeper.
This house, located in the Sidoagung area, Sleman, Yogyakarta, is the residence of Febiyanti Nur Mahmudah (18) and her mother, Siti Sofariyatun (61).
Febi, as she is familiarly called, is a prospective new student at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) for 2025.
She successfully passed through the academic excellence-based entrance selection (SNBP) pathway without a test.
Febi also received a 100 percent subsidized tuition scholarship from UGM, significantly easing her college expenses.
Febi is the youngest of four siblings, born into a humble family. Her mother, Siti Sofariyatun, works as a grocery storekeeper dozens of kilometers from her home.
From this job, Siti Sofariyatun earns about Rp 50,000 per day, or around Rp 1,200,000 per month, an income that must suffice for their living needs.
Her father, the late Ismuni Sutrisno, used to work as a home photocopy operator in the Yogyakarta City area.
He passed away in 2021 at the age of 67, having suffered from diabetes since Febi was a child.
Since her father fell ill, the family chose to move to a village in Godean. Her mother then took over the role of the sole breadwinner for the family.
Although financially constrained, Febi’s spirit for learning never faded.
During her schooling at SMA Negeri 7 Yogyakarta, Febi actively participated in various activities, including OSIS (Student Council), Pleton Inti, the theater committee, social activities, and class meetings.
She also became part of the Sleman Regency Children’s Forum.
Amid her busy schedule, Febi was still able to maintain her academic achievements.
She often placed in the top five in her class and was ranked 7th eligible in her major during high school.
“I really like learning and cooking. Even though my pocket money was only Rp 5,000 to Rp 7,000 per day, I always tried to manage it as best as possible,” Febi recalled on Thursday (Jun. 12).
She added, “Usually, my mother would take me to school by motorbike, and I would take TransJogja home.”
Despite being accustomed to a simple life, Febi has a desire to pursue the highest possible education and dreams of becoming a lecturer or directly entering government.
That is why she firmly chose the Politics and Government Program at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (Fisipol UGM).
“My interest in social and political issues emerged a long time ago. I want to have a role in society and contribute to making changes through policy or education,” Febi said enthusiastically.
Her mother, Siti, with teary eyes, admitted she was very proud of Febi, who, since childhood, has always been known for her independence and eagerness to learn.
Siti mentioned that since elementary school, Febi consistently ranked in the top three in her class.
Siti feels grateful that Febi can continue her studies with the help of a scholarship from UGM.
“I can only pray that she remains enthusiastic and never gives up. I know the world of college is not easy, but I believe she can do it,” Siti said with emotion.
Febi’s success in gaining admission to UGM without a test and with free tuition through a 100% subsidized tuition scholarship can be an encouragement for other young people striving to achieve their dreams.
It proves that economic limitations can never restrict aspirations, as long as the spirit and determination remain strong.
Author: Kezia Dwina Nathania
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Photographer: Slamet Sihono