The Dean of the Faculty of Animal Science at Universitas Gadjah Mada (Animal Science UGM), Professor Budi Guntoro, visited Ngalimah, the mother of Muhammad Nur Arifin, a newly admitted student who received a 100 percent subsidized merit-based education scholarship, at her home in Dayu, Gadingsari, Sanden, Bantul, on Tuesday (July 7).
Arifin is the sixth of nine siblings. His father, Karyana, who worked as a carpenter, passed away about 15 years ago. Since then, his mother has single-handedly raised and supported the family by selling homemade banana chips.
In addition to selling banana chips by order, Ngalimah teaches at a local Quranic Education Center (TPA). She also regularly hosts Quran study sessions for children in her neighborhood at her home every evening after the Maghrib prayer. Her dedication has been recognized by the local community, which once helped renovate the family’s front terrace.
“I am truly grateful that Arifin has been accepted to UGM. I hope he will be given ease in completing his studies and achieving his dreams,” said Ngalimah.
Despite the family’s financial limitations, Ngalimah said her son proved that academic success can be achieved through perseverance and discipline. According to her, Arifin never attended any additional tutoring sessions.
“He was always fully focused while studying at school, so he never needed to spend excessive time reviewing lessons at home,” she recalled.
Outside of academics, Arifin has also earned notable achievements. He won first place in a provincial-level poetry musicalization competition. The accomplishment reflects not only his interest in animal science but also his active involvement in the arts and literacy.
Joy filled the family when Muhammad Nur Arifin was admitted to the UGM Faculty of Animal Science through the 2026 academic-excellence-based entrance selection (SNBP). A graduate of SMAN 1 Bantul, he has become a source of pride for his family after years of overcoming life’s challenges.
Born in Bantul on July 17, 2006, Arifin admitted that he never expected to be accepted into UGM’s Animal Science program. During the university application process, several teachers even suggested that he choose a different major. However, his passion for animal husbandry led him to pursue his dream of studying Animal Science at UGM.
“I have loved raising animals since I was a child, especially goats. Although I experienced the sadness of losing one of my goats when I was in elementary school, my interest in animal science has never faded,” he said.
That passion has grown stronger because he hopes to establish a broiler chicken farm in the future. He is also deeply interested in animal nutrition and food science. Before entering university, Arifin has been helping at a neighboring poultry farm since early June, and will continue through the end of July. The farm, THR Farm in Karanganyar, is also used as a practical training site for UGM students. His daily responsibilities include collecting eggs, feeding livestock, and monitoring barn temperatures.
“This experience has helped me better understand how livestock farms are managed in practice. It has strengthened my confidence that animal science is the field I want to pursue,” he said.
Professor Budi encouraged Arifin to remain focused and make the most of every opportunity during his studies.
“Congratulations. As you begin your journey at UGM, stay focused on both your academic studies and your involvement in student organizations. Make the most of this opportunity and your full scholarship to build a better future,” he said.
Professor Budi emphasized that financial hardship should never become a barrier to accessing higher education. According to him, UGM remains committed to ensuring that students can pursue their studies with peace of mind and complete their education successfully through the various forms of support available to them.
Muhammad Nur Arifin’s story shows that determination, perseverance, and family support can open the door to a dream university. Through his studies at the UGM Faculty of Animal Science, he hopes to deepen his knowledge of animal husbandry and livestock nutrition and realize his dream of becoming a successful poultry farmer who contributes to society.
Reporter: Satria, Faculty of Animal Science Public Relations
Author: Hanifah
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Photo: Media Center Team of Animal Science