That morning, at a simple soto stall on the roadside of Banaran Village, Galur District, Kulonprogo, Anyndha Tri Rahmawati (18) was busy helping her mother, Tuginem (49), serve customers.
This soto stall, about a quarter the size of a volleyball court, is the source of income for Nyndha’s parents. From selling soto, Tuginem and her husband, Ngadiman (54), can save around Rp 1 million per month.
Fortunately for Tuginem, she has an accomplished daughter at school. Nyndha graduated from SMAN 1 Bantul as the seventh-best student in her school, with an average grade of 88.2.
Not only academically smart, Nyndha also excelled outside the classroom. This was proven by the award she received in the National Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Festival (FIKSI) at the high school level in 2024.
Her innovation at that time represented the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) in the final stage and successfully won a gold medal.
“At that time, my friend and I created a product called E-Terminator. The product is a termite killer made from natural ingredients,” Nyndha explained on Monday (Jul. 14).
Her passion for developing innovative products in entrepreneurship led her to apply for the Management Program at the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB UGM).
Her parents had asked if this major was a suitable choice for her. Nyndha’s determination to become an FEB UGM student was firm, and her parents finally fully supported their daughter’s decision.
Her decision was not wrong. Now, Nyndha is officially accepted into the program at FEB UGM.
When the academic excellence-based entrance selection (SNBP) results were announced, she immediately hugged and cried with her mother, Tuginem.
Nyndha, as she is familiarly called, was accepted as a new UGM student through the SNBP pathway.
Moreover, she also received a 100% subsidized Single Tuition Fee (UKT), which exempts her from paying tuition fees during her studies at UGM.
In Tuginem’s eyes, Nyndha is known as a quiet girl. However, she has strong determination and always studies hard to pursue her desires, one of which was to get into UGM.
“It was tough, especially since her friends in high school were also smart and accomplished. Yet, she didn’t feel inferior, proving she could do it,” Tuginem stated.
Nyndha’s parents didn’t expect much. They only conveyed a message for Nyndha to make good use of this opportunity.
“As long as you are given the opportunity and ability to strive at UGM, don’t give up. Hopefully, you can also become a successful person useful for the nation and for everyone,” Tuginem hoped.
Nyndha is now preparing to start her classes in early August. Nyndha believes that all the difficulties she has faced and will face will surely be eased because she trusts in her abilities.
She also did not forget to thank her parents for their support throughout all the processes so far.
For this reason, Nyndha advised friends who are also striving to get into higher education to keep their spirits up.
“Just keep your spirits up, don’t be afraid to try, don’t be afraid to fail, because we don’t know what the future holds, whether it will eventually be what we want or not, but the important thing is that we have tried because experience cannot be bought and experience will be beneficial,” Nyndha concluded.
Author: Lazuardi Choiri
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Photographer: Firsto