A bright smile lit up Varen Syifa Maudina’s face, a first-year student of Agricultural Product and Food Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FTP UGM), as she was accepted into the SNBP admission track and received a full-tuition scholarship. Behind her achievement stands an extraordinary woman, her mother, who has long been a pillar of strength and support for their family.
Since infancy, Maudina has grown up without her father, who left the family when she was a baby.
Her mother, Siti Darojah (53), stepped in as both caregiver and breadwinner.
After a devastating earthquake in 2007 destroyed the family’s business and was followed by domestic difficulties, she had no choice but to start selling food at an elementary school canteen in Jetis, Bantul, to provide for Varen and her older sibling, who were still in elementary school at the time.
“I always prioritized my children. I would do anything for them and focus all my energy on their well-being,” said Darojah on Wednesday, Jun. 18, 2025.
Due to her mother’s profession, Maudina became accustomed to waking up early from a very young age to help prepare the food that would be sold at the school.
She often arrived at the school gates by 5 a.m. because her mother needed to set up her stall in time.
Maudina expressed pride in her mother’s determination to provide the best for her.
More than that, she also took the initiative to bring some of her mother’s food to sell at her own school’s canteen.
“From elementary through high school, Varen always attended schools far from home. I made that choice so she wouldn’t face social pressure or be asked about her father by neighbors,” Darojah said, her voice filled with emotion.
By the time she was in junior high, Maudina had already set her sights on studying at UGM.
Her passion for chemistry guided her to pursue the Food Technology study program.
Despite the family’s financial constraints that prevented her from attending tutoring classes, Maudina found alternative ways to study.
She enrolled in affordable local lessons, studied independently online, and relied on prayer and determination.
“My mother never once said it was too much. She always supported me and gave me the freedom to choose my path. I believe that if we sincerely seek knowledge, God will open the way,” she shared.
Though known for her quiet demeanor, Maudina consistently achieved high academic rankings and won numerous drawing competitions throughout her childhood.
Her respectful nature left a strong impression on teachers and peers alike.
“She is quiet, yes, but very attentive to her surroundings and kind to both family and friends,” Darojah observed.
Throughout her life, Maudina has held fast to the values her mother instilled in her: honesty, humility, independence, and generosity, even in times of hardship.
Now a student at UGM, she dreams even bigger.
Her goals include pursuing a master’s degree and working in government or a state-owned enterprise to express her gratitude to her mother.
“I want to prove to my father that the daughter he left behind can accomplish great things. My sister and I both made it to university,” she declared with conviction.
Maudina’s story is a testament to the strength of women: a mother who refused to surrender to despair and a daughter who repaid her sacrifices with hard work and achievement.
This mother-daughter duo embodies an inspiring narrative: behind every successful child lies a mother’s prayer, sweat, and unconditional love.
“To everyone who is still struggling, just enjoy the process. One day, we will all reap the rewards of our efforts with pride,” Maudina concluded.
Author: Bolivia Rahmawati
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna
Photographer: Donnie