Henra, a fast-track student in the Master’s Program in Biotechnology at the UGM Graduate School, graduated with honors in just 1 year at 24 during UGM’s Graduation Ceremony on Thursday (Oct. 24).
Before pursuing his master’s degree at UGM, Henra completed his undergraduate studies at Hasanuddin University in Makassar.
Upon entering his master’s program, he began research immediately in his first semester, focusing on “Testing the Activity of Bacillus Compounds as Antifungal Agents and Candida Albicans Candidates.”
This research aligns with his strong interest in biotechnology, and the support from his academic advisor provided him with additional motivation to exceed his initial goals.
Henra, originally from Makassar, faced various challenges, especially in balancing his busy schedule. He often felt fatigued from juggling classes and research, yet his spirit remained unshaken. He credited his friends’ support with helping him stay on course.
“I always made use of any free time between classes to continue my research, so by the time I reached the proposal seminar, I was nearly at the final stages of my research,” he shared with reporters on Thursday (Oct. 24).
Balancing academic life and personal life also presented a challenge for Henra. Although sometimes overwhelmed, he believed that every sacrifice would ultimately pay off.
Henra proved that anything is possible with firm resolve and a supportive environment. He also learned to manage his emotions and found ways to stay motivated, even when facing difficult situations.
Not only did he graduate quickly, but he also achieved a high GPA of 3.85. He attributes his excellent academic performance to his dedication to learning and his experience in scientific competitions during high school and undergraduate studies.
“Though I didn’t reach the national level, my experiences in academic competitions fueled my drive to keep striving and honing my skills in the academic field,” he explained.
Henra described his learning experience at UGM as invaluable, thanks to the diverse academic disciplines available. At UGM, he wasn’t limited to a single field; he explored subjects from various faculties, including human, plant, animal, and microbial health sciences.
This cross-disciplinary learning provided a broader perspective and deeper understanding of biotechnology, enhancing his knowledge and academic foundation.
“I was genuinely enthusiastic about the materials taught by professors who always updated them according to the latest developments in their fields,” he noted.
Henra also gained unique social experiences during his studies. As a newcomer in Yogyakarta with no acquaintances, he initially faced the challenge of adjusting to the cultural differences.
Surprisingly, he found comfort and peace living in Yogyakarta. Humorous and joyful moments with friends brought balance, reminding him there is always time to enjoy the learning journey.
Born into a family that values education, Henra’s success is a point of pride, especially as he is the first in his extended family to complete a master’s degree. Nevertheless, his parents have reminded him to remain humble and uphold the values instilled in him.
“My parents always advise me to use my knowledge for positive and beneficial purposes and not for any harmful intentions,” he said.
Henra also shared tips for students considering a master’s program. First, he emphasized the importance of physical and mental preparation, as this path demands dedication and commitment. Second, he stressed the importance of beginning research early.
“As I did, if you prepare your topic and research framework early, you will be able to complete your studies faster, but your research outcomes will also be more substantial,” he explained.
With his strong resolve, Henra hopes to complete his doctoral program, which he has just begun, as efficiently as he finished his master’s.
His ultimate ambition is to work as a researcher at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), where he aims to use his expertise to impact society and the nation.
“Research is one way to address global challenges, and I want to be part of that solution,” he concluded.
Author: Lintang
Editor: Gusti Grehenson