Elia Laila Rizqiyah was among 1,560 Master’s graduates honored during the two-day graduation event on Oct. 23-24 at Grha Sabha Pramana. The average age of graduates during this period was 29 years, 6 months, and 15 days.
However, Elia, from the Soil Science Master’s Program at the UGM Faculty of Agriculture, set herself apart by graduating at 22 years, 6 months, and 19 days, making her the youngest graduate. Additionally, she achieved a perfect GPA of 4.00 and graduated cum laude.
Elia couldn’t hide her happiness. Her enthusiasm and hard work paid off, making her the youngest graduate during the Graduation Ceremony for the 2024/2025 academic year.
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to pursue a master’s degree and earn this title,” she said on Saturday (Oct. 26).
She completed her studies in the Soil Science Master’s Program in just 1 year and 11 months through a fast-track program. Previously, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Soil Science from the Faculty of Agriculture in 2023. Elia chose Soil Science because it offered field exploration and adventure opportunities.
During her undergraduate studies, the faculty opened an opportunity for final-year students to apply for a fast-track program to continue their Master’s studies before completing their Bachelor’s. Elia seized the opportunity, becoming the youngest in her program.
“Pursuing my studies at a younger age than my peers allowed me to experience having an older sibling figure, something I never had, being the eldest child myself,” she said.
Age was just a number, as Elia achieved a perfect 4.00 GPA, making her the top Master’s graduate in the Faculty of Agriculture. Elia noted that she wasn’t much different from other students; during her Bachelor’s studies, she actively participated in student activities, competitions, and organizations, including the Soil Science Student Association (KMIT).
As a Master’s student, she focused more on conferences and assisted professors in various projects to gain experience. Elia also served as an assistant in water management for agriculture and as a soil chemistry assistant in the soil laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture.
For her thesis research, Elia focused on phosphorus adsorption and desorption in andisol soil at various elevations around Mount Merbabu and Mount Sindoro. Her thesis explored phosphorus nutrient binding and release in andisol soils across elevations on the slopes of these mountains.
According to her, this research is crucial for agriculture, as mountain areas are commonly used for horticultural farming.
“However, these areas often face challenges with low phosphorus nutrient availability and less effective phosphorus fertilization,” she explained.
Amid her busy studies, Elia admitted that exhaustion was inevitable. She managed her workload by prioritizing tasks and ensuring she accomplished at least one thing daily.
After earning her Master’s degree, Elia plans to enter the workforce to apply the theoretical knowledge she gained during her studies. At the same time, she is also preparing to pursue a doctorate in the coming years.
“Dreaming is a right for everyone. If we can dream it, it means we can achieve it,” she concluded.
Author: Lazuardi
Editor: Gusti Grehenson