Universitas Gadjah Mada
Faculty of Economics and Business

Graduating with a near-perfect GPA from a prestigious university like UGM is a source of pride for Septy Nur Sulistyawati. Septy graduated with the highest cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.93 and completed her studies in just 1 year, 6 months, and 15 days in the Master's Program in Accounting at FEB UGM. She was one of the graduates in the Postgraduate Program Period I graduation ceremony of the Academic Year 2024/2025, held on Wednesday, October 23, 2024.

This achievement is particularly remarkable for this graduate of SMK N 1 Ponorogo. Katimin and Setiyeni's daughter has proven that she can compete with other graduates. She managed to continue her postgraduate education at the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) UGM and secured a scholarship from the Indonesian Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP).

Septy comes from a farmer's family in a small village, specifically Dusun Glagah Ombo, Nampan Village, Sukorejo District, Ponorogo Regency, East Java. Although she grew up in a modest rural family, Septy's dreams were anything but modest. She aspired to the highest level of education possible.

Her desire to pursue higher education was strong; fortunately, her parents were very supportive. As a result, her persistence, strong will, and the prayers of her parents led her to where she is today. Septy paved the way for her family by becoming the first person to complete higher education, even to the Master's level. Previously, she had earned a bachelor's degree in accounting with honors from the State University of Malang.

"My parents used to say that it didn't matter if they only completed junior high and elementary school, as long as their children could succeed," she said after the graduation ceremony on Wednesday (10/23).

Still Feels Like a Dream

For Septy, studying at the Faculty of Economics and Business UGM was a dream. Since vocational school, UGM has been her dream campus. But her journey took work. In 2022, Septy applied to the Master's program in accounting at FEB UGM but failed at her first attempt. "There were moments when I doubted myself, wondering if I should pursue a master's degree or start working. But with the support of those around me, I kept moving forward," she said.

This experience of rejection saddened Septy, and she almost gave up. But she continued to believe that you can never stop trying. "If we fail on the first try, we shouldn't give up immediately. We never know when we will succeed," she added.

Septy's journey shows that obstacles can be overcome with solid determination and the right strategy, and dreams can be achieved. After evaluating her situation, Septy decided to change her strategy by focusing on applying for the LPDP scholarship first and then reapplying for the Master's in Accounting program at FEB UGM. "I am grateful that I passed the LPDP application on my first try," said Septy, an accountant in an East Java private company.

When she was accepted, Septy found the environment at UGM very conducive to student achievement. The facilities available, from access to international journals to an extensive library collection, further enhanced her learning experience.

One of the most memorable aspects for Septy was the time discipline demonstrated by her lecturers. In addition, learning at FEB UGM encouraged interactive discussions where students' opinions were highly valued. For Septy, the experience far exceeded her expectations.

Seizing Every Opportunity

Septy has an intense dream of becoming an accounting lecturer. For her, this profession aligns with her enthusiasm for interacting with many people, conducting research, serving the community, and positively contributing to society. "I believe that being a lecturer will make me happy because it is my true calling," she said confidently.

Septy shared that she is someone who doesn't like to waste opportunities. During her approximately 1.5 years of study, she produced two academic publications published in the Asian Journal of Business and Accounting and Ekuitas: Jurnal Pendidikan Ekonomi. She also participated in the National Accounting Seminar in Bengkulu, a prestigious event organized by the Indonesian Institute of Accountants, Educators Division.

Tips for Graduating Quickly with the Highest GPA

Septy managed to graduate from FEB UGM's Master's Program in Accounting with the highest GPA and in the shortest amount of time. She shared the keys to her success in completing her studies. One of them is treating thesis writing like a job. "I always had working hours to write my thesis, from 8 am to 4 pm daily. So, I made time to go to the campus library every day. I used the mornings to write and the afternoons to read journals," she explained.

Still, Septy tried to maintain a balance between life and study. She set aside weekends for complete rest. In addition, she stressed the importance of having like-minded friends to support each other in completing their theses and of seeking her parents' blessing for the smooth running of all activities, including her studies.

Septy now looks to the future with confidence and enthusiasm. She plans to pursue a career as a lecturer and continue contributing to the academic world through research and scientific publications.

"I believe that if we are willing to succeed, we must also be willing to fail. The important thing is to keep trying and never give up. If we fail at the first attempt, we must keep trying because we never know what opportunity will bring success," Septy concluded.

Reportage: Shofi Hawa Anjani
Editor: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum

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