UNAIR NEWS – Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP) scholarship is often seen as just financial support for higher education. However, for Nauris, an LPDP awardee from UNAIR’s Faculty of Humanities, it signifies much more. He views LPDP as a platform for individuals with a clear vision and a strong commitment to making a meaningful contribution to the nation.
“In my view, LPDP does not necessarily shape the mindset of its awardees; rather, it selects individuals who already possess a focused perspective and a demonstrated dedication to national progress,” he explained.
From Islamic boarding school to graphic design and LPDP
Nauris has been involved in graphic design since his time at an Islamic boarding school. He sees it not only as a technical skill but as a powerful communication tool with far-reaching influence. Drawing from his experience running a small business specializing in honey and herbal products, he began to explore how design and media could help micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) modernize and remain competitive.
“I noticed that many MSMEs still operate using traditional methods and lack a strong visual communication strategy. That’s why I chose to study Global Media Communication—to enhance MSME quality through design and media,” he said.
Overcoming hidden challenges
Nauris’s journey has not been without obstacles. He was not an academically gifted student from the start and often struggled with self-doubt, feeling overshadowed by high-achieving peers. “I was never exceptionally bright. I consider myself average and have always needed to put in extra effort. But I believe that with confidence and perseverance, we can surpass our limitations.”
Another major hurdle he faced was societal expectations and imposter syndrome—the feeling of not being deserving despite hard work and accomplishments. He overcame these challenges by learning to appreciate himself first, rather than seeking external validation.
“That realization taught me that self-worth must come from within. Eventually, this became the driving force that kept me moving forward.”
He firmly believes that individuals can go beyond their perceived limitations with strong conviction. “If you set your sights on achieving a 7, you might actually be capable of reaching a 9.”
Responsibility of knowledge
Nauris emphasizes that being an academic or a professional starts with taking meaningful, small steps. For him, the process itself holds great value—as long as one remains on the right path, the impact will naturally follow.
He believes that preparing for an LPDP scholarship is not just about academic excellence but also about self-awareness and understanding one’s role in contributing to the country. This involves self-reflection, studying the relevance of one’s field, recognizing the urgency of giving back to society, and fostering a sense of nationalism to create a lasting impact on Indonesia.
Author: Sintya Alfafa
Editor: Ragil Kukuh Imanto
