UNAIR NEWS – Pursuing higher education can pose significant challenges for certain individuals, particularly when financial considerations come into play.
Kartika Devina Putri, a member of the Class of 2023 at the Faculty of Medicine (FK), faced such hurdles. Nonetheless, she refused to let financial constraints impede her academic pursuits. In fact, her financial limitations actually made her a well-managed person to get a scholarship from elementary school until now in college with KIP-K.
Kartika’s inspiring story was featured on UNAIR Dokter TV Youtube on Friday, May 3, 2024, entitled “Achieving Dreams of Becoming Doctor Amidst Limitations”. Through that opportunity, Kartika shared her ups and downs. Furthermore, Kartika also shared tips to keep struggling and never give up amidst limitations.
Scholarship recipient since elementary school
Kartika comes from a lower middle class family. Her father was a mung bean porridge seller, while her mother was a housewife. Rather than giving up on her circumstances, Kartika looked for other ways to continue her education with scholarship program.
“Coming from a family with unfortunate economic conditions, I believed that I could achieve my dreams through education. Throughout elementary, junior high and high school, I participated in many activities and studied diligently so that I always received scholarships,” she explained.
Kartika’s dream is to become a doctor so she can help many people. She wants to help people with financial problems. Because of her strong motivation, her way to FK UNAIR has been prepared since high school.
Noteworthy for her academic prowess and extracurricular involvement, Kartika’s achievements extend beyond the classroom. During high school she was a finalist in the prestigious scientific research event Indonesian Science Project Olympiad (ISPO). She has also competed internationally and was the best speaker at a workshop held by Melbourne University.
Tips when facing failure
Despite encountering setbacks along the way, Kartika remains resolute in her pursuit of her dreams. She does not view failure as the end of the struggle.
“When you fail, you may be sad, you may be disappointed. But you have to keep on track. God must have another way, maybe if you fail on this path God has prepared a thousand other paths. One failure will not ruin all your dreams, but one failure can be the fuel for your passion,” she said.
In essence, Kartika emphasized the importance of gratitude in every journey.
She believes we need to make peace with the situation and make all efforts independently. Because, in the end, the decision to take advantage of opportunities or otherwise, lies with each individual.
Author: Afifah Alfina
Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia
