UNAIR NEWS – A wave of thunderous applause and emotional reflections characterized the Graduation 261 Ceremony of Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR). Among the ranks of distinguished graduates, a narrative of profound resilience emerged: the journey of Singgih Maulana, a student from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) whose story epitomized the triumph of sheer determination over systemic adversity.
Confronting the trepidation of the unknown
Maulana revealed that navigating life as a student far from home was an immense undertaking. Departing from the security of his familiar environment to pursue an education at UNAIR was a calculated risk fueled by unwavering resolve and high expectations. “Embarking on this journey as a migrant student brought both immense hope and profound fear. There were moments of deep-seated homesickness to endure and exhaustion to carry in solitude; there were even times when I stood on the precipice of giving up. Yet, today, I stand here as a graduate,” Maulana said.
His trajectory served as a testament to the fact that persistent, incremental progress eventually leads to the graduation podium. He maintains that while every individual at UNAIR possesses a unique struggle, diverse socioeconomic backgrounds should never serve as a barrier to achieving the same pinnacle of success.
KIP-K as a strategic bridge to opportunity
As a recipient of the Indonesia Smart Card for College (KIP-K) scholarship, Maulana expresses that UNAIR fostered an equitable environment where every student is empowered to thrive. For him, the scholarship functioned as a vital gateway, unlocking opportunities that once seemed entirely inaccessible. “Being a KIP-K scholar was a transformative experience. It serves as evidence that dreams are worth the struggle, even when the path is arduous. Here, I felt that we were all afforded an equal academic footing, regardless of our respective starting points,” Maulana noted.
His ultimate success was supported by the steadfast support and prayers of his family. He dedicated his academic achievement to his parents and his inner circle of friends, who provided a “second home” during his tenure in Surabaya.
“I am the son of an ice vendor at an elementary school in Jakarta. It is because of this scholarship that I successfully crossed this stage today. I hope these financial aid opportunities remain robust to open doors for those who harbor grand ambitions but are hindered by economic hardship,” Maulana concluded.
Author: Maulya Afifah Zahra
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati