From Struggles to Success: Heni Rahmawati’s Journey to Graduation

Behind every graduation gown lies a story of perseverance, sacrifice, and hope. For Heni Rahmawati, that story is deeply inspiring.

Heni recently graduated from IPB University, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, majoring in Chemistry. Her academic journey was never an easy one. The final year, especially, tested her endurance with a series of demanding responsibilities: community service (KKN), internships (PKL), and research. Each step required her to sacrifice time, sleep, and even her own health, yet she pressed on with determination.

• Her Academic Journey

From the early years of study, Heni knew she had to work harder than most. Financial challenges often made her question whether she could continue. While her scholarship covered tuition and daily meals, it wasn’t enough to meet all her needs—such as accommodation, a laptop, and other academic essentials.

At that critical time, Yayasan Usaha Mulia (YUM) became her lifeline. With YUM’s assistance, Heni was able to bridge the gap, manage her studies with fewer worries, and focus on building her future.

• Life on Campus

During her college years, Heni immersed herself fully in the rhythm of university life. She balanced academic demands with practical experiences, steadily growing in resilience and maturity. Though the weight of responsibilities sometimes felt overwhelming, she never gave up.

Her journey culminated in one of her proudest moments: walking across the stage at Graha Widya Wisuda (GWW) with thousands of other graduates, surrounded by family, faculty, and peers. For Heni, standing there with a Cum Laude distinction and a 3.91 GPA was a moment of pride and deep gratitude.

• A Grateful Heart

Heni’s story is not just about academic success, but about the power of support and kindness. In her reflections, she expressed profound gratitude to her donor (who sponsored her studies via YUM), and the dedicated YUM Cipanas team who had supported her since junior high school.

“Although we have never met in person, I am certain that you are a person of remarkable kindness, empathy, and compassion,” Heni wrote to her sponsor. “Your assistance has been truly meaningful in my life. May you always be blessed with health, happiness, and prosperity.”

 

• Looking Ahead

Graduation is not the end of Heni’s story—it is the beginning of new opportunities. With her Chemistry degree in hand and a solid academic record, she dreams of building a career aligned with her passion and expertise, contributing her knowledge to society, and inspiring other young students who dare to dream.

Her journey reminds us that education is more than just lectures and exams; it is about overcoming struggles, embracing opportunities, and finding the courage to keep moving forward.

As Heni steps into this new chapter, her success shines as proof of what can happen when determination meets support. And with the continued efforts of YUM and the generosity of her sponsor, many more students like Heni will have the chance to turn their aspirations into reality.