Not every journey to university starts with an easy step. For Dhiva Angger Sakhena, a student from Sukorejo (Tugu, Trenggalek), the path to Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) actually began with a period of waiting and long struggle. After failing his first attempt to enter tertiary education, Dhiva decided to take a gap year. But he didn’t fill that year with sorrow — instead, he dedicated himself socially. He taught English to children in his village — an initiative he designed himself, as a form of responsibility and service to his community.

When he was finally accepted into the Public Administration Program at UNY’s Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) via the SBMPTN entrance route, Dhiva didn’t come just as a freshman — but as a more mature and ready individual. He brought a spirit of independence and confidence which then became fuel for every step in his academic and organizational journey. “I believe I am more competent than the obstacles I face,” he said.

That principle proved true when Dhiva balanced his college responsibilities with various organizational activities and competitions. He was active in UNY’s English Debating Society until trusted to become its president, and also served as Administrator of the Jogja Debating Forum — a debate community in the Special Region of Yogyakarta. From debate training in a small campus room, Dhiva stepped onto the world stage as a delegate at the World Universities Debating Championship 2022.

Behind his shining achievements, Dhiva faced a difficult time due to minimal support at the start of his academic journey. Rather than giving up, he strengthened his self-motivation. “The best support is believing in myself that I can,” he said. That belief kept growing alongside support from friends and mentoring from UNY lecturers.

He acknowledged that the supportive campus environment gave large space for students to develop through training, competition, and collaboration. A key to Dhiva’s success was his outlook on learning. He didn’t regard it as an obligation but as a necessity. “Once you enjoy learning, even simple activities can become informative and analytical,” he said with a smile. He believes knowledge can come from anywhere—even from something as simple as reading a meme on social media.

Now, after a long journey full of challenges, Dhiva concluded his study with extraordinary pride. At his October 2025 graduation at the UNY Auditorium, he was declared the top undergraduate graduate with the highest cumulative GPA of 3.97. A milestone that stands as the peak of the dedication, discipline, and never-give-up spirit he has held firmly since the start.

After graduation, the alumnus of SMA Negeri 1 Tenggarong (East Kalimantan) plans to work first before pursuing further education. He ends his campus journey with a simple yet meaningful message: always take positive opportunities, don’t limit yourself, and be dedicated so that the result never makes you regret.

Dhiva Angger Sakhena is not just a high-achieving graduate — he is a symbol of struggle and evidence that strong determination will always find its way to success.