Mutiara Widiawati—affectionately called “Mutia”—is now officially listed as a freshman in the D4 Fashion Design Study Program at Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY). She hails from Jetis Sumuran, Palbapang, Bantul, and is the youngest of six siblings. A graduate of SMK N 1 Pandak, she succeeded in getting into UNY via the National Achievement-Selection (SNBP) route.

Her father, Suparjo, works as a laborer, while her mother, Suratmi, is a homemaker. Among her six siblings, one of her older brothers also studied at UNY.

Mutia’s journey into the world of fashion was not smooth. When she began her vocational school education, she found drawing very difficult: “I had absolutely no foundation in drawing,” she recalled. In addition to her academic pursuits, she also has achieved remarkable success in chess from a young age. Her chess journey began when she frequently accompanied her older brother to play at home. Despite many losses during competitions since 2nd grade elementary school, she maintained high perseverance.

Supported by the KIPK (Indonesia Smart College Card) scholarship, Mutia is now pursuing her studies with fewer financial burdens and has aspirations to one day build her own business in the fashion industry. Mutia’s story illustrates how dedication, resilience and the right support can help someone from modest beginnings reach higher education and pursue their dreams.