At the December 2025 graduation ceremony at Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY), an inspiring story emerged from Ilyas Fahmi Fathurahman, S.Pd., a student of the Physical Education, Health, and Recreation (PJKR) Bachelor’s Program in the Faculty of Sport Science and Health (FIKK). At just 21 years and 10 months old, Ilyas was recognized as the youngest undergraduate graduate at UNY, earning a cumulative GPA (IPK) of 3.85.

Ilyas was born into a humble family. His father, Ikhya Ulumudin, works as a private driver, and his mother, Siyam, wakes up early every day to go to the market to sell cooked rice and vegetables. This simple background motivated him to finish his university studies as quickly as possible so as not to prolong the burden on his parents.

He entered UNY through the SNMPTN admission pathway and chose a self-accelerated study track by taking Semester Antara (intermediate semester) classes and participating in the Kampus Mengajar (Teaching Campus) program to speed up his graduation. Because of this, he often found himself the youngest student in class, surrounded by older peers — an experience that helped shape him into a more mature, resilient, and competitive person.

Ilyas completed his degree in 3 years and 3 months. While managing a heavy academic load, he also worked part-time as a barista — first at Belikopi Ambarrukmo and later at M Coffee Seturan. His daily routine was demanding: attending classes and field practicals in the morning, working shifts until night, and sometimes returning home to continue thesis supervision despite being tired.

One of his toughest periods was in the fourth semester, when a typical day included teaching in the Kampus Mengajar program at SDN Srunen (an elementary school), attending regular classes, and then working as a barista at night. On weekends he also often served as a substitute coach for basketball and swimming, testing his physical and mental endurance.

Despite the challenges, Ilyas still achieved excellence academically and in extracurricular pursuits — such as placing 3rd in the local district sports week (PORKAB) basketball competition — showing that success isn’t just about trophies but about consistency and perseverance.

The skills and discipline he gained from working while studying taught him that field experience, emotional management, and discipline are just as important as book knowledge. He plans to continue developing his professional career by integrating his sport science knowledge with the practical experience he gained through work and community involvement.

Ilyas’s advice to students across Indonesia is simple but powerful: don’t be afraid to work while studying, because although it can be exhausting, the mental resilience you build will be one of your greatest assets in the future.