In the early mornings in his hometown of Purworejo, Rohmat Wibowo’s day began with the sounds of hoes and footsteps in the rice fields, where his father, Rajiya, worked as a farmer and occasionally sold dawet (a traditional drink) to help support the family. His mother, Sugiatmi, was a homemaker. Growing up in this humble environment, Rohmat learned the values of hard work, patience, and the belief that education is the path out of limitations.

Rohmat, a student in the English Education Study Program, Faculty of Languages, Arts and Culture at UNY (Class of 2023), achieved an **outstanding academic accomplishment — a perfect Cumulative GPA (IPK) of 4.00. This achievement is especially meaningful because he is a recipient of the Indonesia Smart College Card Scholarship (KIP Kuliah).

Originally from Singkil Wetan, Ngombol, Purworejo, Rohmat’s dream of attending university once felt distant due to his family’s unstable income. However, his parents became his greatest source of strength. They didn’t promise wealth, just a simple conviction: fortune finds its way to those who are willing to work hard. “My parents’ message was simple: don’t be afraid of being poor as long as you are willing to study and work hard,” Rohmat recalled.

Rohmat’s journey to college was full of struggle. He received strong support from his older brother, Alfi Nugroho, who helped with accommodation costs so Rohmat could take the university entrance selection in Yogyakarta. His determination to change his family’s future grew from there.

The turning point came when Rohmat learned about the KIP Kuliah Scholarship from his school’s guidance counselor. The program didn’t just cover mandatory tuition fees (UKT); it also provided living cost support, allowing him to study with peace of mind. “Without KIP Kuliah, I might have had to rethink continuing my education. This scholarship is not just financial support — it’s a dream saver,” he said.

Rohmat chose UNY because of its reputation as a leading education university and his long-standing passion for English language studies, which began even before elementary school. At UNY, he found the opportunity to develop his potential to the fullest.

Consistent study habits: Rohmat reviewed material regularly, participated actively in class discussions, and completed assignments diligently, discipline and time management: He balanced academic demands with effective planning, even when tired, Campus involvement: He engaged in campus activities from seminar committees to guiding foreign guests, which helped build character and confidence.

Beyond academics, Rohmat’s overarching goal is to make his parents proud and show that their hard work and sacrifices were not in vain. He hopes to secure a good job and continue his education to even higher levels.

Rohmat Wibowo’s story exemplifies how the KIP Kuliah scholarship not only provides access to higher education but also empowers students from humble backgrounds to achieve academic excellence, proving that limitations are not obstacles to dreaming big.