Wrapped in the proud blue alma mater jacket of Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Karina Ade Rahmawati confidently walked into her classroom at the Faculty of Education. Her calm smile showed the joy of a student of the Educational Technology Study Program (Class of 2024), yet behind today’s certainty lay a journey that was not simple.

Karina was born in Kulon Progo Regency on March 23, 2005 and grew up in a humble environment that shaped her into a resilient and determined person. She believed that education was the best way to change her future.

Her path to higher education was not instant. After graduating from SMA Negeri 2 Wates in 2023, she did not immediately continue to university. Instead, she took a one-year gap year to prepare more thoroughly—not to relax, but to deepen her skills and develop a strategy to get into her dream university.

That decision paid off. In 2024, Karina was accepted at Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta and was awarded a KIP Kuliah scholarship. To her, that gap year was a chance to become stronger. She believed that dreams never expire—only waiting for the right moment to be fought for again.

During high school and her gap year, Karina actively participated in various academic competitions. Her hard work brought achievements, including: 1st Place in the Sasura National Essay Competition organized by the UNY Student Senate, 2nd Place in the National “Reality Writing Competition,” and Top 5 Finalist in the UI/UX Competition at UMS. These accomplishments were not just awards but valuable experiences that helped her open wider opportunities.

Since high school, Karina had been actively looking for scholarship opportunities. She understood her family’s economic situation and was determined not to burden her parents. The KIP Kuliah scholarship became both her hope and the bridge to realizing her long-nurtured dreams through persistent effort.

Karina didn’t choose UNY randomly. She saw UNY as one of Indonesia’s leading universities in education. She wanted to grow in an academic environment that not only sharpened competence but also shaped professional character, especially in education technology.

When she received the acceptance and scholarship—covering tuition fees and living costs—overwhelming emotion filled her. The support not only eased her family’s financial burden but also gave her the freedom to focus on learning without fear of educational expenses.

Karina credited her family’s support, prayers, and motivation as the biggest influences in her journey. Her own determination to keep improving also played a key role in getting to this point.

As a scholarship recipient, Karina recognizes bigger responsibilities ahead. She manages her time with careful priorities for academic work and other activities. She also uses her scholarship funds wisely—not only for transport but also to join relevant bootcamps and training for her field. “This scholarship is not just financial aid, it is an opportunity to prove that I’m capable,” she said.

Karina hopes that after graduation she can work in her chosen field and contribute meaningfully, especially in educational technology.

Her story reminds others that economic limitations or taking a gap year are not ends in themselves. Scholarships can be accessed early, and opportunities exist for those willing to work hard and prepare earnestly.

From a small village in Kulon Progo, Karina now stands as a UNY student ready to shape her future—because sometimes what’s needed is not perfect circumstances, but courage to try and belief to step forward.