Not every university student has the opportunity to focus entirely on academic life. For Maryanti, however, earning a bachelor's degree at Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) meant balancing multiple responsibilities—studying, working, running a small business, and supporting her family. Despite these challenges, she remained committed to academic excellence and ultimately achieved outstanding success.

A native of Sidorejo, Kemalang, Klaten, Central Java, Maryanti explained that the greatest challenge during her studies was adapting to the demands of higher education, which required critical thinking, independence, and effective time management. At the same time, she had to fulfill responsibilities outside campus.

“I often had to divide my time between completing university assignments, working, and managing my business. It wasn't easy, but I believed everything could be accomplished through discipline and commitment,” she said.

Rather than viewing these challenges as obstacles, Maryanti transformed them into motivation for personal growth. Every difficulty became an opportunity to strengthen her discipline and determination.

“Every challenge I faced during university became motivation to keep growing, improve my discipline, and strengthen my determination to achieve my goals,” she explained.

Her success was built on effective time management. Maryanti consistently prioritized her responsibilities, completed tasks step by step, and maintained a healthy balance between academic commitments, work, entrepreneurship, and family life. She believes that consistency is the key to succeeding in higher education.

Behind her determination stood unwavering support from her family. The daughter of Jemino and Rini described her parents' prayers, encouragement, and sacrifices as her greatest source of strength throughout her university journey. Their support enabled her to persevere through every challenge she encountered.

Outside the classroom, Maryanti also demonstrated remarkable achievements. As a recipient of the Indonesia Smart College Card (KIP Kuliah) scholarship, she successfully published a scientific article in a SINTA 4-accredited journal entitled "Hypothetical Learning Trajectory in Ethnomathematics-Based RME Student Worksheets Using the Traditional Game 'Dakon' for Whole Number Multiplication." In addition, the graduate of SMKN 1 Klaten established her own tutoring service, stationery shop, and mini printing business from home.

Looking ahead, Maryanti hopes that the knowledge and experience she gained at UNY will enable her to make broader contributions to education while continuing to develop her businesses so they can create positive impacts within her community.

Maryanti's story demonstrates that success is never achieved overnight. Hard work, discipline, effective time management, perseverance, and strong family support formed the foundation of her remarkable accomplishments. Thanks to these qualities, the Elementary School Teacher Education (PGSD) student from the Faculty of Education was recognized as the Best Bachelor's Graduate at the UNY Graduation Ceremony, Academic Year 2025/2026, Period IV Stage II, graduating Cum Laude with an outstanding Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.98.