The Master of Science and Doctoral Program of FEB UGM held a graduation celebration at the BRI Auditorium, 3rd Floor, Master of Science and Doctoral Building, FEB UGM. Behind the cap and the happy smiles of the graduates of the Master of Science and Doctoral programs at FEB UGM, there is a touching story of struggle. One of them is Rizki Oktavianto, a graduate of the Master of Science in Accounting program, who represented his fellow graduates in delivering the commencement speech.
Rizki’s journey was not easy. He began with great doubt about continuing his studies. However, words of encouragement from the students he taught as a high school teacher sparked his motivation to apply for the LPDP scholarship. The support didn’t stop there. When he was about to start his studies and was again filled with doubt, the prayers and sincere messages from his students became a source of inner strength that meant a lot.
During his 17 months and 9 days of study, Rizki held onto the belief that his knowledge was a gift from God that must be accounted for. He went through every process with sincerity, accompanied by his mother’s daily prayers and invocations for him after every prayer.
His greatest happiness was felt when he passed his thesis defense on January 23, 2025. Unfortunately, fate had other plans. His mother, who had prepared clothes and a bag to attend the graduation ceremony, passed away on the last day of Ramadan, joining his father who had passed away 20 years earlier. Despite this, Rizki believes that his mother was present, watching his achievement from the best place beside Him.
Rizki expressed his deep gratitude to his advisor, Prof. Sony Warsono, Ph.D., who not only provided academic guidance but also taught life lessons. He also expressed appreciation to his family, friends, and everyone who supported him throughout his journey.
Through this story, Rizki reminded everyone that an academic degree is not just about achievement, but also about gratitude, competence, and usefulness. He encouraged all the graduates to remain humble, even as they grow in knowledge, and to always apply the knowledge they have gained for the good of society, the nation, and the country.
As he concluded his speech with enthusiasm:
“Kelapa muda dicemplungi es, semoga kita semua sukses, gaes.”