Every step of the participants of the 2025 Computer-Based Written Exam (UTBK) at Universitas Brawijaya holds a story of struggle. Accompany her child during the test. Ainun Zazila, a mother from Sidoarjo, faithfully waits for her daughter Nabila, in the process of realizing her dream of pursuing an education.
Nabila, who graduated from high school in 2024, took a break when she failed in the UTBK that year.
In 2025, with the full support of her mother, she tried again, choosing the Biology Study Program, FMIPA UB, according to her own interests.
“My daughter has liked Biology and Chemistry since she was little, although I used to hope she would take Mathematics since her grades were good. But I left it entirely up to her. I didn’t want to force her,” said Mrs. Ainun, smiling.
Nabila’s independent attitude has been honed since she was young. When she was in elementary school, she won a science competition without taking any tutoring. To hone her language skills and social skills, her mother registered Nabila for a course in Kampung Pare Kediri for two months. It didn’t stop there, Nabila also took the initiative to work part-time at a bakery, using her income to support her education costs.
“She works while studying. She saves her money and buys her own school supplies. But next month she plans to resign, so she can focus on college,” she said.
Her mother’s struggle is no less inspiring. Although she is only a high school graduate, Ainun once opened a private tutoring for children in her village who have difficulty in learning. With the spirit of sharing, many of her students have now succeeded in pursuing higher education, up to the Masters level.
“I also wanted to go to college. My friends encouraged me, but it never happened. Now I just hope that my child can continue her education,” she said.
Nabila had experienced bullying in junior high school, and had serious health problems with her nails that prevented her from going to school for a week. However, her strength to rise made her mother proud.
“She didn’t want to be seen as successful because of my influence. Even though I was the Scout leader, she wanted to stand on her own two feet, and finally became the Scout Leader at her high school at that time,” Ainun recalled.
In every test and challenge, Ainun always conveyed the same message to her daughter to stay enthusiastic, remember that prayer is number one, and don’t be discouraged if you fail. “If you haven’t found your interest here, there’s still another way. The important thing is to try and be sincere, if you’re meant to be, there’s definitely a way,” she said.
In the midst of the UTBK implementation, a similar spirit also radiated from Adianto from Madura Island who also accompanied his daughter.
With great hope, he told how his daughter had prepared himself diligently.
“We came a long way, hoping to see our daughter continue her education at UB which has been his dream since long ago,” he said.
It is known that Adianto’s daughter has also consistently been the class champion since she was in school, and is active in organizations such as OSIS.
Adianto and his wife who patiently waited for their daughter in the hot afternoon at that time, told how much hope their daughter could achieve her dream and pass UB Campus. Therefore, the father also explained that the travel time they took from Madura to get to UB was quite long, so they decided to stay overnight in Malang.
In line with that, Lulu, the mother of a UTBK participant from Lumajang, also showed her full support for her child. She, who works as a teacher, also emphasized the importance of maximum effort without ignoring the value of honesty.
“There are no results without struggle. Education is an investment for the future,” said Lulu.
Lulu, who was met near the building of the Faculty of Law UB, was sitting waiting for her youngest daughter from the start to the end of the exam session at 12.30 – 16.15 WIB.
She said she was willing to accompany and wait for her daughter, even though the next day she had to return to work as a civil servant.
Although they have different backgrounds, the stories of these parents are united in the same spirit, namely the belief that struggle, prayer, and sincere support will lead their children to a better future. Amid the hustle and bustle of the UTBK implementation, these stories serve as a reminder that success is not only born from the perseverance of participants, but also from the love and sacrifice behind the scenes that always strengthen them. (AML/UB PR/ Trans. Iir)
