Brawijaya University (UB) graduated 767 graduates at the XIV Period of Graduation Ceremony, Sunday (10/03/2024), at the Samantha Krida Building. From this number, there are five graduates with disabilities, namely Dimas Dadyo Wicaksono, S.Sos, Hafiz Ilmi, A.Md.Kom, Hafiza Kartikasari, A.Md.Kom, Endjie Apta Martiazharine, A.Md.Kom, and Rizkya Adin Ardiansyah, A. Md. Kom. To Prasetya Online, the five graduates shared their experiences while studying at UB.
Dhimas Dadyo Wicaksono, S. Sos
Dhimas graduated from the Sociology Study Program, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) UB with a GPA of 3.57. Low vision disability does not make it difficult for him to study.
“During college, the faculty and campus environment was quite friendly in providing access and services for people with disabilities. I never asked for a companion when studying in class, going out for field lecture/internships, or working on my thesis,” he said.
Dhimas was also very grateful because he received a lot of help from the Sociology Study Program lecturers when he had difficulty in paying single tuition fee (UKT).
This young man from Surabaya participates actively in various organizations, including BEM FISIP, Fordimapelar, BGC, and the Student Forum Concerned with Inclusion (FORMAPI). He also created KOPINUS, namely the Indonesian Inclusion Care Community (IG: @ko_pinus).
“Since then I have focused on carrying out social movements in order to spread and increase the seeds of inclusivity in society, so that KOPINUS becomes one of the national scale communities that focuses on inclusivity issues,” he explained.
Dhimas has made quite a few achievements. These include 3rd place in the 2018 National Scientific Writing Competition by Hang Tuah University, 3rd place in the 100M running competition in the 2019 National Championship, by the National Paralympic Committee of Indonesia, Best Speaker in 2020 Brawijaya University TEDx in Malang City, and being named as an inspired student of UB in the 2021 Brawijaya Euphoria Program. He has also been a community service practicum assistant in the village.
Currently, Dhimas is an entrepreneur in the tourism and culinary sectors. In the future, he plans to continue his Masters degree if there is an opportunity and scholarship.
Hafiz Ilmi, A.Md.Kom
Hafiz graduated from the Vocational Faculty, 3rd Diploma of Information Technology Study Program with a GPA of 3.71. Currently, Hafiz is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Informatics Engineering at the Faculty of Computer Science through the Transfer Selection Program route.
“I am interested in computer major because I have loved playing with computers since I was childhood, and I have a dream of being able to develop applications for the future,” said this young man from Pesisir Selatan, West Sumatra.
Hafiz admitted that he felt comfortable studying at UB because there are accessibility for deaf people, so he could communicate well.
He felt obstacles during the Covid pandemic, where he tried to study actively by asking classmates and other classes to help him study properly, so that he really understood the lecture material.
“Alhamdulillah, by trying and actively asking questions, my studies went smoothly and I was able to pass the Diploma 3. Next, I want to work in the best place to develop my potential, or continue my education abroad. The important thing is to be confident in self-development, don’t give up, keep trying continuously until you succeed,” said Hafiz.
Hafiza Kartikasari, A.Md.Kom
Hafiza Kartikasari, who is familiarly called Tika, graduated from the Vocational Faculty, Diploma 3 of Information Technology Study Program with a GPA of 3.73.
“Being able to study at UB and meet fellow disabled friends is very impressive, because I can learn and talk about the experience of studying in their respective study programs,” she said.
Even though she had difficulty communicating with hearing friends, this deaf person was still enthusiastic about completing her studies.
“Stay enthusiastic about learning! Even though there are obstacles for us disabled people, it is not a reason to stop studying. Keep fighting and don’t give up,” said this girl from Kediri.
Currently, Tika has been accepted to work at Kediri City Education Department, in the Finance section.
Endjie Apta Martiazharine, A.Md.Kom
Endjie Apta Martiazharine, who is usually called Atta, also graduated from the Vocational Faculty, Diploma 3 of Information Technology Study Program with a GPA of 3.71.
This deaf girl, originally from Malang, admitted that she gained a lot of experience when she joined Brawijaya University Inclusion Care Student Forum (FORMAPI) organization, which is a forum for disabled and non-disabled students at UB.
“In that organization, I was involved in a lot of awareness activities for people with disabilities, and was active in public relations,” she said.
While studying, Atta often studied together and discussed with his friends to increase her knowledge. Currently, she is working as an IT staff at a company, while preparing to take the State Civil Servant (CPNS) test.
“I hope that friends with disabilities will be enthusiastic in the learning and self-development process, so that their knowledge will be increased and bring benefits for the future,” she stressed.
Rizkya Adin Ardiansyah, A.Md.Kom
Rizkya Adin Ardiansyah also graduated from the Vocational Faculty, Diploma 3 of Information Technology Study Program with a GPA of 3.43. He is interested in Digital Business & E-Commerce.
“I am interested in taking this major because I want to learn more about business in digital marketing, and I have a dream of being able to develop applications for sales promotions such as Tiktok Ads and Google Ads and Instagram Ads,” explained the young man who is familiarly called Adin.
Like other deaf students, Adin also admitted that he was comfortable studying at UB because there were companions and sign language interpreters to help with lecture material, so he could communicate well, without any obstacles or difficulties.
“I plan to continue my undergraduate studies this year. After graduating, I will continue looking for work, perhaps applying for state civil servant candidates (CPNS) or state owned enterprises (BUMN). I hope that friends with deaf disabilities will remain enthusiastic about developing themselves and gaining experience for a better future,” concluded this graduate from Kediri. [Irene/ UB PR/ Trans. Iir]
