UNDIP, Semarang (September 10, 2025) – The journey of Qori Safa Nurzikha in completing her studies at the Vocational School, Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP), majoring in D4 Information and Public Relations, is deeply inspiring. Coming from a modest family background, Riri as she is fondly called, became the first in her family to earn a college degree.
Riri proved that hard work, her father’s support, her late mother’s prayers, and a healthy academic environment could all contribute to her achieving her dreams. On Monday, July 28, 2025, she officially graduated from UNDIP’s 179th graduation ceremony at Muladi Dome with an almost perfect GPA of 3.95.
As the eldest of two siblings, Riri lost her mother in July 2021, at the start of her college years, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Raised in a humble household that highly valued education, her father worked as an online motorcycle taxi driver.
Fortunately, her dream to study at UNDIP came true when she was admitted to the Vocational School’s Information and Public Relations study program (D4). While she applied for the national KIP-K scholarship program, she was not selected, but she was granted the lowest tuition fee bracket (UKT Group 1). Riri learned to manage her expenses wisely to cover project and coursework needs.
At UNDIP, Riri was grateful for experiencing an inclusive and supportive academic atmosphere. She felt encouraged not only by her peers but also by her lecturers, who consistently motivated her.
“Alhamdulillah, I am truly grateful to study in this department. This study program is my passion, and the lecturers here are both kind and disciplined. My friends are also very supportive, emotionally and otherwise. Coming from a different background than many of my peers was not an obstacle for me. My target was to graduate on time, and that became my motivation during college. Moving forward, I want to continue to a master’s degree or even a doctorate with a scholarship because I want to become a lecturer,” she said.
Riri also expressed her gratitude to her thesis supervisor, who continually reminded and motivated her to graduate on time, as well as to everyone who supported her studies.
When asked about the key to her success, Riri emphasized the importance of recognizing one’s own abilities and applying effective learning strategies. “You need to remember your initial purpose for studying, keep your motivation alive from the beginning, study extra hard according to the material, and most importantly, worship and pray a lot,” she said.
Riri’s story stands as proof that UNDIP’s Vocational School not only provides quality education but also supports students in many aspects—from affordable tuition to an inclusive academic environment and strong learning facilities.
UNDIP remains committed to producing graduates who are not only competent but also compassionate and highly professional in the field of public relations. (Public Communication/ UNDIP/ Riri ed. Ut)
