UNDIP, Semarang (3/8) – Smile Alza Fauzi left his hometown of Boyolali for Semarang carrying very little—only courage, the knowledge he had built since childhood, and a determination to change his family’s future.
Behind the graduation gown he wore during the fifth phase of Universitas Diponegoro’s 183rd Graduation Ceremony on July 31, 2026, lies the remarkable journey of a young man whose education was supported by scholarships at almost every step. From elementary, junior high, and senior high school to higher education at Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) through the Indonesia Smart College Card (Kartu Indonesia Pintar Kuliah / KIP-K) Scholarship Program, scholarships became the bridge that enabled him to pursue his dreams.
“I hardly had to spend much on my education from elementary through high school because, Alhamdulillah, I received scholarships from my schools. They greatly helped ease my parents’ financial burden,” he recalled.
Alza, a graduate of the Bachelor’s Program in Marine Science at the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPIK) UNDIP, is the second of three siblings. His father works at a poultry processing business, while his mother is a homemaker.
Despite his family’s financial limitations, Alza never allowed them to diminish his passion for learning. Since elementary school, he actively participated in various academic competitions, including the National Science Olympiad (Olimpiade Sains Nasional / OSN), biology Olympiads, and mathematics competitions. His academic achievements enabled him to earn scholarships at every stage of his education.
Beyond academics, Alza was also actively involved in extracurricular organizations. During his school years, he joined the Student Council, the Indonesian Red Cross Youth, and the Scout Movement. These experiences helped shape his confidence and leadership skills, which continued to flourish during his university years. At UNDIP, he became actively involved in the Student Executive Board, the Society of Renewable Energy, and the Student Creativity Program (Program Kreativitas Mahasiswa / PKM), where he researched algae. He also participated in the Mas and Mbak Universitas Diponegoro pageant, where he was selected as the 2024 Male Ambassador representing the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences.
Although the KIP-K Scholarship covered his tuition fees, tuition contribution (UKT), and living allowance, Alza chose not to rely entirely on the financial assistance. Beginning in his fifth semester, he took on part-time jobs—not to support a lifestyle, but to cover academic expenses that were not fully financed, including laboratory practical fees and other living costs.
With his earnings, Alza purchased a laptop to support his studies and, eventually, a motorcycle that improved his daily mobility.
“I worked part-time while maintaining my GPA so I could continue receiving the KIP-K Scholarship. I used my income to cover educational expenses that weren’t fully covered, including laboratory fees. From those earnings, I was able to buy a laptop and a motorcycle,” he said.
His journey was far from easy. Behind his many achievements were moments when he almost gave up.
“There were many times when I almost gave up on my studies. I felt like ending everything. But I held on to one determination—I wanted to become a successful person, someone who could make a meaningful contribution, and a good leader. Through all those hardships, I eventually found a way forward, and opportunities began to appear,” he said quietly.
Today, his perseverance has begun to pay off. Even before officially graduating, Alza received several job offers from leading national companies across the banking, manufacturing, and industrial sectors. He ultimately chose to join the BCA Bakti Internship Program and officially began working on August 1, 2026, just days after his graduation.
For Alza, however, securing a job is not his greatest achievement. His biggest dream is to make his parents proud and improve their quality of life.
“I want to be the child who truly elevates my parents’ lives. I want to change their future, be a devoted son they can be proud of, and let them enjoy the results of everything I’ve worked so hard for.”
He also hopes to create a brighter future for his younger brother, Mirza, who is currently studying at a vocational high school. Alza wants him to pursue his ambitions without being held back by financial constraints.
“I want my younger brother to be able to choose his career without fear or insecurity because of financial difficulties. I want him to succeed in achieving his dreams.”
To fellow students who are still striving toward their goals, Alza offers a simple yet powerful message. “Keep moving forward with whatever lies ahead because there is always a way through. Don’t be afraid or doubtful. Everyone has a different journey, and every challenge has a solution.”
Alza’s story demonstrates that scholarship opportunities do far more than provide access to higher education—they have the power to transform lives and shape the future. When opportunity is met with hard work, perseverance, and the courage to keep moving forward, it produces a generation of young people ready to create meaningful change—not only for themselves, but also for their families and the communities around them. (Public Communication/UNDIP/Ninok Hariyani)
