UNDIP, Semarang (28/7) – A touching and inspiring story emerged during the 183rd Graduation Ceremony of Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP). Among the thousands of graduates was Marsya Wijayanti, a fresh graduate of the Applied Bachelor’s Program in Logistics Management and Administration at UNDIP’s Vocational School. The youngest daughter of a traditional cake vendor (tenongan) in Semarang’s Jalan Pemuda area, Marsya proved that financial hardship is no barrier to academic excellence through higher education.
Growing up in Semarang as the youngest of three siblings, Marsya witnessed firsthand her mother’s unwavering determination to support the family by selling traditional cakes, fried snacks, and packed meals from a tenongan—a traditional woven bamboo basket—around the Semarang City Hall offices and Jalan Pemuda. Her mother’s tireless dedication and sacrifices became the driving force behind Marsya’s determination to pursue higher education at her dream university.
“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my parents for their endless prayers, love, and sacrifices. Their unwavering support, along with the scholarship I received, became an invaluable source of motivation throughout my academic journey,” Marsya said.
From the beginning, Marsya was determined to continue her studies at Universitas Diponegoro. In addition to the university’s strong reputation and high-quality education, she was drawn to UNDIP for its extensive opportunities for students to develop both academically and personally.
She chose the Logistics Management and Administration study program at the Vocational School because of her strong interest in supply chain efficiency and distribution management.
Marsya believes that the logistics sector plays a vital role in supporting Indonesia’s industries while offering broad career opportunities for the future. Throughout her studies, Marsya faced numerous challenges, including adapting to a demanding academic workload, completing practical assignments, and balancing university responsibilities with her family commitments.
Marsya attributes her success in completing her studies and earning an applied bachelor’s degree to the support she received through the Indonesia Smart College Card (KIP-K) Scholarship. The scholarship not only eased her family’s financial burden but also motivated her to maintain strong academic performance and make the most of the opportunity with a deep sense of responsibility.
Looking ahead, Marsya is committed to applying the knowledge and skills she has gained by building a professional career in the logistics industry, continuing to innovate, and making her parents proud for everything they have done to help her reach this milestone. She also expressed her hope that Universitas Diponegoro will continue to grow as an outstanding and innovative university, producing graduates of integrity who are well prepared to meet global challenges. (Public Communication/UNDIP/Riri)