Semarang, September 12, 2025 – Qori Safa Nurzikha, a student of the D4 Public Relations Program, Vocational School of Diponegoro University (UNDIP), successfully graduated cum laude with a GPA of 3.95, a remarkable achievement supported by the tireless efforts of her father, an online motorcycle taxi driver. She officially graduated during UNDIP’s 179th commencement ceremony on July 28, 2025.
Known affectionately as Riri, Qori is the eldest of two siblings and comes from a modest family background. Her mother passed away in July 2021, just as she began her studies, leaving her father to support the family by working as an online motorcycle taxi driver. Although she applied for the government’s KIP Kuliah (Smart Indonesia College Card) program, she was not selected.
Fortunately, UNDIP provided her with tuition adjustments, allowing her to pay under the lowest fee bracket (UKT Group 1). Filled with gratitude, Riri pressed forward with determination. “Alhamdulillah, I am very grateful to be able to study in this major. Not only is this my passion, but the lecturers here are also very supportive and disciplined, and my friends have always been encouraging both emotionally and in other ways. Despite coming from a different background, it was never a barrier for me. My target was to graduate on time, and that became my biggest motivation. Going forward, I hope to continue my studies to a master’s degree or even a doctorate with a scholarship, because I aspire to become a lecturer,” she said.
Riri expressed her deep appreciation to her thesis advisor, who continuously motivated her to graduate on time, as well as to all parties who supported her academic journey.
She also shared her keys to success in completing her studies at the Vocational School: “You must know your purpose for entering university, always remember your initial motivation, study extra hard according to the material, and of course, pray and worship a lot,” she explained.
The story of Qori Safa Nurzikha reflects how vocational education not only equips students with professional competencies but also builds character, resilience, and motivation to achieve academic excellence and pursue future aspirations—even when coming from humble beginnings.