The Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Faperta UGM) has once again achieved a proud milestone with the graduation of three of its students as the fastest bachelor’s degree graduates during the commencement ceremony held on 20 November 2024. Sinta Sekar Larasarti, Zirly Uswatun Khasanah, and Zukhrifa Firdausa, all from the Agronomy study program, successfully completed their studies in just 3 years, 10 months, and 4 days.
Sinta Sekar Larasarti graduated as the fastest one among other graduates, earning a GPA of 3.72 out of 4.00. Her thesis was titled “Sex Determination of Local Lampung Papaya (Carica papaya L.) Seedlings Based on Male-Specific DNA Markers.” Sinta shared that her achievement was due to perseverance and determination. Her biggest challenge was the trial-and-error process in identifying the papaya’s sex. However, she did not let this obstacle stop her from graduating.
“Understand the purpose of your research, know your topic, set targets, make a schedule to stay organized, share difficulties with friends, and don’t hesitate to consult with your lecturers. For those who haven’t found a topic yet, ask your peers, lecturers, or partner farmers. And if you’re uncertain, don’t forget to seek support from your parents and loved ones,” Sinta advised.
Zirly Uswatun Khasanah, who graduated with a GPA of 3.51 out of 4.00, completed her thesis on “The Effect of Drying Techniques on Breaking Seed Dormancy in Melon (Cucumis melo L.).” She shared that the biggest challenge in her research was weather issues, such as rain, which delayed her schedule. Despite this, she encouraged students to maintain their health and avoid rushing through their thesis work.
“Don’t forget to take care of your health. Take your time with your thesis and always ask for your parents’ prayers because within every thesis, there are your parents’ prayers being realized,” Zirly said.
Meanwhile, Zukhrifa Firdausa graduated with a GPA of 3.62, with her research titled “Screening of Pandan Wangi Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) Seedlings Based on the CnBADH2 Gene.” The biggest hurdle she faced was a lack of equipment at her research site, which slowed progress. However, she credited her achievement to staying consistent in working on her thesis.
“Keep working on it, seek support from family and relatives, and consult your lecturers frequently. Hopefully, the research goes smoothly. It’s okay to feel tired—just keep going and aim to finish,” said Zukhrifa.
Faperta UGM welcomes this achievement and hopes to continue motivating students to become outstanding graduates while contributing to SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Writer: Agrit Kirana Bunda
Editor: Desi Utami
Photo: Media Faperta UGM