Reasons for Choosing Bogor Agricultural University (IPB) As the State Higher Education Option

By: Rahmad Fadli (Department of Agribusiness)

Every person who lives in this world needs a reason. Living in a world without any reason is like living in vain. We, as humans, live to give a reason, not to find excuses. My name is Rahmad Fadli, and I am a new student admitted at one of the best state universities in Indonesia, Bogor Agricultural University (IPB) majoring in Agribusiness. I come from a modest family who lives on the island of Sumatra precisely in Pariaman, West Sumatra.

The first time I told my friends that I would take IPB as the first choice through the Invitation into the SNMPTN (National Selection into State Universities), they questioned why I chose IPB as the first option. Since then I have asked myself the same question and tried to give a reason that I consider not a mistake and the right choice. It must be recognized that we live not to give reasons to others but the truth is to give a reason to you yourself, and I am aware of that.

I know I give a reason not just to friend who questioned it but also to myself, and  to the people closest to you and those who loved me, especially my family. And this is the perfect moment to tell the reasons. And the reasons I chose IPB for further education in the university are:

1. IPB is my choice not someone else’s or coercion from others. I think this is a reason that can not be refuted by others. Because if we’ve firmly determined the choice, this means that we already know the ins and outs of our choices as well as advantages and disadvantages of that decision. At first I was a little unsure of what to choose, but with the information I received at last I made the choice, that is, IPB as the first choice in the SNMPTN invitation. Although this was my own choice without the confirmation from my parents first, I was recommended by the school to take the option of the SNMPTN invitation. And I told my parents about this, and eventually both my parents and family also supported me with the choice.
2. IPB is one of the great blessings given to me by Almighty God. I am as a Muslim aware of that because in the Qur’an the Surah Arrahman repeats the warning in several verses, which means "Which favors of God you deny". This is one philosophy of life that I hold so that I will always be the servant who is thankful to God. Why not? Before the announcement of acceptance through the SNMPTN, I was already predicted by some of my friends and also my teacher that I had a very small chance compared to other students to pass the SNMPTN invitation because of two reasons. First, I was a participant of the selection invitation with the recommendation of mission target, who should be less eligible for the scholarships of the underprivileged. Secondly, although I was one of the students of superior class in my school, I only had the academic achievement that was not so outstanding compared to other students. But, the result was beyond what people thought. Thank God I passed this selection invitation because of the Almighty God’s enormous gift to me. I am endlessly thankful. And it turns out it’s true that if we believe it, it will definitely happen. What my friends have said become the opposite; of the many classmates who participated in the selection invitation I was the only one who passed the selection. So this is the strong reason that has made me come to IPB and study earnestly to prove and give the best as well as to be grateful for what I have got.
3. My next reason is the family. I know the condition of my parents is not so good at the economic aspect and what’s more this month my parents have to retire. He should finance the education of two of my brothers in the state university in Padang and then pay for my education outside the island of Sumatra, which requires a considerable cost. Indeed, my choice is very different from my other brothers’, but this is a choice for which I must fight because I wondered when we can advance and change our fate. My family is a family of teachers, but I chose a different direction. Initially I thought my parents would oppose this, but it did not happen instead he and my brother supported me to take further studies outside Sumatra despite the extra effort to enable me to get into IPB. And it is this that makes me feel more confident and not waste what is available. Not everyone is fortunate to get into IPB and also get full support from family.
4. My last reason is that  IPB is no longer questionable. Everyone knows that. As Mr. Bayu says, IPB is cool or prestigious. Perhaps I don’t need to repeat the reasons of the senior brother who has told them because they are also my reasons. And I know all of the reasons are right and I’ll never be wrong with what has become my choice (Mtd).