Daughter of a Tire Repairman Becomes IPB University’s Top Graduate

Where there’s a will, there’s a way. It turns out that this saying is more than just a slogan. Aulia Nurul Hikmah proved her determination to pursue higher education despite facing financial challenges.

“My parents are laborers and tire repairers,” she said. Now, she has become the top graduate of the Faculty of Forestry and Environment at IPB University at the 8th Commencement Ceremony for the 2025/2026 academic year. She graduated with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3,87.

Aulia is grateful to have been able to pursue higher education at IPB University. For her, IPB University provides opportunities and support for students to develop themselves through both academic and non academic activities, as well as to expand their networks with peers from diverse backgrounds.

“All of this has strengthened my ability to think critically and adaptively,” said the graduate of the Silviculture Study Program.

Her journey was not without obstacles. Aulia realized the importance of time management to maintain a balance between her academic studies and other non-academic activities, such as student organizations and various competitions. Nevertheless, these challenges forced her to become an adaptive and flexible person. 

“I chose the Silviculture program because of my interest in biodiversity and ecology. To me, forests are one of the best manifestations of these fields of study. Forests are complex ecosystems that serve as the foundation of life, so through this program, I can study forests from their growth and maintenance to their utilization and rehabilitation.

Given that we are currently facing many forest-related issues and problems, such as forest degradation and deforestation, choosing this program gives me hope and a real opportunity to become an agent of forest conservation and protection. Additionally, Silviculture offers a variety of competitive and innovative career prospects in the environmental field,” explained Aulia.

For Aulia, graduation is not the ultimate goal, but rather a reminder that the learning process never ends. As a graduate of SMAN 9 in Bogor, she says her next step is to continue learning and developing herself. She hopes that the knowledge and experience she has gained can be transformed into tangible solutions that benefit society and the environment. (dh) (IAAS/KQA)