Maritza Vidyatsabita has earned an outstanding achievement as one of the fastest graduates in the Undergraduate Program of English Literature, Faculty of Cultural Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). Completing her studies in just three years and two months, graduating with cum laude honors.
“I never actually planned to graduate early, I honestly never expected that I could finish my degree in only three years and two months,” Maritza recalled. “My biggest motivation was my mom. She’s been supporting and funding my studies from the start. All I wanted was to make her happy and proud by graduating cum laude.”
Maritza shared that she never followed any special academic strategy. Instead, she studied just as her friend did. What made a significant difference, however, was her consistency in taking more than 22 credits each semester, allowing her final semester to be fully dedicated to completing her thesis.
“The biggest challenge was getting grades that didn’t meet my expectations. It was frustrating at times,” she admitted. “But I always told myself, ‘I’ll bounce back next semester.’ That mindset helped me move forward.”
Although studying English Literature was not overwhelmingly hectic for her, Maritza stayed active outside academics as well. She joined several committees and student organizations almost every semester. In her fifth semester, she began writing her thesis through the Proposal Writing course while simultaneously working in an event committee a role that demanded strong discipline and time-management skills.
“Honestly, my biggest push came from my supervisor, Mbak Adiba, and her strict deadlines,” she said in good humor. “It felt like I was constantly being chased by deadlines since semester five. But looking back, I’m really grateful for that. Without those deadlines, I don’t think I could’ve graduated this fast.”
Her thesis titled, “A Feminist Revisionary Analysis of Jo Baker’s Longbourn: The Intersectionality of Gender and Class in Regency-era British Society,” reflects her long-held passion for Jane Austen’s novels, especially Pride and Prejudice. Through Jo Baker’s Longbourn, a reimagining of the original novel from the perspective of servants, Maritza explored how gender and class intersected to shape women’s lives in Regency-era Britain.
“Living what you do love is the most important thing to actually love your topic,” Maritza said. “When you enjoy what you’re working on, the whole process becomes lighter.”
“For anyone currently thinking whether to take heavy semesters, my advice is to enjoy the process,” she concluded. “As long as you stay consistent and understand your priorities, the results will come.”
Congratulations to Maritza Vidyatsabita on her remarkable achievement. May her dedication, resilience, and passion inspire many other young students to pursue their goals with the same spirit
