On Wednesday, February 25th 2026, smiles were apparent among the faces of the graduates who had officially finished their studies. Twelve students from the English Literature Department received their bachelor degree in the graduation ceremony held at Grha Sabha Pramana, Universitas Gadjah Mada.
Those graduating students are Adeline Diva Hanjani, S.S., Gerardo Felix Salim, S.S., Kharina Elfauzi Annas, S.S., Michael Bima Adiwidya Kristiyanto, S.S., Nabilah Fikriyatul Haqi, S.S., Nayla Andhini Permata, S.S., Neysa Nasywa, S.S., Nur Nizrina Qothrunada Elena Amien, S.S., Qinthara Nazhifa Hermawan, S.S., Sarah Anindita, S.S., Sekar Ajiningsih, S.S., and Yafia Delferema Purbo, S.S.
After the graduation ceremony, English Department graduates gathered at Fakultas Ilmu Budaya (FIB) to prepare for the Mangayubagya ceremony at Poerbatjaraka building. Some of them shared their experiences during their study and the feelings of leaving college life. One of the graduates, Qinthara, said that her journey was particularly full of ups and downs. “Even though there are struggles to do academic or personal stuff, it’s still a very fun journey to go through—especially when I’m doing it with my friends, family, teachers and peers,” she added.
Elena, who finished her study in three years and three months, said “mixed-feelings” would best describe this milestone for her. Resonating with it, Qinthara confessed that while she is relieved to finish college, she is also scared of the future. Adeline, another graduate, added her concern regarding the job-market that isn’t really doing well today. “It’s my biggest concern right now. Mainly I’m just really scared of what the future holds for me,” she admitted.
The biggest challenge, they agreed, was to fight themselves and stay committed to their purpose. “Sometimes I stray away from my actual intention of studying English literature, but then I found it back,” Qinthara reflected. Adeline also added that for her, the pressure from her peers who graduated one by one was also a challenge. “It’s pressuring me to graduate as soon as possible, but anyway, it’s a positive kind of pressure,” she recalled.
Reflecting on their journey, which was full of trials and errors, they have something to say to the undergraduates out there: just do it. “This is literally the best time for you to explore everything. Just don’t be afraid to explore everything that you want,” Elena said. Adeline echoed Elena’s advice and shared her personal motto to just do it scared. “Every chance that you don’t take is a chance you lose. If you don’t do it scared, you won’t do it,” she concluded.
Congratulations to the English Department graduates! May your next chapter be full of blessing, laughter, and resilience.
