Overcoming financial hardship, Larasati achieves dream of studying at ITB

Larasati Aulia Shafira Damayanti, an alumna of the CT ARSA Foundation's Superior High School, is set to pursue her higher education dreams at the prestigious Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB). Her acceptance into the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences was made possible by the BSI Scholarship Unggulan, a program designed to support academically gifted students facing economic constraints.

As one of approximately 350 recipients, Larasati will benefit from comprehensive financial support. This includes coverage for her tuition fees (UKT), a monthly living allowance of Rp1.5 million, a laptop, mentorship programs, and potential internships within the sharia banking sector. This scholarship represents a significant opportunity for Larasati, whose family has grappled with considerable financial challenges.

Originally from Boyolali, Central Java, Larasati's father works as a cleaner at SMK Dwija Dharma Boyolali, earning around Rp500,000 per month. To supplement the family's income, he also takes on additional sewing work. Her mother, unable to work due to health complications that included a cyst removal and heart problems, remains a homemaker. The family's financial strain is further compounded by the need to support Larasati's older sibling, who is also pursuing higher education.

Undeterred by these obstacles, Larasati dedicated herself to the scholarship selection process. This involved three stages: administrative review, written tests, and interviews. She meticulously prepared her application essays, seeking guidance from her sibling who has a background in Indonesian language studies. The written test included a four-hour online psychometric assessment with approximately 500 questions. During the interview stage, Larasati faced the challenge of not owning a laptop, relying on a basic device for the virtual interview, yet her prior interview practice enabled her to navigate the process successfully. Her perseverance paid off when she was notified of her acceptance on the same evening as her interview.

“

Honestly, during the interview, I was still using a basic gadget because I didn't have a laptop yet. Thank God, because I had practiced interviews frequently before, the process went quite smoothly.