Wiwit Nur Hidayah's Inspirational Journey: From Motorcycle Taxi Driver's Daughter to Indonesia's Youngest Chemistry Ph.D.
Wiwit Nur Hidayah is a remarkable young woman who achieved her Ph.D. in chemistry at the age of 25. Her journey to this prestigious achievement was anything but easy, as she had to overcome numerous obstacles, including negative stereotypes from her surroundings.
Family Background
Wiwit hails from a humble family in Mekarsari Village, Bayongbong District, Garut. Her father, Nur Hidayat, worked as a motorcycle taxi driver with a modest income, while her mother, Tatat Kurniati, dedicated herself to managing the household and raising their children.
Despite their limited resources, Wiwit's family never gave up on providing the best education for their children. Her father, in particular, worked tirelessly, even in the face of criticism and mockery from neighbors.
"People used to say, 'Why send your child to get a Ph.D. when you could invest in land or a house? It's a waste of money.' But I didn't care. I believed my child could succeed," said Nur Hidayat.
Passion for Learning and Achieving
Wiwit is the second of three siblings, and from a young age, she displayed a keen interest and aptitude for the sciences, especially chemistry. She aspired to become a researcher who could contribute to scientific knowledge and society's well-being.
Wiwit was a diligent and dedicated student, seldom missing school except when ill. She actively participated in various academic competitions and contests, both at the school and national levels. Her achievements earned her numerous awards and scholarships.
"I always strived to learn as much as I could. I also loved reading books about chemistry and research. I wanted to know everything related to my field," Wiwit stated.
The Path to a Ph.D. Degree
After graduating from high school, Wiwit continued her education at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjajaran. There, she successfully completed her Bachelor's and Pharmacist degrees with honors. She also engaged in student organizations and social activities.
However, Wiwit was not content with just a bachelor's degree. She aimed for higher education but was aware of the increasing cost. Therefore, she diligently searched for scholarship opportunities for high-achieving students.
"Alhamdulillah, I received a scholarship from the Ministry of Research and Technology to pursue a Master's degree in chemistry at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Padjajaran. This scholarship covered my living expenses and research," Wiwit explained.
Wiwit completed her Master of Science degree in two years with honors. She also successfully published her research findings in reputable international journals. Her research focused on the synthesis and characterization of organometallic compounds with potential as anti-cancer drugs.
After obtaining her M.S., Wiwit didn't stop there. She still harbored the ambition of earning a Ph.D. in chemistry. Once again, she received a scholarship from the Ministry of Research and Technology to pursue her Ph.D. studies at the same institution.
"The Ph.D. scholarship was even more substantial than the Master's. It allowed me to conduct research in advanced and well-equipped laboratories. I could also collaborate with researchers from abroad. I even had the opportunity to visit Japan twice for scientific exchanges," Wiwit proudly mentioned.
Wiwit completed her Ph.D. program in three years with honors, successfully defending her dissertation titled "Synthesis and Characterization of Amino Acid Ligand-Based Organometallic Compounds as Hydrogen Transfer Catalysts." With this achievement, Wiwit became the youngest Ph.D. holder in chemistry in Indonesia and one of the top graduates from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at Universitas Padjajaran.
Message and Hope
Wiwit admits that the journey to her Ph.D. was far from easy. She faced numerous academic and non-academic challenges and had to make sacrifices, including time, energy, and social opportunities.
"Pursuing a Ph.D. is incredibly challenging and exhausting. I had to study and research almost every day. I also had to handle pressure from advisors, examiners, reviewers, and others. I had to be patient in the face of negative comments from people who didn't understand," Wiwit shared.
Nonetheless, Wiwit never gave up or lost hope. She remained optimistic and determined. She continually expressed gratitude for the blessings and gifts bestowed upon her by Allah. She prayed for ease and blessings in every step of her journey.
"I always maintain a positive outlook and try to ignore unimportant matters. I keep my goals in mind: to become a researcher who benefits others. I am thankful to Allah, my family, professors, friends, and everyone who supported me," Wiwit expressed.
Wiwit hopes her achievements will inspire young generations in Indonesia, especially those from less privileged backgrounds. She wants to convey the message that nothing is impossible when one is determined and prayerful.
"I want to encourage everyone never to give up on their dreams. Don't let your background or circumstances hinder your achievements. Pay no heed to the words of those who don't understand. What matters is our belief, effort, and trust," Wiwit emphasized.
Furthermore, she aims to motivate herself to continue learning and making contributions in the field of chemistry. She recognizes that her Ph.D. is not the end of her scientific journey but the beginning of greater responsibilities.
"I have many more things I want to learn and develop in the field of chemistry. I also want to share my knowledge and experiences with those who need it. I aspire to be a productive and professional researcher," Wiwit stated.
Wiwit Nur Hidayah is a role model for us all. She has proven that with determination, spirit, and prayer, we can achieve anything we desire. She has also shown that her father's occupation as a motorcycle taxi driver is not something to be ashamed of but something honorable.
"My father's profession as a motorcycle taxi driver is honorable. He is my hero and the hero of my family. He is the one most responsible for my Ph.D.," Wiwit concluded, her eyes glistening with emotion.
Source: Tribunnews
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