Working While Studying, Porridge Seller's Daughter Becomes Top Graduate at UIN Walisongo Semarang

Completing her studies on time was already a major achievement for Rima. Coming from a modest family, she once considered pursuing higher education to be nothing more than a distant dream.

That journey ultimately led her to an achievement she had never set as a target. Rima became the top graduate of the Islamic Communication and Broadcasting (KPI) study programme at the State Islamic University (UIN) Walisongo Semarang, Central Java.

“I did not expect this. I consider being the top graduate as a bonus and a gift from God for the long journey I have been through,” said Rima.

For Rima, the title of top graduate was never her main goal from the outset. She simply wanted to complete her education and graduate on time.

During her studies, Rima’s activities were not confined to academic pursuits. She also worked as a freelancer and took part in organisational activities.

Along the way, one of the toughest challenges came when her father, Amirudin, fell ill.

Meanwhile, her mother, Saryuni, a housewife, continued to provide prayers, motivation and support for her.

That situation instead became a source of strength for Rima to continue her education to completion.

“If they keep fighting for me, I must not give up on the struggle I have already started,” she said.

Rima completed her studies with a thesis titled “Public Relations Communication Strategies of Sabilul Huda Islamic Boarding School in Brebes Regency in Enhancing a Positive Image as a Trusted Islamic Educational Institution.”

In the research, she examined the communication and public relations strategies employed by an Islamic educational institution to build a positive image while increasing public trust.

Rima hopes the research will not merely serve as a requirement for obtaining a bachelor’s degree.

She wants the findings to become a reference for Islamic educational institutions in building and maintaining public trust.

After completing her education, Rima intends to continue developing herself and applying the knowledge she gained during her studies, particularly in the fields of communication and public relations.

The title of top graduate became an achievement she had never previously imagined. For Rima, the accomplishment is a bonus from the long journey she undertook to complete her education.