On October 19, 2024, Universitas Dian Nusantara will hold its second graduation ceremony while also celebrating its 5th anniversary, at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE), BSD, Tangerang, Banten. The event is expected to be attended by 660 graduates.

As this important day approaches, aside from reflecting on past achievements, it is equally crucial to look forward, in line with UNDIRA’s motto, "Lights Your Future." One way to do this is by gathering the thoughts and reflections of the soon-to-be graduates leading up to the upcoming ceremony.

In preparation for the event, interviews were conducted with two prospective graduates, Syarif Hidayat and Ghea Ayudianti. They shared their experiences during their academic journey at Universitas Dian Nusantara, from the challenges of completing their thesis to the emotions they felt as they approach graduation.

Syarif Hidayat, a student from the Communication Studies Program, shared that college life was a challenging phase, particularly when it came to finishing his thesis. “The final project or thesis required full focus, especially since I was also starting a small business like thrifting. Sometimes, balancing time between running my business and completing my thesis was difficult. However, I felt fortunate that the intense thesis guidance gave me the motivation to keep learning and discussing with my fellow students,” he explained.

Ghea Ayudianti expressed similar sentiments. She stated that while the process of writing her thesis was filled with a range of emotions, her determination to make her parents proud drove her to complete the task. “Daily progress may not always seem significant, but every small step is an essential part of completing the thesis and bringing us closer to achievement. My message to those still working on their studies is: don’t give up, as this journey will ultimately provide great benefits in the future,” she said.

Syarif also shared his thoughts on the upcoming graduation ceremony on October 19, 2024. Although the event has yet to take place, the excitement is already palpable, accompanied by a bit of nervousness ahead of the big day at ICE-BSD, Tangerang. “Choosing ICE-BSD as the graduation venue brings a sense of pride for us as Universitas Dian Nusantara graduates. It’s not just a personal achievement, but also a source of joy I can share with my family,” Syarif noted.

Ghea added that saying goodbye to her classmates will undoubtedly be emotional. "After four years together, we will each take our own paths, but the memories of our struggles and learning experiences will always remain in our hearts," she said.

Although their academic journey has come to an end, both Syarif and Ghea agree that all the experiences—from the ups and downs with friends to the knowledge imparted by their lecturers—will forever be an unforgettable part of their lives as graduates of Universitas Dian Nusantara.