For Izzul Maromi, earning a university degree is a way to honor his parents, broaden his knowledge, and prepare himself to contribute to others. At 19, the management student from Sumenep was completing his second semester with support from the Inspiration Scholarship provided by Yayasan Inspirasi Indonesia Membangun, or YIIM, and PT Insight Investments Management.

Izzul began his studies with strong academic results, earning a grade point average of 3.66 in his first semester. The scholarship supports the Sustainable Development Goal on quality education by helping a capable student continue learning without placing an unsustainable financial burden on his family.

An only child, Izzul grew up in a modest farming household. His father works seasonally growing rice and tobacco, while his mother helps with the farm. The family lives in a village where many nearby households are part of the same extended family. The number of university graduates in the community gave Izzul positive examples of what education could make possible.

His academic ability was already evident in high school. After winning a chemistry olympiad, one of his teachers helped him secure tutoring work at Ganesha Operation. During grade 12, Izzul taught chemistry, physics, and mathematics to students in grades 10 through 12.

The tutoring work generated around Rp300,000 to Rp400,000 a month, sometimes supplemented by tips from students’ parents. It also gave him early experience explaining complex ideas and taking responsibility for other students’ progress. He stopped tutoring when he began university so he could focus on his own studies.

After graduating from high school in 2021, Izzul began searching for a university. He had initially been accepted by an institution farther from home, but his parents were concerned about the distance because he is their only child. He then learned about Universitas Bahaudin Mudhary Madura, or UNIBA, a nearby university with several scholarship opportunities.

Izzul applied through the academic-achievement route using his school report and received confirmation of a full scholarship about a week later. The result brought pride and relief to his parents, whose limited income would otherwise have made tuition difficult to manage.

Living at home allows Izzul to remain close to his family while studying. His motorcycle journey to campus takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes, making daily attendance practical without the additional cost of accommodation.

Beyond the classroom, Izzul participates in WIMBAR UNIBA, a student entrepreneurship community where members exchange ideas and learn how to develop businesses. He serves on the marketing team, gaining organizational experience that complements his management studies.

Izzul has also been involved in a modeling community since the third year of junior high school. He initially followed a cousin who worked as a model and was invited by a photographer to try it himself. The experience helped him move beyond shyness, strengthen his confidence, and become more comfortable collaborating with others.

His studies have not been free of obstacles. Izzul did not own a laptop, so he completed assignments on his mobile phone or borrowed a computer from relatives. Rather than allowing the equipment shortage to interrupt his education, he adapted and continued meeting his academic responsibilities.

Izzul hopes to keep growing as a person, remain devoted to his parents, and use his education to benefit other people. His determination shows how scholarship support can do more than cover university costs. It can give a motivated young person the security to learn, participate, and work toward a future that once seemed financially out of reach.