Happy news comes from the KIDS Scholarship program. Another student, Aldi, completed his studies at Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang with a Psychology major. His GPA at graduation was 3.58. On February 23, 2023, the graduation ceremony was held in the UMM Dome in Malang.

Aldi of KIDS Scholarship Program: Following His Mother’s Footsteps

Aldi was the second-born child in his family. When he was a year old, Aldi lost his father in the Bali Bombing tragedy, in October 2002. He was raised by his mother, a psychologist who worked at a high school in Denpasar. They live in his maternal grandparent’s house in Denpasar, Bali. Aldi was first sponsored by YKIP through the KIDS Scholarship Program while he was a kindergartener.

His elementary to Senior High school time was spent in Denpasar. He participated extensively in art activities during that time. Aldi frequently sang at YKIP-KIDS gatherings. After completing his education in Denpasar, he made the decision to enroll in a government-funded institution alongside his brother with the goal of becoming a public servant.

“His education ranged from primary to senior high school in Denpasar. He participated extensively in art activities during that time. He excels at singing and has won numerous competitions. Aldi frequently sang at YKIP-KIDS gatherings. After completing his education in Denpasar, he made the decision to enroll in a government-funded institution alongside his brother with the goal of becoming a public servant.

“My mother questioned me before I applied to the school about what I would do if I wasn’t accepted. I told her that I wanted to go to the university to finish my studies. My mother, who is a psychologist, suggested that I pursue communications, international relations, or psychology because I have a tendency to observe people. At the time, I said to my mother that I would study psychology. It also might be because I got influenced by her.” Aldi explains why he decided to study psychology.

Studying Psychology Changes His Life

He missed out on the government school, which was frustrating, but he made the correct choice. Aldi delighted in his psychology studies. In his studies in the psychology department, Aldi gained a lot of knowledge.  He discovered that because he doesn’t particularly enjoy reading, it was challenging for him to read so many books during his studies. He also used podcasts and videos to understand more about the theories.

Aldi claimed that he could see how the study related to his day-to-day activities. Even when he meets someone for the first time, he may still learn about their character. He can also put himself in a neutral position whenever a problem arises, and he is now able to view the issue from various angles.

“Studying psychology also bring a big change to my life. I lost my father when I was very young, and I felt like I couldn’t move on from it. Since I was at school, my mom told me about PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), and that it was a big chance that I have one due to the trauma I got. Even though I was aware of that, I could not fully overcome the disorder. Then I learned a lot about it during my study. Now I overcome my PTSD,” Aldi said about how his life changed after studying.

“I am appreciative that I was able to continue my studies till I received my university degree. It is a result of the generous donations to the KIDS Scholarship program. Once again, I appreciate your support. I really hope that this kind of deed is kept up in the future. I wish the best of luck to the younger students in the YKIP scholarship program, whatever the circumstances. Never give up, because one day, you will see the result of your hard work,” Aldi ended the conversation.

YKIP is proud of Aldi, and we wish the best for his future. We also would like to thank all donors for their kind support of YKIP KIDS Scholarship program. Your generosity enable us to continue this program since 2002.