Tenacity in a Hope
Where there is a will, there is a way. Anggit's tenacity in studying led her to become a scholar even though economic difficulties often confronted her.
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Anggit Wijayanti, or known as Anggit, graduated from the Faculty of Economics, Diponegoro University, Semarang in 2019. The process was not easy, but her enthusiasm and belief have become her guides in life.
In 1998, when the monetary crisis hit Indonesia, the company in which Anggit's father worked shut down. Her father had been the breadwinner and the uncertain economic conditions urged the family to find a way out to survive.
Anggit's father then switched professions to become a reflexology and cupping therapist before a freelance job offer from his colleagues. At that time Anggit was still too young to be left for work; her mother could not support the family financially. Her mother finally managed to open a laundry service to increase family income when Anggit was in the 2nd grade of elementary school .
Raising a child with a difficult family financial condition is not easy for Anggit’s parents. Yet, seeing her excellent performance at school, they strived to pay for her school fees. When Anggit was in final year of junior high school she came to know about Tzu Chi from one of the Sinar Mas Tzu Chi volunteers who met her mother unexpectedly at Sinar Mas Jakarta Head Office.
Blessing of Tenacity
Sinar Mas Tzu Chi volunteers continue to provide support to Anggit, both directly and indirectly. They often pay a Love visit to stay in touch and bond with Anggit and her family.
Seeing her tenacity in learning, Anggit's parents had high hopes that she could continue her education to the undergraduate level. When she was in junior high school, her parents were grateful they didn't have to pay for the school fees. The major concern was the tuition fees for high school and college.
Unexpectedly, an opportunity arose for Anggit’s mother. She heard that Tzu Chi volunteers were conducting a survey of prospective foster children around the neighborhood to receive Tzu Chi scholarships. Anggit's mother was moved to fill out and submit the survey sheet.
“Thank God, when Anggit was in the final year of junior high school, I met Tzu Chi volunteers from Sinar Mas. At first my neighbor got it, I had no chance. But my neighbor gave me a copied form,” said the mother.
Her mother enthusiastically went through the survey process conducted by volunteers. Her prayers were answered, Anggit received a scholarship from Tzu Chi which was used to cover the school transportation costs.
“I keep telling her, this is for your own future, not for mom’s or dad’s. If you have good intentions, you can face anything in life. ," the mother said to Anggit.
Anggit has been an independent and responsible child since a very young age. Her parents made every effort to support Anggit's education. Her scholarship from Tzu Chi continued to high school. This time, Anggit received an educational scholarship which was sufficient to cover her tuition fees.
“Thank God, since the final year of junior high school, my daughter has received help from Tzu Chi. We are very grateful to Tzu Chi who has supported Anggit's education. We are very much helped," said her mother while shedding tears.
The Love and Care carried on even after Anggit was accepted in one of the universities in Semarang, Central Java. She had to live far from her family in Jakarta and stay in a boarding house. Her tenacity and achievements had brought Anggit to get other educational scholarships from other parties. Yet, her living and transportation expences were still supported by Tzu Chi.
Tenacity and Hope
Anggit and her parents attended the graduation ceremony at Diponegoro University, Semarang. She fulfilled her responsibilities as a filial daughter and a foster child of Sinar Mas Tzu Chi.
Anggit and her mother often take part in Sinar Mas Tzu Chi Scholarship Foster Gathering. Tzu Chi has raised her hopes and its hands of love have helped Anggit reach her goals.
“Thank you Tzu Chi for the love and care. You help us realize our dreams. Now that I am a graduate I hope to succeed and be devoted to my parents,” said Anggit with delight.
Anggit graduated with Cum Laude predicate in August 2019. The family's economic difficulties have forced her to become an independent person. Her path to successful study is not a straight line, she had to face many hurdles and obstacles.
During her undergraduate years, she was involved in organizational activities which required additional living expence. To solve this problem Anggit and her friend sold snacks around campus and online.
“During college I was very grateful for the scholarship I received from Tzu Chi. However, as I actively get involved in campus activities, my expenses have increased. Finally, while applying the marketing theory in a practical situation, my friend and I were selling flowers,” recalled Anggit.
Anggit participated in the bamboo bank pouring at Sinar Mas Tzu Chi 2019 Scholarship Foster Gathering. Having the experience of being a foster child, Anggit wishes to help others with all her might.
Before selling flowers to earn extra money, there were times when Angit ate only one meal a day. It was meant to save her living costs so she could still join the campus activities. “I experienced eating only one meal a day. But all of that is a process that must be passed. I just enjoyed it," she said.
She believes all challenges can be overcome and resolved if there is a will. Around the beginning of 2020, she worked as an International Marketing in one of the companies in Jakarta. However, in June 2020 Anggit was "laid off" because the company was experiencing difficulties in the midst of the Covid-19 outbreak. Life has given her another trial to face.
Anggit's good spirit never dies and continues to flame. In November 2020 she was offered to work at a company in Semarang, Central Java. With her tenacity, Anggit survived and keeps moving forward to attain success and be a devoted child to her parents.
Author: Moses Silitonga, Photographer: Doc. Tzu Chi Sinar Mas
Translator: Vissia Budi Apriliana, Sweete (Tzu Chi School)
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