Not Giving Up to Circumstances, Bernadin Achieved His Dream To Become a Doctor

Tzu Chi scholarship recipients wrapped up the gathering by sorting out recyclable waste at Educational Recycling Station of Tzu Chi Center, Sunday, December 17, 2017.

Sunday, December 17, 2017 was the last gathering for Tzu Chi scholarship recipients this year. Every month they attend a gathering that provides guidance for them through their studies. Haryo Suparmun, one of the companion volunteers, is very grateful, the recipients of this scholarship have a smooth learning process and achieved a good GPA.

"And the happiest is in month seven and eight–many have graduated. Some even has excellent predicate. This also reflects their great determination to learn. So even with various limitations–especially financial limitation–they could overcome it and got great marks," said Haryo.

This year there are several Tzu Chi scholarship recipients who have just recently joined. Of course this makes Haryo and other companion volunteers exert extra energy for introducing Tzu Chi culture among others. Meanwhile, in the gathering, this time hundreds of students from various universities practiced sorting out recyclable waste at Recycling Station at Tzu Chi Center, which was just inaugurated on Sunday, December 10, 2017.

One of the recipients of Tzu Chi scholarship has just declared the doctor's oath. His name is Bernadin Wijaya (24). He received tuition aid from his third to eleventh semester which means four years at Trisakti University. Previously, the one who financed Bernadin's study was his father who is the backbone of the family, whereas Bernadin's mother is a housewife.

Haryo Suparmun (rightmost) is grateful to the achievements of Tzu Chi scholarship recipients this year.

Bernadin (in black sweater) is a recipient of Tzu Chi scholarship who diligently attends the gatherings.

One day in December 2013, the father was hospitalized. After being checked, he turned out to have a low HB–only in number 4. Allegedly because he often takes pills such as uric acid medicine, which then caused abdominal injury and bleeding. He was hospitalized for a week. But because it was severe, the whole body had become infected. On the fifth day, he fell into a coma, and passed away on the seventh day. Not only sad being left by his dearest father, Bernadin's study might also have to be discontinued halfway.

"At that time I was really panicked, Papa was the only one who earned us a living, medical school is really expensive–about 25 million per semester. I still have savings, but just enough for one semester, what's the solution. I'm looking here and there. Relatives weren't able to help with a cost of that size. There's even a relative who said that if it cannot be afforded, then just stop," he recalled.

Of course Bernadin did not give up that easily. Moreover, his late father has paid a entry tuition fee of Rp 150 million, also 25 million for two semesters.

"I do not want to (stop), I want to keep going. I searched here and there, looking to the government, and finally my friend's mother–a doctor too–knows about Tzu Chi and suggested me to apply for help to Tzu Chi," he said.

Bernadin was escorted by his friend to Tzu Chi Center and met with Lulu, a Tzu Chi volunteer who handled scholarship. He then told her his situation. "Yes, well, we will consider it first," Lulu replied then. She also saw Bernadin's transcript which reached 3,15 at that time in the second semester.

"Mama keeps praying every day," said Bernadin's mother, Maria Cecilia who strongly supports his desire to continue his study.

Before getting to know Tzu Chi, Bernadin always thought that one was working only for themselves and family. But after getting to know Tzu Chi, he understood that in live we should give great contribution to others in need.

Tzu Chi Indonesia also contacted Tzu Chi Lampung volunteers to visit Bernadin's mother for an interview. In less than three weeks, Bernadin was given good news.

"I was attending lecture at that time, (I) was given news to come to Tzu Chi Center. I went there and got accepted, I was very happy that time. Getting helped by Tzu Chi is like a miracle," he said.

Bernadin studied with passion until he graduates in 3.5 years. After that he underwent Co-Assistance for two years. He then took state exam and passed. On November 11, 2017 Bernadin has also declared the Doctor's Oath. Currently, Bernadin is working at Kharisma Clinic in Sunter area.

There was one more thing that shocked Bernadin. After graduation, the university could not issue a diploma because it turns out that the fourth installment of the entrance fee had yet to be paid.

"It's really shocking, because before my father passed away I have asked him. He said it's been paid off, even the fifth installment. So I didn't have to ask the campus; the campus also never asked me. And after I graduated suddenly I couldn't get the diploma. I checked my father's savingbook, I asked the bank, turns out there really was a miss in the fourth installment. I panicked, at that time the installment was 29 million," he said.

On November 11, 2017, Bernadin declared the Indonesian Doctor's Oath.

Bernadin also told this to Doris and Mela, who handle the recipients of Tzu Chi scholarship. Doris explained to him that education assistance can only be provided for the upcoming year, so it is not applicable retrospectively. But the foundation also considered that he always came to Tzu Chi scholarship gatherings.

"Finally it was approved yesterday, yes I am very relieved. I am very grateful that I can get to know Tzu Chi. At any rate I am indebted to Tzu Chi as it can help me achieve my dream of becoming a doctor," he concluded.

Translator: Ilena Sevalona