Yogyakarta (23/1) – Graduation is a historic moment filled with pride and farewells. This is exactly what two best friends, Agim Gunawan and Afan Romadhon Febri Triyanto, or fondly called Apang, felt as they completed their Master’s degrees in Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies (PSPSR) at the UGM Graduate School, Class of 2022. Over two years, they shared experiences, challenges, and moments of camaraderie until they finally crossed the finish line together on graduation day.
Their friendship began on the first day of classes. Agim was surprised to learn that Apang was not only his senior during his undergraduate studies but also the older brother of his classmate. “Mas Apang is a very fun person; we exchanged many stories and experiences,” said Agim.
Meanwhile, Apang had already known that one of his younger brother’s friends would be his classmate in the master’s program. “Our first meeting was exciting because we had engaging conversations, especially about music and dance, which are our shared fields of interest,” he said.
Pursuing a master degree was not an easy feat. Apang admitted that the biggest challenge was managing time between academic assignments and teaching duties. “There were many assignments, and all had to be completed properly, so time management was crucial,” he noted.
Agim agreed but believed that discussing coursework with peers made the workload feel lighter. “I always try to complete assignments while discussing them with classmates; it makes things easier and more enjoyable,” he added.
Their friendship was also filled with memorable experiences. One of the most unforgettable moments was when, before their thesis proposal seminar (sempro), their entire class took a trip to Dieng to discuss their theses. “We exchanged ideas about our thesis proposals and sought guidance from the Chief of the PSPSR Master Program, Dr. Raden Rara Paramitha Dyah Fitriasari, S.Ant., M.Hum., to ensure our preparations were thorough,” Apang recalled.
However, their time in graduate school wasn’t just about academics. “Besides discussing our theses, we also often went to karaoke together to relax,” Agim said with a laugh.
When the long-awaited graduation day finally arrived, both felt immense pride and gratitude. “It feels incredible. This long journey has finally shown results, and most importantly, we have always supported each other,” said Apang. He also expressed his gratitude to his classmates for their companionship and encouragement throughout their studies.
For Agim, graduation brought mixed emotions. “I’m happy to have completed my studies, but on the other hand, I feel a sense of loss because this is also a farewell moment. I hope we meet again in the future, and I wish success for all my friends,” he shared.
Their friendship during graduate school proves that academic journeys are not just about knowledge but also about support, camaraderie, and cherished memories. Congratulations to Agim and Apang—may success follow in their next adventures!
Writer: Arfikah Istari