Breaking Boundaries, Achieving Hopes: Intan Nadilah, Graduate who Became the First Graduate in Her Loving Family
Graduation is more than just an academic ceremony. For Intan Nadilah, a graduate of the Accounting and Taxation Study Program at Unpad Faculty of Economics and Business from Majalaya, Bandung Regency, her graduation this August is proof that big dreams can be achieved, even if you come from a humble family with various limitations.
She is the second of four children. Her father works as a casual laborer, while her mother is a housewife. Intan proves that passion and determination can lift someone beyond limitations. With strong determination and relentless enthusiasm, Intan proved that she, too, can transcend social and economic boundaries for the sake of education. She is the first graduate in her family.
“Education is not a gender issue; women also have the right to achieve the highest level of education. Being born into a humble family is no barrier to achieving dreams, and being a village girl doesn’t mean you have to be confined,” she said firmly.
Since her first semester, Intan has been active in campus organizations, including a member of the Department of Social, Community, and Environmental Affairs, and in social activities as a member of the Karang Taruna Bhakti Lugina Desa Biru (Blue Village Youth Organization). Shortly thereafter, she was entrusted with assisting the village government. From her third to fifth semesters, she began working to support her studies. She did all this without neglecting her academic responsibilities.
“It was indeed difficult, especially managing my time. But I always adhered to the principle that education should be prioritized, assignments must be completed promptly, and learning must always be maximized,” she said.
During college, Intan not only worked but also enriched her experience through internships at various institutions, from the Bandung Medium Tax Service Office, a Public Accounting Firm, to the Tax Consultant Firm SAR Tax & Management Consultant. This experience strengthened her understanding of the world of accounting and taxation firsthand.
“FEB Unpad is not just a place to study, but a place where I grew. Here I learned to manage my role, deal with pressure, and maintain integrity,” Intan explained.
Behind this achievement lies the deep motivation of her beloved late grandmother’s final words: “Hopefully you become a scholar, I want you to become a scholar”. That message has been a constant source of strength for her through financial pressures, fatigue, and even when she was on the verge of giving up. Now, she dedicates the dress she wears today as a tangible manifestation of that will.
The photo of her late grandmother, brought to her graduation, symbolizes an unbreakable bond of love. Intan’s parents couldn’t contain their tears, proud to see their daughter overcome all limitations. “Not because they’re sad, but because they’re happy. This long struggle has finally paid off,” Intan said with tears in her eyes.
Intan now has a good job and is continuing to chart her path forward. She hopes to continue to make her parents happy, inspire young people in her village, and serve as living proof that women from rural areas can succeed in the academic and professional worlds.
FEB UNPAD is proud to be a part of the journey of strong alumni like Intan Nadilah, who is not only graduated with degrees but also serve as inspiration for the next generation. FEB Unpad will continue to be committed to producing future leaders who are strong, empowered, and bring change to society.
