Visually Impaired Students Graduate from Airlangga University

The student who completed her bachelor's degree at Airlangga University is named Huriyah Dhawy Febrianti (often called Dhawy). Having a visual impairment did not prevent Dhawy from pursuing higher education, graduating, and becoming the pride of her family. As an alumnus of the Indonesian Language and Literature Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Airlangga University Surabaya, she successfully completed her education at Airlangga University (Unair) (2019-2023). As one of the best universities in Indonesia, UNAIR opens wide opportunities for anyone who wants to continue their education at UNAIR, including people with disabilities. This was felt by Dhawy, who, despite being a visually impaired student at UNAIR, stated that he did not encounter significant difficulties while pursuing his studies in the program.

Personal and Family Profile

Dhawy is an only child who has been blind since birth, since his mother, Irene Rachman, gave birth to him at only six months and two weeks into her pregnancy. Dhawy was born in Surabaya on February 12, 2002. He was raised by a mother who always taught him about love, discipline, empathy, resilience, and self-confidence.

Born with total blindness, Dhawy has not let this condition hinder him from pursuing his education and developing his talents. Dhawy earned his Bachelor of Arts degree after studying at the Indonesian Language and Literature Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Airlangga University Surabaya (2019-2023). Previously, Dhawy attended SMAN8 Surabaya (2016-2019), SMBLBA-YPAB Surabaya (2013-2016), and SDLBA-YPAB Surabaya (2007-2013). Before delving into literature and writing skills, Dhawy also took courses in vocal music from 2008 to 2018 at Melodia Surabaya.

At the age of 3-5, Dhawy remembers how his mother always read him many stories before they went to sleep. Then, when he turned 10, Dhawy realized that his mother didn't always have a book in her hands when she told him stories. She could sometimes make them up spontaneously as she accompanied him. From there, Dhawy became interested in writing, especially storytelling. Interestingly, when a friend challenged him to create a story, Dhawy successfully completed it, and that’s when his potential and talent emerged, which was hard for his friends to believe. Dhawy’s adventure began, and he then developed a desire to buy a small notebook and write his own stories.

Back to the education that Dhawy received from his mother. She also often asked Dhawy simple questions such as what he played that day, who he met, what he talked about, what he ate while she was at work, with the aim of sharpening Dhawy's memory and establishing an emotional connection. Now that she is a novelist, it turns out that this strategy is also useful for creating strong characters and personalities in her novels. That is where the uniqueness of language and literature lies. Learning language and literature led Dhawy to the basics of creating works, which turned out to be not far from what she was taught as a child at home. Perhaps she would not have found the same connection if she had not studied language and literature in depth.

So far, Dhawy has written three novels. The three are “The Second Downfall” (2021), “Creative Life, Creative Project” (2021), and “Real Child x Childish” (2021). In addition, Dhawy wrote a motivational poetry book in 2022 titled “Washing Away Wounds Together: Poetry for the Healing Process.”

Graduation with a GPA above 3.5

After completing her thesis entitled “Illocutionary Acts in Toxic Friendships among Instagram Users: A Pragmatic Study,” Dhawy finally underwent her thesis defense on June 6, 2023. On July 12, 2023, she participated in the graduation ceremony, followed by the commencement ceremony on August 12, 2023. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree and a GPA of 3.65. On the same day, August 12, 2023, Dhawy was given the opportunity to sing a song during the graduation ceremony. At that time, she performed a song titled A Moment Like This, written by Leona Lewis.

Dhawy also expressed his deep emotion at being trusted to sing in front of a large audience. At first, he thought that his singing ability, which he had learned since childhood, was not particularly recognized by the faculty or university. This was because Dhawy was previously known for his other branding, namely as a novelist and poet. However, who would have thought that Dhawy would still have the opportunity to perform a song at such an extraordinary event.

Motivation for Studying

When he was a child, his mother was very enthusiastic about instilling the importance of education in the future and telling him that education begins with elementary school, junior high school, high school, and then continues with a bachelor's degree or college. His mother gave him this understanding before he started school. So, at that time, he felt that there was something unfinished after graduating from high school, namely continuing on to college. Systematically, “The brain was immediately programmed to take the next step, which was college,” he added.

Dhawy chose literature because of his strong interest in the field. In addition, he successfully published a book of poetry before graduating from high school. To become a professional writer or singer and develop that talent, one needs determination and a strong fighting spirit.

Finally, Dhawy's decision was chosen for the Indonesian Language and Literature study program at UNAIR. There was a little concern at first when he set foot in this top 5 university in Indonesia. How could she not be anxious, afraid that she would not be able to keep up with her peers who functioned normally? However, Allah SWT never sleeps and is merciful to His servants. Dhawy remembered the moral messages and soft skills taught by her mother, namely courage and self-confidence, which had been instilled in her since childhood and remain deeply rooted in her today. She officially became a freshman on August 12, 2019, and completed her bachelor's degree in the Indonesian Language and Literature program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Airlangga University, on August 12, 2023. Alhamdulillah!

Hopes and Dreams

Dhawy hopes to apply her knowledge in the workplace. She also hopes that there will be more opportunities for people with disabilities to work at the companies they want. She also hopes that there will be greater awareness in society that people with disabilities need equal opportunities to empower themselves and build careers.

Dhawy's hope for Airlangga University is that all the hospitality he received during his studies until graduation will be maintained and given to other students with disabilities. Dhawy also wants to express his gratitude for all the support that kept him enthusiastic about studying at Airlangga University. From the classes, faculty, to the university, everyone was very supportive, more than he had expected. At this time, Dhawy has no suggestions because she is thoroughly satisfied with the kindness shown by everyone at UNAIR. Thank you!

Author: Huriyah Dhawy Febrianti

Editor: Rozi