Asri Syakilla Putri Sugandi never expected to be named one of the top graduates of Universitas Terbuka (UT). Among nearly 2,000 graduates in Period 1 of 2026, she ranked in the top four for the Bachelor of Communication program with a cum laude GPA of 3.67—an accomplishment achieved entirely through online learning. 

Speaking after the graduation ceremony at the Universitas Terbuka Convention Center (UTCC) on February 1, 2026, Asri admitted she was surprised by the recognition. For her, UT was more than a university; it was a bridge to accessible higher education. The flexible online system allowed her to study while working full-time as an administrative staff member at an Islamic boarding school in Gunung Sindur, Bogor. 

Studying remotely required strong discipline and independence. Asri managed modules, lecture videos, and e-learning platforms on her own, often reviewing materials multiple times to fully grasp the content. She also adapted to changes in UT’s examination system—from take-home open-book exams during the pandemic to in-person closed-book exams in later semesters—by continuously refining her study strategies. 

Beyond academics, UT enabled her to build social connections through Instagram communities, Telegram and WhatsApp groups, and student organizations such as Makom UT and KBM. Her formula for success was simple: consistent reading and regular practice questions. 

Asri’s achievement highlights UT’s commitment to inclusive and quality education (SDG 4) and supports flexible learning pathways aligned with decent work and economic growth (SDG 8). Her story demonstrates that online education is not a limitation, but an opportunity to excel without boundaries of distance, time, or profession.