PALEMBANG — For Najwa Saryani, UT Student and pageantry figure from palembang, choosing between continuing her education and accepting a job opportunity was not an easy decision. When a job opportunity arose while she was still pursuing her studies, she faced two choices that were equally important to her future. However, rather than giving up on her aspirations, this Universitas Terbuka (UT) Palembang student found a way to continue her education without leaving her job.
The daughter of Surya and Iros Pulungan had previously studied at a university in Palembang. Her journey took a different turn when she was accepted for a job at a bank. This situation prompted Najwa to reconsider her next steps, including how she could continue her education while fulfilling her work responsibilities.
Amid this uncertainty, Najwa discovered Universitas Terbuka as an option that allowed her to fulfill both roles simultaneously. Through its flexible distance learning system, UT gave Najwa the opportunity to pursue higher education without leaving her job. The opportunity to continue learning while managing various responsibilities is an important part of efforts to expand inclusive and quality education (SDG 4).
“At the time, I was studying at a university, but then I was accepted for a job at a bank. So, I stopped studying there and chose UT Palembang. I saw that UT Palembang offered me hope that I could continue my studies while working,” she said in an interview with Infosumsel.
For Najwa, choosing UT was not merely a way out of the dilemma between studying and working. More importantly, she found a learning system that meant she did not have to sacrifice either of the two things that were equally important to her future.
“At UT Palembang, I can study through distance learning, so I can continue working. Studying while working has been a great help. I no longer have to struggle with choosing between studying and working,” she added.
Her journey illustrates how flexible education can support personal development while opening up opportunities for professional growth, in line with the spirit of sustainable development to expand educational opportunities and promote inclusive economic growth (SDG 8).
Despite being busy with both work and university studies, Najwa continues to pursue a clear goal. She aspires to become a judge, a profession that motivated her to choose UT’s Law Study Program. Her interest in the legal field is an important part of the educational journey she is undertaking.
“My dream is to become a judge,” said the young woman, who enjoys reading.
This ambition did not arise without reason. Najwa is concerned about the state of law enforcement in Indonesia, which she believes remains troubling. She sees cases that, in her view, do not yet reflect honesty and justice, further strengthening her determination to contribute through a career as a judge.
“That is why I want to become a judge who is honest and makes fair decisions. Judges must be honest because our decisions also determine our lives in the afterlife, whether we enter heaven or hell,” she explained.
Beyond her academic activities and aspirations in the legal field, Najwa continues to develop herself through work and organizational involvement. She currently works as a marketing staff member at a property company. At the same time, she remains active in the Bujang Gadis UT Palembang Student Activity Unit (UKM).
Managing three activities at once naturally requires commitment and time-management skills. However, for Najwa, finding a university that suits her needs has made the journey feel more manageable. She can continue working, studying, and participating in organizational activities without having to choose just one.
“Right now, I am focusing on work, studying, and organizational activities. Moreover, I have found the right university. Managing everything no longer feels so difficult,” she concluded.
Najwa Saryani’s journey demonstrates that the opportunity to pursue education does not have to end when someone starts working. With an educational option that suits her needs, she can continue moving toward the future she dreams of while preparing herself to become an honest judge who upholds justice. Her story illustrates how more flexible access to education can give individuals the opportunity to keep learning, develop their potential, and prepare to make positive contributions to society.
