WEST JAVA – Behind her friendly smile and sharp eyes lies the big dream of a girl named Kamila Uswatun Hasanah, an 11th grade student at SMA Negeri 1 Bojonggede. She is the first child, first grandchild, and first great-grandchild on her mother’s side of the family, a position that gives her a moral responsibility to pave the way for success for the next generation.
“After learning about the YES program and its university placement initiative, I was immediately interested. In my mother’s family, few have pursued higher education. Maybe I can be the first to become a university graduate,” Kamila said hopefully.
That dream didn’t come easily. She knew that getting into college, especially a prestigious public university, wasn’t easy, both academically, mentally, and financially. So when she heard about the YES Program, which offered scholarships and character development, Kamila mustered the courage to apply. With full confidence, she asked her mother’s blessing.
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Kamila has big dreams for a career in communications. She aspires to attend the University of Indonesia, majoring in Communication Studies, and become a public speaker, specifically as a journalist or reporter. This desire did not emerge overnight. In fact, Kamila admits that she used to be shy. However, she eventually discovered a new passion for discussing, expressing her opinions, and even debating.
“When I was in junior high school, I didn’t dare to speak in front of people. I felt really nervous. But since the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum, which requires us to frequently present and speak, I have become accustomed to it. Over time, I realized that speaking in public has become my passion,” she said.
Public speaking, which used to be frightening, is now her passion. She began actively sharing her ideas, participating in class discussions, and even looking for opportunities to perform. For Kamila, communication is not just a tool, but also a way of life.
Becoming part of the YES program was not an easy feat. Kamila had to go through a challenging selection process, starting from administrative registration, a motivational assessment, to an interview. However, she went through it all with perseverance and enthusiasm.
“The YES test was quite challenging, with many registration processes to go through. But I was ready from the start because I knew this was not an ordinary scholarship. YES is serious. I knew that during the one-year training period, there would be many processes I had to go through. But I was actually happy because I was sure that it would shape me, not only to be ready for college but also to face life afterwards,” she added.
For Kamila, the YES mentoring program is not just an additional weekend activity. She sees the program as a comprehensive system, ranging from academic reinforcement, character building, leadership training, to strengthening spiritual values.
“I am truly convinced by the YES program. The material is very comprehensive. It covers life planning, career planning, public speaking, and even techniques for memorizing the Quran. Everything touches on important aspects of our lives. And what makes me even more convinced is that many YES alumni have proven their success. They share how this program has shaped them. And now I am experiencing it myself,” she added.
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Behind Kamila’s enthusiasm and determination lies a difficult reality. Her father works as a day laborer with an unpredictable income. Her mother is now a housewife after their small business was forced to close down. At home, Kamila also has to help take care of her two younger siblings who are still in school. However, these circumstances have not dampened her spirit. Instead, Kamila uses them as motivation.
“I want to go to college, I want to succeed—not just for myself, but to help my mom and my family. I want to prove that even though we come from an ordinary family, we can have an extraordinary future.”
As part of the Leadership Camp organized by Dompet Dhuafa at Bukit Saila Camp Ground, Sentul, on Saturday (July 16, 2025), Kamila had a valuable opportunity. She met Patrick Kapugu, Investor Relations Manager at PT Matahari Department Store Tbk, the main partner of the YES 2025 Program.
“I’m so happy to have met and learned directly from Mr. Patrick. He shared many valuable lessons about the importance of independence, self-awareness, and how to plan for the future. He also shared his experiences in college and the workplace. This made me feel more prepared and confident,” she explained.
Kamila feels that the session with Patrick strengthened her resolve not to follow others in choosing a major but to follow her own potential and interests. She highlighted Patrick’s explanation that college isn’t just about academics but also about mindset, networking, and community. She also admitted that she’s become more aware that college isn’t just about graduating but about how she’ll grow as a person.
Kamila is now taking her first steps with the YES Program. Every weekend, she will attend mentoring sessions at SMART Ekselensia Indonesia. She will be guided, shaped, and nurtured. Not just to get into the University of Indonesia, but to become a well-rounded, ethical, leadership-driven, and impactful individual.
On her shoulders, Kamila carries her family’s hopes. More than that, she carries the spirit of change. She wants to show that from limitations, great aspirations can emerge. And from small opportunities, big leaps toward the future can begin. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and Photos: Riza Muthohar
Editor: Dhika