Mataram, Mataram University – Two students from the University of Mataram (Unram) won 1st place in the 2023 Islamic Contest Branch of the National Essay Contest at the University of Jember on 28-29 July 2023. This achievement was achieved by two Unram Teaching and Education Faculty students, namely Wirda Hasanah and Baiq Rufaida Agustina.

The motivation of the two students of the Faculty of Teacher and Training was to make Unram proud at the national level, broaden their horizons to make them wider, and add to their relationships and experiences. Wirda and Rufaida shared their experiences starting from registering for essay competitions online, compiling essays to be submitted, and being selected online.

After going through, the essay assessment stage by the jury, then it was announced that the participants who had passed the final stage were 5 finalists. As for several universities that managed to qualify for the final round, namely Unram, UIN Kiai Haki Achmad Siddiq Jember, IAIDA Darussalam Blokagung Banyuwangi, UIN Jakarta, and University of Darussalam Gontor.

“Alhamdulillah, we as representatives of Unram managed to qualify for the final stage. After we found out that we entered the final, we immediately made preparations such as making Powerpoints for presentations in the final round and preparing for departure to the University of Jember to fight for the final stage. Thank God we, as finalists from Unram, won 1st place in the essay competition,” said Wirda.

The success of the two students was inseparable from Unram’s support. Wirda and Rufaida admitted that Unram always provided full support, motivation, and prayers for the convenience of participating in the competition.

“Of course, we really need the support, motivation, and prayers of all Unram’s extended family for the smooth running and success of the competition. And thank God, the campus is very supportive in accompanying us,” said Rufaida.

Wirda and Rufaida helped to motivate other Unram students to keep fighting for all their goals. “Continue to study, pursue your goals, carve out brilliant and proud achievements to make Mataram University proud on the national and international levels,” said Rufaida.