Jeane Irene Beatrice Gloriana Zebua Wanggai, become the youngest graduate of the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) at the age of 20 years. The Papuan student earned her bachelor degree at the third ITB Graduation Ceremony of this year at Sasana Budaya Ganesha, Bandung.
Jeane began her study at ITB in 2018 and able to finish her study just for two years. “I still can’t believe it because I thought there are still many of those who are younger than me,” said Jeane quoted from ITB.ac.id.
In her childhood, Jeane started her elementary school at 5 years old and she already able to read and write, which made the school permits her to join the class.
“I thought myself how to read and write from posters that my mom bought from the shops. At that time, the requirement to enter the elementary school is not as strict as now, and because of that I got into the elementary school at a very young age,” she said.
When she was at the Jayapura 3 High School, Jeane chose to join the acceleration program which made her able to graduate from high school in only two years. Jeane revealed that she was having no difficulties in learning and studying although she is younger than other ITB students.
Jeane is interested in engineering and that her choose ITB as her dream university. With her excellent track record in academic, she got accepted at the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering (FTSL) of ITB and chose Environmental Engineering as her major.
When she was asked about her first impression in studying at ITB, Jeane admits that she was fascinated with what she learned at the campus. She said that the lecturers and staffs at the FTSL ITB is really amazing and inspirational.
“The most fun thing (in Environmental Engineering) is that I can get to know the lab more. When I was in High School, we just got introduced to some basic things in labs, just like chemistry lab, but in here, the lab is so cool. Just like in environmental microbiology course, I got the chance to see the little bacteria and learn about the optimal temperature for them to survive,” said Jeane excitedly.
Other than academics, Jeane also actively participates in the ITB Environmental Engineering Student Association (HMTL ITB) and ITB Cultural Unit ITB (UKIR ITB). Through these two organizations, she was able to get to know many kinds of interesting people with their own various backgrounds.
One of the most memorable moments for her is when she got the chance to led the July 2020 HMTL ITB graduation. “That made me become more wiser person. The friends who help me are also very supportive and can open my mind to many things,” she said while having a little bit of laugh.
Currently, Jeane is continuing her study in a fast-track program and hopes she can graduate with a master’s degree next year. She hopes to realize her dream of coming back home to Papua and help develop her hometown.
At the end of the interview, Jeane said a few things to all ITB students who are still struggling to complete their studies,
“Keep expanding your relations as best as you can and don’t stress it out, small progress is still progress,” said Jeane.