UPNVJ Public Relations — An emotional atmosphere colored the 76th Graduation Ceremony of the National Development University “Veteran” Jakarta (UPNVJ) when Miska Anayya, a graduate of the Bachelor of Accounting Study Program, Faculty of Economics and Business, delivered a speech as a representative of the graduates. In front of university leaders, lecturers, parents, invited guests, and thousands of graduates, Miska shared the story of her journey from feeling inferior at the beginning of college to successfully obtaining a bachelor's degree. The 76th UPNVJ Graduation was held on Monday, May 18, 2026, at the Jakarta International Convention Center and inaugurated 1,816 graduates with the theme "Becoming Competent, Adaptive, and Characterful Graduates to Defend the Nation."

In her speech, Miska expressed her gratitude for being able to stand on behalf of the 76th graduating class. She described the graduation ceremony not only as the end of an academic journey, but also as a testament to the long journey they have gone through together.

"Today, the togas we wear are no longer just a symbol of academic graduation, but rather tangible evidence of the long process we have successfully gone through together," said Miska.

For Miska, college isn't just about completing courses, completing assignments, and completing exams. Beyond that, campus life is a space for character development, courage in decision-making, and learning to take responsibility in navigating the various dynamics of life.

She then recalled the beginning of college, which was one of the most challenging times in her life. Coming from a vocational high school background, Miska admitted to feeling left behind when she had to take a Statistics course on the first day of class.

"At that time, I could only sit silently, struggling to understand, while harboring deep discouragement. As soon as class was over, I went straight to the restroom and cried," she recalled.

This experience didn't make her give up. Instead, feeling left behind actually motivated Miska to study harder, catch up, and build confidence that every student has their own growth path.

In addition to academic challenges, Miska also faced challenges from her family's financial situation. However, she believes that life's pressures don't always have to weaken a person, but can instead be a process that forges resilience, patience, and a fighting spirit.

The most emotional moment came when Miska expressed her gratitude to her parents. With a trembling voice, she recalled her father, who faithfully drove her from kindergarten to graduation, and her mother, who raised her to be independent.

Miska also expressed her appreciation to her friends, colleagues, organizational partners, lecturers, and the entire UPNVJ academic community who have been a part of her educational journey. She believes that a graduate's success never comes in isolation, but rather stems from the support of many parties, present in various forms.

In her closing speech, Miska urged all graduates to remain humble in their pursuit of success. She also reminded them that academic degrees are not merely a matter of personal pride, but rather the beginning of a greater moral responsibility.

"Hopefully, the academic titles we hold today will not just be a matter of pride, but rather the starting point for a much greater moral responsibility," he said.

Miska's speech received a standing ovation from the audience and became one of the most memorable moments at UPNVJ's 76th Graduation Ceremony. Her story demonstrates that higher education is not just about academic achievement, but also about the courage to rise, grow, and provide meaning for one's family, alma mater, and community.

In the spirit of the National Defense Campus, this moment aligns with the message of UPNVJ Rector, Prof. Dr. Anter Venus, MA, Comm, that UPNVJ graduates are expected to be competent, adaptive, and character-based learners, capable of bringing the value of service to a broader life. UPNVJ's official profile lists Prof. Dr. Anter Venus, MA, Comm as UPNVJ Rector for the 2022–2026 period.