Shoimah’s life journey is like a novel full of twists and turns and valuable lessons that have shaped her into a strong and resilient character. Since childhood, Shoimah, who is usually called Shoim, has faced various challenges that have made her a person who never stops growing and enjoying every process of life.
Shoim comes from a small town in Klaten, which is famous for its Rojolele rice. Shoim spent his childhood in that town until he graduated from primary school. After that, Shoim left home for the first time to move to Yogyakarta to continue his education.
Shoim agreed, considering it an interesting challenge. Armed with his final primary school exam results, he was accepted into SMP 1 Yogyakarta, even though he was ranked in the bottom three. “I’m happy to be able to go to school in Jogja,” said Shoim, reminiscing about those days.
She smiled, reminiscing about her journey. “SMP 1 Yogyakarta is located not far from UGM. As it turned out, Gadjah Mada became the place where I continued my dreams and also served, carrying out the three pillars of higher education.” Shoimah continued her story, “Being accepted and studying at SMA 1 Yogyakarta was an extraordinary experience,” continued Shoim, her eyes full of memories. “That school wasn’t just a place to learn, but also where I found many like-minded friends who shared the same passion for achieving great dreams.”
Shoim is grateful for his parents’ deep concern for their children’s education. Far from the warmth of his family, in a new world, Shoim’s independence began to be tested. He learned with determination to manage money wisely, a valuable lesson that never left his mind during his college years. “I am very grateful to have parents who are ‘literate’ when it comes to their children’s education. My independence began to be forged in my teenage years. Like the wheels of a car that keep turning, so too do the wheels of life, sometimes up and sometimes down. Shoim’s parents’ economic situation was not always stable. However, from this, Shoimah learned the meaning of hard work from his father, an entrepreneur, and his mother, a housewife. Shoim is the fifth of six siblings. It was not easy for them to afford schooling for their fifth child. Therefore, as a child, Shoim felt it was only right to repay her parents’ hard work by taking responsibility for her actions and completing her education well.
The Journey of a Non-Medical Family
The Shoimah family lived as entrepreneurs. Her father was a grocery store owner, whose business was severely affected by the 1998 monetary crisis. When Shoimah was still in primary school, her father’s grocery store went through difficult times. Her mother was a housewife who always supported her husband. She was always ready to help her husband with his grocery store or other businesses. Various efforts were made to stabilise their economic situation, but unfortunately, they failed several times. Then, they switched to bird farming, which provided a decent income before it was affected by the bird flu issue, causing the business to decline. Shoim sighed, looking into the distance as if recalling those difficult times. “As entrepreneurs running a grocery store or bird breeding business, my parents’ income was not stable every month; we were very dependent on market conditions.”
Shoim smiled faintly, concluding the story with a tone full of realism, “But that is the challenge of being an entrepreneur, full of uncertainty, but that is also where our strength and spirit lie.”
Shoim smiled slightly, recalling the lively family discussion that had taken place at his home. “Finally, after much consideration, I decided to take the second option in dentistry,” he concluded with a confident smile. At that time, Shoim took the university entrance exam through the SPMB pathway with both options, and for each option, prospective students were required to fill in their parents’ ability to pay the Academic Quality Improvement Contribution (SPMA) according to their income range. SPMA 0 for parents’ income below one million, SPMA 1 for parents’ income between one million and two and a half million, and so on. For the first option, Shoim filled in the amount for SPMA 1.
Although Shoim’s mother initially did not approve of the SPMA fee, after a long and understanding discussion, she finally agreed. On the other hand, Shoim also prepared an alternative in case he was not accepted into either of his first two choices. Shoim also enrolled at the Midwifery Polytechnic, where he was initially accepted as an alternate candidate. Finally, the SPMB results were announced, and Shoim was accepted into his second choice, dentistry. Shoim decided not to pursue midwifery at the Poltekkes and instead began a new journey at the Faculty of Dentistry at UGM.
Selling Bread until it was Nicknamed Shoim Bakery
Being a dental student turned out to be challenging for Shoim, who had limited pocket money. The weekly allowance he received from his parents was not much different from what he had received in secondary school. However, his university expenses were much higher, especially in dentistry, where practical equipment and materials were not cheap. He had no choice but to work hard to meet his financial targets. Shoim even earned the nickname ‘Shoim Bakery’ in class because he brought bread to sell every morning. Although this meant he had to leave early in the morning to pick up the bread from the bakery and return in the afternoon/evening after class to order the bread for the next morning. These are the kinds of experiences you don’t get just by sitting in lectures. During his studies, Shoim was active in faculty organisations such as the Muslim Student Association of the Faculty of Dentistry at UGM and the Denta Paramitha study group. “I usually bought around fifty loaves of bread, which I sold for a profit that sometimes reached fifty thousand rupiah a day, enough to cover my meals and petrol. Back then, food was still more affordable; with Rp10,000, you could already have rice and eggs,” he said with a smile.
Scholarship Strengthens My Struggle
Shoim runs a bread-selling business while remaining enthusiastic about seeking scholarship opportunities. Shoim recounts that at that time, he received information about the KSE Scholarship from his older sibling who was studying electrical engineering. Together with his sibling, Shoim submitted an application for the KSE Scholarship.
“There’s no denying that my sister was my bridge to KSE. Thanks to her love of searching for scholarship information, I found out about this KSE scholarship. And this scholarship not only provides monthly financial assistance, but also the opportunity to participate in various training programmes that develop soft skills and leadership.”
With this scholarship, Shoim receives 600 thousand rupiah every month, which greatly helps him cover his daily living expenses, meet his tuition needs, and ease his parents’ burden. During his time with KSE, Shoim feels very proud and sometimes still cannot believe the benefits he has received from participating in KSE activities.
“Being at KSE, I gained many things, not only financially, for example the training I received at RINDAM at that time, we were also taught to develop a love for our country, national and civic awareness, and activities like this are not necessarily available elsewhere. Shoim felt very lucky to be able to participate in training that was so valuable and meaningful to him. The annual Face-to-Face Meeting for KSE Scholarship Recipients, which Shoim has attended, both at UGM and at other universities, has made him even more enthusiastic about KSE. The training began with a warm welcome from the Rector of Gadjah Mada University, who not only gave an inspiring introduction but also emphasised the importance of education and self-development in achieving one’s goals. The most interesting part of the event was the interactive games designed to strengthen teamwork and group cohesion. Not only that, the presence of company executives as guest speakers provided valuable insights into industry dynamics, challenges faced, and tips for success in building a sustainable career.
In addition, at KSE we also have a secretariat known as Rumah Bedjo. At this secretariat, KSE scholarship recipients are actively involved in programmes that they themselves have initiated. Activities at the KSE UGM scholarship association are not limited to that; there are also activities teaching young children in the neighbourhood around Rumah Bedjo. When Mount Merapi erupted violently in 2010, Shoim and the KSE UGM association also took part in humanitarian efforts, known as Senyum untuk Merapi (Smiles for Merapi).
Although most of Shoim’s friends from the medical department come from more established economic backgrounds, membership in KSE helps Shoim feel more connected and familiar with friends from various other faculties who have similar family or economic backgrounds to him. One of the major benefits Shoimah gained was the ease of building a patient network in the future as a professional, thanks to Shoim’s membership in KSE. Shoim can easily ask for recommendations from his peers, both to find patients in need of care and to obtain information about their neighbours who need medical services.
Clinical Dentist and Paediatric Dentist
Graduating from student status and becoming a dentist did not stop me from continuing to contribute and develop myself. After being officially recognised as a dentist in September 2014, Shoim began to take on new responsibilities in the dental profession. Two years after becoming a dentist, Shoim felt the desire to continue his studies to pursue a specialisation. My decision fell on the combined Master’s degree programme in Clinical Dentistry and Paediatric Dentistry at the same alma mater, UGM. “I used to jokingly write on paper, wondering what it would feel like to have a long title before and after my name. And perhaps it was also an unconscious prayer,” she added. When she found out about the combined degree programme at UGM, which allowed her to obtain a specialist degree and a master’s degree at the same time, Shoimah felt that this was an extraordinary opportunity. “Oh, it’s not bad to get two degrees,” Shoimah thought to herself. Even though she had chosen to pursue a specialisation or master’s degree at UGM, Shoimah always respected her mother’s wish for her to stay close to Klaten.
Love for Children with Special Needs
Shoim chose to specialise in paediatric dentistry because he saw the uniqueness of the world of children. Although many are more interested in specialisations such as orthodontics or oral surgery, which promise greater income, Shoim has a different perspective. Shoim believes that caring for children is not just a profession, but also a calling to have a positive impact on their future. When we teach and impart knowledge to children about the importance of caring for their teeth, we also open their minds to the fact that dental health is very important, which may not be widely known by the general public. The importance of dental health in children has a major impact on their development in adulthood, including in terms of how they learn. “Adolescents, adults, parents, or older adults are easier to manage, but children are difficult to manage. So, for some reason, it’s strange and challenging for me, even though it’s difficult,” said Shoim. This is a challenge for Shoimah, unlike managing dental care for adults or adolescents, who tend to be easier to manage.
Shoim dreams of owning his own dental clinic that focuses on children’s growth and development. He realises that there are still very few clinics that specialise in children, especially children with special needs, which is what interests him.
Not Just a Dream: Education, Research and Community Service
A major challenge for us, especially in Indonesia, is to increase awareness of children with special needs, including in terms of dental health. Children, especially those with special needs, require special attention in efforts to improve their dental health.
“The dental health of children with special needs is important at all ages. Although every child is unique, they still require special attention in education and training, especially with regard to their dental health,” said Shoim, reflecting inwardly.
Shoim continued, “This programme not only targets children with special needs, but also involves their parents and teachers at the special needs school. We hope this programme can raise awareness of the importance of dental health from an early age.”
Shoimah is not only dedicated to her work, but also through her academic journey from undergraduate to specialist, she researched the theobromine content in chocolate, which has been found to have anti-caries benefits. One of her supervisor’s dreams is to commercialise this chocolate product, either as toothpaste or in the form of food that is friendly to dental and oral health. Shoimah’s supervisor was inspired by seeing chocolate toothpaste in Germany, but in Indonesia, this concept is still rarely known.
Determination and Optimism in Service as a Lecturer
Quoting from Jane Austen’s novel,
Optimism does not come from determination or mere perseverance. A sincere soul and heart, the ability to be patient, and sound reasoning can produce steadfastness, and most importantly, a flexible mind.
The struggle to achieve his dream continued. He completed two theses. He balanced his studies and work. At that time, optimism and patience were the keys to completing what he had started. Shoim remembered when he was a student at that time, he wrote his name with the long title he dreamed of and stuck it on the mirror of his boarding house at that time. Thank God, one by one, his dreams came true. After graduating from his master’s programme, the desire to become a lecturer grew stronger. Shoim wanted to be part of the struggle for children who needed education to improve their standard of living.
Now Shoim is still a lecturer, thank God. Shoimah was accepted as a lecturer after graduating with a specialisation. Shoim has only been a lecturer at his alma mater for two years. Shoim wants to be a lecturer so that he can stay young at heart. This is because Shoimah believes that if we share our knowledge with others, our knowledge will also increase. It can be said that sharing knowledge is a form of charity.
And becoming a lecturer challenged Shoim to always keep learning, especially in dentistry, where knowledge is constantly updated. Being both a lecturer and a practitioner or clinician ultimately meant that Shoimah had no choice but to learn. She became both an academic and a clinician. Now, pursuing a career as a lecturer in the Department of Paediatric Dentistry at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Gadjah Mada, is my choice. Sharing knowledge and continuing to learn. As a clinician, Shoimah currently spends her time as a paediatric dentist at the Prof. Soedomo Dental and Oral Hospital, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Gadjah Mada, and at Joy Dental Clinic, one of the dental clinics in Yogyakarta.
The Routine of Two Professions: Doctor and Lecturer
Living the routine of being a dentist at the clinic and a lecturer at UGM provides Shoim with an exhausting but also very enjoyable experience. Shoim never likes to just sit around, so he always finds something to do every day. From morning to evening, Shoim focuses on campus as an academic, teaching and discussing with students.
This routine presents challenges that Shoimah enjoys. Although it is exhausting, Shoimah feels fortunate to be able to contribute in two roles that she loves very much.
“Praise be to God, I am now married. My husband supports my activities by not spending much time at home, and he doesn’t mind,” said Soimah.
“In between my busy schedule as a lecturer, I schedule one day at the dental and oral hospital. That is part of the power of my prayers. I hope my story can inspire anyone that nothing is impossible if we try and pray for our dreams,” he said sincerely.
Epilogue: Don’t Be Afraid to Dream
For those who recognise the power of prayer, they will not be trapped in pessimism when their prayers remain unanswered. Nor should they feel discouraged when their prayers seem slow to be answered. Prayer is like the steps we build towards the heavens. Step by step, slowly but surely, we build that staircase that will one day reach the top of the sky. Maybe not now, not tomorrow, not even the day after tomorrow. But believe me, Allah always hears and gives the right time to answer every prayer. Accompany your prayers with good deeds, and be sure that your dreams will come true one by one. I believe that every small step we take, every effort we make, forms part of an unpredictable life story. With faith and perseverance, we can overcome seemingly impossible obstacles. I want to convey a message to anyone who hears it: never hesitate to dream big and pray sincerely. With a warm smile, Shoim added,
We are the creators of our own history. Let us continue to strive, work hard, and pray to reach the heights of a meaningful and blessed life.