Inspirational Story of a Housemaid's Child Without a Father Who Can Go to School and Graduate from College

Dream - Never imagined in Merry Santika's mind that she could continue her education to the highest level.

Dreaming of being able to continue college sometimes she is still enveloped in doubt. But all of that can finally be achieved.

Through her TikTok account @merrysantikaaa, Merry tells the story of her struggle to achieve higher education amidst economic limitations.

Growing up only with a mother figure, Merry's family's economy is considered mediocre.

Her father passed away when Merry was 10 years old. So her mother had to take care of Merry and her three other siblings alone.

Apparently, Merry's family's life changed drastically since her father's departure forever.

The mother had to work hard and take care of her four children alone.

All of the father's inheritance was sold, including the house where Merry had lived since birth.

Merry and her 3 siblings and her mother had to move to a shabby and dilapidated house. The house was not bought or rented, but borrowed from a kind person who helped them.

Merry's new family life began from that shabby and dilapidated house.

The roof of the house is made of tiles and zinc. Half of the walls are bricks, the other half are woven bamboo.

Many parts of the glass windows are broken or have holes, so they have to be covered with plywood.

But since living in that shabby and dilapidated house, Merry had a big dream.

She wants to have her own house that is in better condition for her siblings and mother to live in.

Merry started her dream by continuing her education to a higher level. She decided to go to college.

Higher education for Merry is not about a diploma, but about changing the mindset towards the direction and goals in life.

So, how did Merry continue her college education while her family's economy was mediocre?

Apparently, since junior high school, Merry has been working to earn money. Starting from selling cakes around, helping neighbors with laundry, selling painting services and handicrafts.

"Even because I was afraid I couldn't go to school (continue to high school). My siblings wanted to take me to Kalimantan (uncle's house).

"But at that time, Alhamdulillah, it turned out that I stayed here and could still go to school (high school)," she said.

Just like when she was in junior high school, Merry continued to try to earn money to help her family's economy.

She has worked as a store and event promoter, and even worked as a street sweeper.

In addition, her mother worked as a housekeeper for a police family. Merry was assigned to take care of the police family's children.

Merry also started an online business by selling anything. From skincare, clothes, shoes, and so on.

"Even every school holiday, I have to find work to earn money.

"Although I have been working, I never forget my goal in education," she added.

Merry is active in all activities on campus, both academic and non-academic.

"There was only one thing on my mind, I have to graduate and I have to go to college.

"I always believe in my abilities. I also believe in kun faya kun (God's will)," she said.

Moreover, when she entered college, Merry received a scholarship, so the cost became lighter.

Even though she received a scholarship, Merry still diligently earns money by selling online.

Insults and ridicule have become a daily 'meal' for Merry and her family. But that doesn't make her waver in her prayers and efforts.

There are many people who doubt and say, 'How can a maid's child go to college? Why doesn't her mother just work, college fees are expensive'.

Finally, with hard work and prayers, Merry graduated from Raden Intan Lampung State Islamic University.

Source: TikTok