The Inspirational Story of Willy Satrio Nugroho, a Cat Lover who Earned a Doctorate Degree at the Age of 25

Kapanlagi.com - Not many people think about pursuing a doctoral degree (S3) or a doctorate program. Even if there are, most people would choose to pursue it at an older age. However, it's a different story for a young man from Jakarta named Willy Satrio Nugroho who successfully earned a doctorate degree at the age of 25.

Willy completed his doctoral studies at Brawijaya University, Malang, with a dissertation on Organic Catalyst Design for Hydrogen Production. Not only did he earn a doctorate degree at a young age, but Willy also graduated with cum laude honors! Immediately, Willy became an inspiration for many people.

Willy himself admitted that he never targeted to earn a doctorate degree at a young age. After completing his undergraduate studies in industrial engineering, Willy wanted to become a programmer. Along the way, Willy received an interesting offer to participate in the PMDSU program (Master's to Doctorate Education for Outstanding Bachelor's).

"Well, let's do it. After going through this, I actually enjoyed it. Turns out, there's a lot to learn. The time for doctoral studies is quite short. We actually have to think a lot. A doctorate degree requires us to apply the knowledge from our bachelor's and master's degrees, but we also have to discover something new. That requires creativity, so we need a lot of inspiration," said Willy over the phone.

1. Target to Become a Professor

Photo Credit: Personal Documentation

Willy's success in the academic field is inseparable from the role of his family, especially his beloved mother, Sekar Purnama Sari, who once studied at the medical faculty of UKI. Since sitting in high school, his mother has always instilled discipline in Willy to continue learning and focus on his aspirations. Upon further investigation, it turns out that Willy is also the nephew of the famous lawyer H Sonie Sudarsono SH, MH, who often accompanies several artists in the capital city, as well as a banking law practitioner.

"Yes, my mother has played a role in disciplining my studies since high school. Before that, I was just playing around until junior high school. When I was in high school, I was asked about my aspirations and had to be prepared. My way of studying is simple, without any tutoring that eventually makes us think critically. So, after school, I would immediately study, review what was taught in school, and learn the next material," he explained.

Willy believes that anyone can achieve a doctorate degree at a young age, just like what he is experiencing now. With the note, the person must strive and focus on the goals he wants to achieve. In the future, Willy admitted that he wanted to contribute to the nation and the country with his knowledge.

"What is clear is to contribute to the nation and the country. The target is to become a professor. Actually, everyone is born with the same ability. I always believe that everyone is the same, but maybe it just depends on whether we want to direct ourselves. If we focus on our goals, whatever they may be, if we strive for it, God willing, we will succeed," he said.

2. Save Dozens of Cats

Photo Credit: Personal Documentation

Interestingly, Willy is also an animal lover. He admitted to having more than 30 cats of various breeds. His love for these animals is so great that Willy is willing to pass up the opportunity to participate in the Sandwich program at Keio University in Japan.

Willy takes care of these cats after seeing them wandering on the streets. Some have become victims of motorbike accidents, illnesses, and so on. For now, his actions are still personal. However, it is not impossible for Willy to establish a foundation to protect stray cats on the streets.

"It's not like I collect them, there are just many cats that pass by. Sometimes there are those who ask for food, some are sick, hit by a motorbike, so I treat them. If I often encounter cats in trouble, I just take them. For now, it's still personal. Maybe later, when I can't handle it anymore, I will create a foundation, hahaha," Willy concluded.

(kpl/aal/gtr)