Not every journey toward a dream begins with success. Some people first have to face rejection, uncertainty, and unexpected turns before finally reaching the place they have worked so hard for.
That is the story of dr. Ipangga Hulian, a member of the first graduating cohort of Thursina International Islamic Boarding School (IIBS) Senior High School. After studying medicine at Andalas University, he successfully completed the Medical Profession Program with cum laude honours. His journey in education and healthcare has continued as he now serves as a teaching assistant at the Faculty of Medicine, Andalas University—the same campus that witnessed his growth from a medical student into a doctor.
Yet, none of this came easily.
A Dream That Survived Failure
From the beginning, Ipangga had set his heart on studying medicine. For him, becoming a doctor was not simply about choosing a field of study. It was also about choosing a path where he could continue learning, serving others, and creating meaningful impact.
His efforts, however, were first met with disappointment. He was unsuccessful in gaining admission through both the SNMPTN and SBMPTN national university selection pathways. Those two setbacks became a period that tested how strongly he believed in the dream he had held for years.
“My journey to study medicine at Andalas University began with a struggle that was far from easy. At that time, I experienced several setbacks in the public university admission process through SNMPTN and SBMPTN,” he recalled.
Another opportunity eventually came through Andalas University’s Independent Achievement Admission Track. A door that once seemed closed finally opened from a different direction.
Ipangga began university during the COVID-19 pandemic, when classrooms were replaced by screens and adapting to change became an unavoidable part of student life. It made the beginning of his journey very different from what he had imagined. Even so, he chose to keep moving forward and make the most of the opportunity before him.
Growing Beyond the Classroom
For Ipangga, medical education did not take place only in classrooms, laboratories, or hospitals. He also found valuable lessons through student organisations, competitions, and many new experiences.
Despite the demanding schedule of medical school, Ipangga was trusted to lead one of the Student Activity Units at Andalas University. He also actively participated in various competitions at both national and international levels.
Every responsibility taught him how to lead. Every competition encouraged him to test his abilities. Every challenge reminded him that consistency often matters more than occasional big efforts.
His hard work eventually led him to become a finalist in the National Outstanding Student Competition in 2022. The achievement recognised not only his academic abilities, but also the leadership, contributions, and experiences he had built throughout his university years.
“Those experiences taught me about leadership, hard work, consistency, and the courage to keep growing,” he said.
He later completed his journey through the Medical Profession Program with cum laude honours. It was an achievement made even more meaningful because it grew from the courage to keep trying after experiencing failure.
The Thursina Values That Remain with Him
Long before wearing a white coat, Ipangga had already gone through an important period of personal growth at Thursina IIBS Senior High School. As a member of the school’s first cohort, he grew alongside Thursina during its early years, experiencing an education that shaped students not only through knowledge, but also through daily habits and character building.
According to Ipangga, Thursina played an important role in shaping his character and fundamental values, particularly discipline, independence, and the motivation to keep learning and developing himself.
The principle of holistic and balanced education that he learned at Thursina also remains an important part of the way he lives. It has helped him understand that success cannot be measured only by intellectual achievement or academic titles.
For him, life needs to be lived as a whole and in balance—between intellectual growth, character, spirituality, and contribution to others.
These are the values he continues to carry in his journey as a doctor and educator. Knowledge, after all, is not only something to be mastered, but also something to be shared and used to benefit others.
A Degree Is Not the End of the Journey
For Ipangga, becoming a doctor is not the finish line. Instead, the title marks the beginning of a greater responsibility to keep learning, contributing, and giving his best.
“This journey is not simply about earning a degree. It is about how every failure, opportunity, and experience has shaped me into someone who always wants to keep learning, contributing, and giving my best,” he shared.
Ipangga’s story reminds us that failure does not always mean a journey has to end. Sometimes, failure is simply leading someone toward a door they have not yet seen.
From a student in the first cohort of Thursina IIBS Senior High School, to a medical student who once faced rejection in university admissions, and eventually to becoming a doctor and teaching assistant at the Faculty of Medicine, Andalas University, Ipangga shows that dreams grow alongside the courage to keep moving forward.
As the life motto he holds onto says, “It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.”
To Thursina students who are currently working toward their own futures, Ipangga leaves one simple message:
“Keep moving forward, because every process will bring you closer to the best version of yourself.”
