UNY graduation remains a story. One of the graduates did manage to graduate with over 170 awards during college. His name is Khakam Ma'ruf. His college struggle likewise was not easy. Every day, Khakam rides his motorcycle more than 70 kilometers to the Mechanical Engineering Education Study Program, Faculty of Engineering UNY. The resident of Pedukuhan I, Cerme, Panjatan, and Kulonprogo was accepted through the superior achievement self-selection path.

At first, after graduating from vocational school, Khakam had no desire to continue his studies because he wanted to work first. However, several companies he applied to did not call him. "You're not fit to work yet, you're still a kid, just go to college. Don't you want to go to college like your other siblings?" said his mother, Sukiyah. Finally, with the encouragement of Sukiyah and his father Sumidi, Khakam decided to enroll in the Mechanical Engineering Education Study Program through the Independent Selection (SM) Superior Achievement pathway and that was the only pathway he registered for. On the day of the announcement, he was surprised to be accepted to study at UNY through that route. "Maybe it was because my mother told me that I should go to college, so I was accepted to study with only one application," said Khakam, on Monday (4/9).

After getting accepted at UNY, alumni of SMKN 2 Pengasih went through significant changes, beginning with participation in research organizations and active competitions as a new student, as well as joining the Faculty of Engineering research organization UKMF Research Matrix. "Joining an organization that focuses on research has improved my mindset," he said. He had many failures and ups and downs, sometimes he lost the competition two to five times a month. It is not uncommon to face scorn from others, but Khakam's determination has helped him win the championship. Because of his consistency, Khakam has approximately 171 national and international championship achievements, which has led him to become the Top 1 most outstanding student on the UNY Presma web (student achievement).

Khakam's first competition began with the invitation of his seniors to the national-level scientific paper competition at Siliwangi University, where at that time Khakam was only three weeks a new student and immediately won third place. His second experience was again successful in winning the scientific paper competition at the University of North Sumatra, which was very impressive because the competition was held directly at the University of North Sumatra competing with other prestigious universities. Khakam passed the Student Creativity Program (PKM) funding twice from the Ministry of Research and Technology. Several other championships he has won are the best work award in the International Youth Summit of Renewable Energy Essay Competition, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) in 2021 with the work of Hybrid Energy system technology. He has participated in international level championships, namely the International Paper Competition by obtaining Gold Medal in the field of technology and various international scientific work championships. In 2022 Khakam became the first winner of the Outstanding Student Selection of the Faculty of Engineering UNY.

The man born in Kulonprogo on April 28, 2001, also has 21 research works published in 14 national journals and 7 international journals indexed by Scopus. His research is very interesting because it is multidisciplinary with various research topics related to education, agriculture, fisheries, machinery, energy, applications, technology, and other fields. Another achievement is 6 IPR (Copyright, Industrial Design and Patent) in the field of appropriate technology and applications. In addition to improving personal achievements, various younger students become guides for scientific work competitions and scholarships. Khakam's guidance resulted in achievements in various national and international championships and student-level competitions; he guided approximately 80 students. Khakam is also involved in a variety of community service activities, and as an engineering student, he holds several certifications of expertise, particularly in the field of Mechanical Engineering.

Khakam's research experience and skills have led to opportunities and job offers in a variety of companies before he even graduated. Khakam currently works for several companies or does two jobs. One of them works at PT Riset Prestasi Indonesia as a Professional Research Mentor and Project Manager in the field of IPR. He performs well as a research mentor in the company and is frequently assigned to teach in various partner schools outside the region. Currently, Khakam is collaborating in research with BUMN, namely PT Pertamina Patra Niaga in the field of empowerment and community service through CSR programs. Khakam is also an active young entrepreneur, and Khakam is currently the Operational Director at CV. Inanri Sukses Bersama, his business is engaged in scientific publication consulting. Khakam's career success is due to his achievements, research, and publications.

Currently, Khakam is still actively conducting various research. Khakam is passionate about research because it allows him to educate others while also contributing to the advancement of science, technology, and science. "I am just a young man from the village who has many dreams, for me when young is the golden time to start the future and the future belongs to those who believe in their dreams," he said.