Twin graduates Zahra Fithriyah Muna and Zahirah Salma Nuha with the ITS Rector, Dean of FDKBD ITS, and Head of the ITS DKV Department after being confirmed in the 127th Graduation procession

ITS Campus, ITS News – There was something unique about the first day of the 127th Graduation Ceremony of the Institut Teknologi Sepuluh November (ITS) at the ITS Indoor Futsal Sports Building (GOR), Saturday (3/18). Among the 601 graduates who were confirmed, there were a pair of twin graduates who both came from the ITS Visual Communication Design (DKV) Department.

Born as identical twins, Zahra Fithriyah Muna and Zahirah Salma Nuha are used to doing things together. Even in studying, these beautiful twins also compactly graduated within 3.5 years, and both managed to hold the title cum laude.

With the same hobbies and passions, Zahra and Zahirah decided to study in the same program at ITS. They did target to go through the lecture level together from the start.

These twin girls also have a long-term target to be able to graduate quickly and get a cumlaude title. This is evidenced by Zahra and Zahirah’s diligence in managing their time and timeline.

At first, Zahra and Zahirah were hesitant to realize this target, considering that no DKV students managed to graduate within 3.5 years. Moreover, a stereotype about design majors is known to be difficult so far. However, this encouraged them.

Thanks to the support of their parents, the environment, and their constant efforts, the target was finally achieved. “Even though we were pessimistic, Zahirah and I kept encouraging each other to stay focused on our goals,” said Zahra, often called Ara.

(from left) Zahirah Salma Nuha and Zahra Fithriyah Muna, twin ITS Visual Communication Design Department graduates, show their Final Project work.

Zahra revealed to be able to complete the lecture within 3.5 years was a challenging thing. Their schedules became quite busy considering the many targets that had to be completed until they could finally graduate within 3.5 years with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) cum laude predicate.

Zahra graduated with a GPA of 3.74, and Zahirah with a GPA of 3.77. “We try to consistently maximize the Semester Credit Units (SKS) taken each semester,” she said.

Not only that, but these two girls with glasses also made a myriad of achievements throughout their lectures. Both succeeded in making achievements at the 2020 National Student Performance in Information and Communication Technology (Gemastik) as the top 20 best animation finalists, the first runner-up in the national animation field of Gemastik 2021, and the first and third winners of Animakini 2021.

Not only active in competing, but these hijab-wearing twins are also active in various organizations. According to Zahirah, participating in organizations and multiple competitions can add insight, new experiences, and support portfolios. This led Zahra and Zahirah to be named the most active students of 2021, given by HIMA RUPA DKV ITS.

As twin sisters studying in the same program, they shared how they often remind each other to do assignments or learn together. They also encourage and motivate each other to achieve their targets.

Zahirah said there were not a few unique events that the two of them felt during their lectures. “Often asked what the difference is, it’s not uncommon to get confused when greeting,” said the girl from Surabaya while laughing.

Zahra Fithriyah Muna and Zahirah Salma Nuha are twin graduates from the ITS Visual Communication Design (DKV) Department who both achieved cum laude predicates

In their Final Project (TA), Zahra and Zahirah made a motion comic works as learning media. Zahirah raised the theme of food waste education with the title Tapak Sena which is packaged with language and delivery that children easily understand. She hopes that her motion comic series can increase children’s awareness of food and make them appreciate food more.

In contrast to Zahirah, Zahra raised the theme of anti-cyberbullying entitled Sekawan Berpijar with the target of intensifying understanding of the six dimensions of the Pancasila profile. She hopes that the motion comic she made can have a positive impact and that students can better understand and implement it into their daily lives.

In the future, these twin sisters will have the same target: to continue their postgraduate studies abroad. They also aim to take the same study program and university. At the end of the conversation, both advised the younger generation to keep trying and never give up on achieving their goals. “Don’t forget to keep praying. Involve God’s power in our every endeavor,” Zahirah concluded. (ITS Public Relation)

Reporter: Nayla Maisun Nur Aqila