From Ferry Irwandi and Jerome Polin to Chandra Liow, Inspiring New Students at IPB University’s 63rd MPKMB
Being a college student isn’t just about pursuing higher education, it’s also about discovering one’s identity, building character, and having the courage to navigate the journey. This message was highlighted during IPB University’s 63rd Campus Orientation Program for New Students (MPKMB).
Prominent figures such as influencer Ferry Irwandi, YouTuber Jerome Polin, filmmaker Chandra Liow, comedian Bene Dion, and the Head of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Prof Arif Satria, shared insights and experiences with IPB University’s new students.
Being a Student Is a Privilege
During the event, Ferry Irwandi emphasized that the opportunity to attend school and college is a privilege. Therefore, in his view, the learning process should be enjoyed as an opportunity for every student to become an even better person.
In this process, Ferry stressed, students must possess strong values. A person of character will always be respected, even by their own enemies, he said.
“There’s only one principle I’ve held onto since I was a child, may my life never be a burden to others,” said the founder of the Malaka Project as he addressed the new students at the MPKMB 63 event on the IPB Dramaga Campus (8/11).
Dare to Fail and Try Many Things
On the other hand, Jerome Polin and Bene Dion encourage students to dare to try many things. Jerome views college as an opportunity to get to know oneself through various experiences, both in the classroom and in student organizations.
The key to success, according to Jerome, is to focus on continuously trying and growing, and to treat failure as a learning experience.
As a student who once studied in Japan and fell behind in language skills, he admitted he was faced with two choices: either accept being behind or put in extra effort to catch up.
“If they studied for just 3 hours, I had to study for 5 hours,” he said. “Believe in yourself, strive to do better, and put in more effort to catch up with them,” he emphasized.
Bene Dion also views failure as part of the path to success. His experience participating in a stand up comedy competition in 2013, where he only placed fifth made him realize that the stage wasn’t the right path for him.
“From that failure, I discovered what I love, which led me to become a screenwriter and director today,” he said.
As someone who grew up in a village, Bene noted that the adjustment process during college might feel more challenging due to differences in access to and advancements in technology. However, these circumstances are no reason to give up.
“In fact, that’s where the drive comes from to catch up, get to know oneself, and enjoy the college experience with a joyful heart,” he said.
Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone
At the IPB University Vocational School, Chandra Liow and Prof Arif Satria encourage new students to be adaptable to change and brave enough to step out of their comfort zones.
“The accelerating pace of technological development must be balanced by people’s ability to continuously learn and adapt. Therefore, students need to possess learning agility, the ability to learn quickly and adjust to change,” said Prof Arif.
In addition to competencies, he also emphasized the importance of character traits such as growth mindset, learning agility, grit, strong will, empathy, and integrity. “Ability can take someone to the top, but character is the pillar that sustains success,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, Chandra Liow encouraged students not to become too comfortable in one position and to have the courage to step out of their comfort zones to continue growing. As a content creator, the lesson he shared was the importance of enjoying the process and staying consistent.
“Viral content is just a bonus. Being confident and not overthinking what others say is also important to keep creating boldly,” he said. (AS/dr/Ez) (IAAS/LAN)
