Jakarta. Content creator Jerome Polin recently shared his formula for success with Tanoto Foundation scholarship recipients during an Inspirational Talk event, stating that “dream x plan x do x consistency = success.”

“Why do we multiply these factors? Because if any one of them is 0, the result will also be 0. For example, if you have a dream but don’t take action or remain consistent, you won’t see the results,” Jerome said.

Jerome, popularly known for his mathematics-related YouTube content, has amassed thousands of followers. The 26-year-old also gained recognition for studying at the prestigious Waseda University in Japan on a scholarship.

Jerome revealed that obtaining a scholarship was not easy. He initially applied to a university in Singapore but was rejected. However, he did not give up and later participated in various math competitions and Olympiads, ultimately achieving the highest math score during his scholarship test, outshining thousands of competitors.

“Learning is never a waste of time. I’ve sometimes felt that my studies were pointless, but later on, that knowledge proved valuable. We may not see the purpose now, but when the moment arrives, we will have the knowledge and skills. Since then, I’ve been eager to learn anything,” he said.

While studying in Japan, Jerome faced many challenges, including language barriers. Not only did he need to navigate daily conversations, but his math classes were also conducted in Japanese. Beyond academic capacity, he recognized the importance of soft skills, particularly social and networking skills, to expand his connections.

“We must also have principles. We shouldn't seek validation from others or sacrifice our values. When we uphold our principles, people will come to value us, and we won’t be easily swayed. If we can be easily influenced, we lose control of our lives and don’t make progress,” Jerome said.

According to Jerome, those who wish to succeed should not fear being different. From his experience in math Olympiads, he noticed that many intelligent students rarely interacted with each other. He realized it was pointless to attend such prestigious events without making friends.

In addition to competing, he decided to be more approachable and engage in conversations with everyone, including event organizers. Jerome only advanced to the provincial level and never won at the national level. It was then he learned that he wasn’t as brilliant as his competitors, which motivated him to become a content creator to stand out from the others.

Transitioning to content creation, especially in educational math, was not without its challenges. He mentioned that many questioned his capabilities.

In response to questions from Tanoto Foundation scholars, Jerome admitted to experiencing a quarter-life crisis after achieving his financial goals and social media metrics.

“It felt empty, like being a robot. As humans, we aspire to move forward,” he remarked.

To overcome this crisis, Jerome revisited his dreams and life goals, fueling his optimism about his content creation efforts. The aspiring education minister expressed a strong desire to engage directly in the educational field and establish a school. He is currently planning to set up a tutoring center and math academy.

“This reignites my passion,” he asserted.

Jerome urged the younger generation not to extinguish their passions. Even if circumstances, such as family responsibilities or economic demands, make it difficult to pursue those passions now, it’s essential to keep that fire alive.

“Don’t extinguish the flame. During my free time, I never forget my passion and continue to explore it. Once we are stable and independent, we can pursue that passion,” he advised.

Everyone has 24 hours in a day, but results vary based on how individuals choose to use that time, according to Jerome. He encouraged young people to make the most of their time, honing their skills and expanding their networks.

“Also, don’t fear failure. If you fail, see it as an opportunity to learn. If you try the first door and it’s the wrong one, keep trying until you find the right door. Each failed attempt teaches you something. Don’t fall into the same hole repeatedly. The more you fail, the more you learn,” he concluded.