Think Different.
Steve Jobs, the brilliant mind behind Apple, the personal computer, the ipod, ipad, iphone and Pixar died earlier this week. I thought it fitting, as you write your college essays and consider the beginning of your own professional and personal journey, to stop for a minute and reflect upon Jobs and his message for college graduates.
Read this obituary from CBS News about Steve Jobs.
Read this speech Steve Jobs gave the graduating students at Standford University. Watch the video too.
Please respond to his life and his speech. What aspects of his advice or message will you take with you? How will you "think different" as you begin your adult life?
I love Steve Jobs's speech. There are only three main points that I will take from that speech. The first is that the dots will connect in the future. I really connected to this because for someone who doesn't know what direction to take their life in terms of careers it can be pretty scary, especially when it feels like everyone around you is so sure of themselves. His story of experimenting with different classes inspired me because I hope to go to college and do the exact same thing. It feels relieving to know that there was someone else, especially a person so inspiring, who experimented and did not know exactly what they wanted to do. I was reassured by his experience.
ReplyDeleteThe next part I connected to was when he advised for the students not to let "the noise of other's opinion drown out your own inner voice". As a senior in high school and even in life, there will always be older and "wiser" people trying to tell you what to do. For example, when I told my mother I wanted to enter college undecided, she was skeptical. She proceeded to suggest a list of "prestigious" careers that she deemed to be perfect for me. No matter how unsure and scared I was of the future or disappointing her, I had to follow my own heart and tell her that I needed time to decide for myself. Like Steve Jobs, I do not want to enter a career I am not passionate about. I want to take his advice and do something I love and look forward to everyday. If that takes a year or two of exploring, then it is well-worth the wait. In my opinion, it is better to take time figuring out what you want then it is to make a rash decision that you need to keep on revising. I would rather accept the million puzzled stares and worried looks I get when I tell people I am undecided, rather than risk making the wrong career choice that I will potentially have to live with my whole life.
The last part of the speech I loved was he ending quote. Stay hungry. Stay Foolish. It encouraged me to always strive harder in life for that next big step. Whether it be in the workplace or at home. I must always want more and try to reach newer goals.
Steve Jobs's speech and life inspires me to "think different" because it shows me what the results of true vision and determination look like. As long as I believe and trust in myself over everyone else I can never go wrong. My happiness depends on me and my own willpower. There is no one else to blame.
-Shannon Coombs
I enjoyed Steve Job's speech. The three stories he told were very inspiring. From those stories I can take a point from each one. From the first story he told, the point about connectng the dots is very true. When something bad happens, most people think thats the end; truly its only the beginning. When Jobs got fired from Apple, instead of sulking and being depressed, he used that to stimulate him. From that he created Pixar and a company that eventually Apple took over. He inspires me to have faith and determination, and somehow it will all turn out ok in the end. Also how he went to the caligraphy class, because he wanted to, shows me that you have to be passionate in what you are doing. Otherwise, you will never become great at it. It will just be a painful job, instead of a fun one. The second story about love and loss is very inspirational also. The point I take from it is sometimes you need to hit rock bottom before you can come up. When he got fired from Apple, it triggered his creative juices. This point about hitting rock bottom taught me that, theres always a light at the end of the tunnel. The third story is about death. I really enjoyed the quote he said about live each day like its your last. Which simply means have no regrets. As I enter into adulthood, these points and stories will be with me always. I will have faith and determination in everything I do. If I hit rock bottom, I will find away to come back up, and I should live everyday like its my last. This speech reminds me of a famous quote "Life is too short, party harder, laugh louder, smile bigger, love longer, and don't regret anything."
ReplyDeleteRIP Steve Jobs
Steve Job's speech was pretty good. I will only take a few points from that speech. For instance, loving what you do is extremely important. What you do for a living fills a huge part of your life and if you don't love what you do how are you going to be the man you want to be? How are you going to be happy? How are you going to come home in a good mood to see your wife and kids? The only way is to love what you do because if you don't, you probably might be in a bad mood most of the time and you might push away your love ones when you return home from work. It doesn't matter how much money you make if you’re not happy what does it mean? It means nothing and if you do a job you hate because it pays well then you are wasting a big part of your life. The other point was "Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish." That is how you are going to achieve your goals. You have to want it so bad that if you fail, you keep trying until you succeed. Desire and hard work are the most important qualities to succeed. You can be naturally gifted but if you don't put in the time and effort, you won't succeed as the guy who worked his behind off to accomplish his goal. Staying foolish is taking risks. Jobs took a risk when he dropped out of college and that ended up being the best decision of his life. I will definitely take that message with me because I'm a guy who is very cautious. I will definitely take more risks as I proceed in my life.
ReplyDeleteI really liked Steve Jobs’ speech. I never realized how much one life can impact the world. It is inspiring to see how an ordinary man became so successful. Therefore, I will definitely take a few of Steve Jobs’ points with me throughout my life. First, I will always “connect the dots”. Because I’m young, I don’t understand why things always happen. I’ve always believed that everything happened for a reason, but now I am assured that nothing happens without purpose. Maybe when things go wrong, I won’t go bizarre right away. Next, I was truly amazed when Steve Jobs talked about how it is vital to find a job you love. Hearing him talk about this made me reconsider my major for college; I’m thinking of entering undecided so I could find out what I truly love doing. I’m pretty sure I know what I want to do, but I want to experience other options before I settle. Maybe dermatology is my calling or maybe it isn’t. All I want is to be content with my career. It may not be a career that makes six figures, but at least I can wake up excited to go to work. Finally, I will always try to live each day as if it was my last. Thankfully, I’ve never been close to death. But hearing Steve Jobs’ story made me see how “death” can come at any moment and we shouldn’t wait until it comes to start living our lives. If anyone wants to accomplish something, start now. Life is too short to regret. Before you know it, life will reach the finish line. Hopefully the world doesn’t end in 2012 because I plan to pursue so much more in life! Steve Jobs’ inspiring speech made me open my eyes to so much more and see life is a new perspective.
ReplyDeleteNot only do I see life in a more positive aspect, but I think differently. Steve Jobs made me think differently because he took “the road less traveled”. As I approach my future endeavors, I will always remember all Steve Jobs’ words. To get somewhere in life, I need to believe in myself. My path will not always be smooth, but like Steve Jobs, I need to find the drive to continue. Life is too short to regret. I am ready to start living everyday like it is my last.
Hi Miss Silva! This is Kavitha. I asked Elvia to post my response because I still can’t get on the blog
ReplyDelete“Stay hungry. Stay foolish.”
This was Steven Jobs’ short and sweet life motto.
Before hearing about his death recently on the news and in school, I haven’t really thought much about Steve Jobs and what a hard-working genius he was. In fact, I’m ashamed to say that it was just last week I found out who exactly Steve Jobs was, when in fact I’ve been using his invention, the ipod touch, for over a year.
It wasn’t until reading about his life and watching the speech he made at Stanford University, that I realized how strong of a person he was, and how much indeed he struggled to get this far. In his speech he spoke of a lot of inspirational stories of his life, which made me reflect on my own life. I was so surprised to find out that he had dropped out of college. And when I further listened to his speech, the first thing in my mind was, whether I would be strong enough and willing to return to a college that I had dropped out of, as my own decision. It was really brave of him to consider his parents’ financial position to make such a big decision, and then be enthusiastic enough about learning, as to attend classes by his own interest. Knowing me, I would never have the patience to do such a thing, and would probably spend the rest of my life hesitant about what to do next, while drowning myself in self-pity. This made me want to change the way I see a lot of things in my life.
For one thing, I’m a frequent complainer about how my mom always cooks me the same food, and how our teachers give us too much homework. I could never imagine being so financially unstable to the point where I have to walk miles to somehow make enough money to buy myself a meal, or have to give up my education. I watched Steve Jobs’ speech and realized what he meant by “stay hungry”, based on his own life. Just as I was taught in Sunday School, suffering is part of life, and a lot of times a little struggle can make you mentally stronger.
Earlier, I’ve heard the quote that said to live each day “as if it were your last”, but chose to ignore it, thinking it was foolish. I always liked to look into my future, and being to worrywart I am, always became nervous about what I would do if I didn’t get accepted into my dream school, or get the chance to become a veterinarian. However, now that I’ve heard about Steve Jobs’ life, and how he was fired from his own company, it certainly has changed my views. Now I know, that instead of worrying about the negative parts of my life, like not getting accepted into the right college, I have to look back and try harder, and focus on what I can do, rather than what I wasn’t able to do.
College is a big step into my adult-hood, and to be honest, I will always be a little nervous about seeing the “outside-world” for the first time. Especially because I was brought up by conservative, protective parents who always liked to shield me from the ruggedness of the “real world”, it really will be a big change for me. But after hearing Steve Jobs’ speech, I am going to try to think differently about my future. Rather than worrying about what will happen, I am going to try to “connect the dots” from my past and link them all together as I live each day. Steve Jobs’ life story was a real inspiration to me, and I’m not just saying this because I have to. From now on, I too will try to live each day like “it were my last” and make sure that I will do something I love (hopefully something veterinary-related), and try to stop worrying about what could’ve been. “Stay hungry. Stay foolish.” These last two lines of his speech really made me realize that life is mostly about working hard to survive, and having the desire to learn something new each day.
Steve Jobs was a truly amazing individual. He broke traditions in ways that are simply awe-inspiring, to say the least. First off, I was shocked to learn that he never even graduated from college. We're usually taught that in order to be successful in the real world, you need a college diploma. However, Jobs became successful out of sheer personal determination. He dropped-out of Reed College, but drove himself to stay in for a few more years as a drop-in student, and took classes that catered to his personal interests. The fact that he was able to maintain a sense of self-discipline to that degree is inspirational all on its own.
ReplyDeleteIn his address to the Stanford graduates, Jobs emphasized the importance of choosing a career path that suits you. There's a reason that we've heard this a million times from a million different people, and that's because it's absolutely vital that we pursue careers that we're passionate about. I can't imagine going to a college that I dislike, or pursuing a career that I hate. If that was the case, I'd feel unsatisfied with my life, and I'd feel like I'm not really going anywhere in the world. I don't usually take the whole "do what you love" statement to heart because I've heard it so many times, but when it comes from a truly important person like Steve Jobs (who managed to change the world by doing what he loved), it really means something to me. It gives me the hope that with the proper amounts of innovation and dedication, maybe I can contribute to the world one day by doing what I love (whatever that may be).
While getting fired from the company that you started may seem like the end of the world, Steve Jobs said that getting fired from Apple was one of the greatest things that ever happened to him. Rather than holding him down, this experience inspired Jobs to create two new companies that would later go on to revolutionize the technology industry as well. Sometimes, what may seem like the world's largest roadblock is actually the path to a new beginning.
From Steve Jobs, I've learned that life is what you make of it. Success is entirely subjective, and your definition of success has to do with what you plan on achieving in life. If something makes you happy, and it's within reason, then why not go for it? Steve Jobs has shown the world that with the right amount of effort, dedication, and innovation, anything is possible.
After hearing the speech delivered by Steve Jobs, my perception on my future has changed greatly. The way I looked on the future of my life differed from his tremendously. His idea of "don't settle" motivates me because it gives me a sense of determination and perseverance. I believe that quote itself changes anyone's view on their future because most people just follow a path until they've found financial success; however, people who have found a career that they have become satisfied with proves that they have found success in general. Steve Jobs had been fired from an organization that he created and still found a path that led him to satisfaction and success. This only occurred because he never "settled." Being uncertain is common amongst everyone, however Steve Jobs tries to motivate us to follow this uncertainty that we all have contained within us. This uncertainty is what will guide us to success. I realize now that I rather search until i find the right position in my life, rather than submit myself to something that I would never enjoy. If I do not end up enjoying what path I'm placed in, than I'm no where near the road of success i need to be. "Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish" simply puts that we should always want to achieve more from ourselves, no matter what those who've shorthanded themselves have said. If we continue to "stay hungry", then we will eventually find the one perfect temptation that will settle us down for the rest of our lives.
ReplyDeleteSteve Jobs' speech about life and how to approach it was very inspirational. He is a prime example of how determination will lead to success in life. In his speech he talked about his life and how despite dropping out of college, he still made the best of his opportunities. Steve jobs once said, "don't settle." He encouraged people to find something that you are passionate about. Despite the stress on education, which is considered necessary for success, Steve Jobs shows us that success is more of a product of determination and passion than education and conservative approaches. Despite being fired from Apple, which was all he knew, but he still didn't let that stop him from following his dream. He shows the public the power of determination. Probably the most famous quote from the whole speech, "stay hungry, stay foolish" inspires people to stay passionate and determined in achieving their goals, but also take risks and not be afraid to fail in order to reach your goals. Steve Jobs shows us the how motivation, determination, and inspiration can lead to success even when other things in life go against you.
ReplyDeleteWhat I loved about Steve Jobs’ speech was that although his personal success came without having earned a college degree he still encourages young people to continue their studies, and not just blow off school. Although he didn’t graduate from college he accredits his success and part of his invention to the few years he did spend in college taking classes which suited his interest. What is ironic about his inventions, especially his invention of the personal computers, is that they are mostly used by a student, which probably includes college students; even though he himself didn’t graduate from college his inventions are making college student’s lives easier. The part of his speech that mostly stuck with me was the part about doing something that you love, waking up every day to do something that you are passionate about and getting paid for it must be great, to look forward to working is everyone’s dream. Another part that stuck with me was the one about living everyday as if it were your last day, I have never seen life the way Steve Jobs seems to see it, waking up every day and asking yourself “If today was my last day would I do what I’m about to do?” would really put every aspect of life into perspective and help you live your life to its full potential.
ReplyDeleteI personally think that Jobs is inspirational. Is he the most inspirational person? I don't think so... Other people have had things worse than he did, however, I do support some of his ideas and advice. The first thing I agree with is his point about connecting the dots. Even though I'm young, I can look back and see things that have affected me by the decisions I've made. As simple as choosing the school I went to before I moved is a decision that I definately don't regret making. I made lots of friends at that school and received a lot of valuable information from my teachers. Although we had different situations when it comes to another idea that I agree with about loss, I can say that I understand what Jobs was saying. I bring up moving again. At first I didn't want to leave back home. I was reluctant to leave all my friends and family behind, but I see that leaving was probably the right thing to do. In the U.S., I have better educational opportunities and a better chance at success.Yes, it must have been hard getting fired from the company that you created but, if Jobs wasn't fired then he wouldn't have created Pixar and regained control of Apple. Something that I will take foward with me is live everyday like it's your last. I've heard if this before but from Jobs' perspective it's a bit different; he knew that he would die eventually because of his cancer. For me to live everyday like it's my last would be doing something like that I wouldn't normally do. If you're stuck and you don't know what choice to make, do something different because you might be successful. If you fail, just try again. You'll never know if you never try...
ReplyDelete