Take Aways from Steve Jobs

Today many people throughout the world are mourning the death of Steve Jobs, a visionary  man who changed the world.  Last night a TV program that did a segment on his life played a segment of his Commencement Address at Stanford on July 12, 2005.  I was so touched by his words I "googled" the address this morning so I could read the whole address which can be found at http://news.stanford/edu/news/2005/june15/jobs-061505.html

There are three take-aways from his speech that I feel we will want to consider for our Esperanza scholars:

Take away #1:  The classes Jobs took in college that he wanted to take rather than the ones he was required to take had a tremendous influence on what he was able to accomplish in his life.  Therefore, we will want to provide opportunities for our Esperanza scholars to learn more about their interests.

Take away #2:  Jobs was fired from the company--Apple--that he started.  Although this was extemely painful for him, he stayed true to the work that he loved.  We want our Esperanza scholars (and educators!) to understand that pursuing that which they love does not come without a price and there will be obstacles.  Yet, if they work through the obstacles and overcome "failures"--possibly having to take another route to reach their dreams--they will probably accomplish more than they would have otherwise.

Take away #3:  After receiving word that he had pancreatic cancer, Jobs realized in a more real way that our time on earth is limited.  Therefore, it is not wise to allow the opinions of others to drown out one's inner voice to become what each person already knows what he truly wants to become.  It is important for us to help each Esperanza scholars (and educator!) to become what his/her heart is saying rather than striving to make all of them the same. 

In closing Jobs told about the need to "Stay hungry, Stay foolish."  May we help everyone at Esperanza to live this counsel.