Take Up Real

I had not realized how much hearing the news of Steve’s passing had effected me till this morning- when I was reminded why he is one of my heroes. I heard this speech just after graduating college myself. At a time when I was struggling with the choices I had made for my future and the ones I was about to make. His story touched me and helped confirm that I was on the right path. Coming from parents who did not go to college- I chose to attend a state school. A choice that baffled my advisers. I followed my gut. Somehow I knew it was the right thing to do. Post college I was starting to second guess my choice. I had no clue how to start a career, I was broke, I had just made the big move to the city and I could not see how I was going to make money doing what I loved and I thought I should have it all handled. I wondered if I should have chose differently. That is when I heard this speech. I was working at my current company, which I loved- but did not see how it was going to sustain me. My friends were encouraging me to leave and apply to other tv shows or movies being filmed in the area. This speech helped me get back in touch with my gut. I will be going on my 6th year at fig media this January. I still can not fully see how the dots of my continual choice to figure it out will happen, but I know in my gut it is the right one- and following that instinct is something I am most proud of. Staying hungry and foolish is something I understand. Steve was a visionary, and artist and an entrepreneur. He was also a grounded leader that knew the importance of seeing people and what mattered to them. That is why I believe the things he invested in became what they are. They all are personal and have heart. They allow all of us to find a way to connect to ourselves through technology. So while he will be missed, his impact and leadership lives on. His impact on me is something I am most grateful for.