Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Ashton Kutcher Inspired!

The local universities all around Jamaica are re-opening their gates for a new semester which
would include both new and returning students. Some more excited than others, but nevertheless, the goal has been set and must be met.

As a recent graduate of one of these prestigious local universities, I thought that I would write
this article with the aim to inspire someone to think more in depth about their tertiary education.
So, I began brainstorming, clueless as to what it is exactly that I would put on paper and how to
keep it non-mundane.

As I continued in my quest, without expecting it in this form, Ashton Kutcher became the inspiration, hence the reason for the title “Ashton Kutcher Inspired!” If you happened to miss the Teen Choice Awards this year, then you’ve surely missed first-hand the opportunity to hear that impeccable speech given by Mr. Kutcher upon receiving his award.

I know what you may be thinking, Ashton Kutcher, impeccable speech, how did that end up in
the same sentence? It seems Mr. Kutcher has far grown beyond his “That 70s Show” era. His
speech has instigated thought into millions of young minds and therefore through this medium,

I’ll take the opportunity to dissect it and hopefully bring forth greater insight.Firstly, he spoke about “Opportunity.” The word opportunity has several meanings. For some of you reading, it means a chance to be better. For others, favourability for advancement, a possible opening from a prospect and still for others, it means being successful. For Ashton Kutcher, he
believes the word “Opportunity looks a lot like hard work,” and I agree.

Semester one has begun. The possibilities to advance ones’ self in the chosen field of study are endless. It is the time to seize the moment, focus on your education and move a step further at the end of the assigned tenure if you so desire, to walk on that podium and confidently take your canister which inside holds an achievement.

Needless to say, many have this terrific opportunity to prove themselves, but waste it on activities which do not bring forth any empowerment. They blame lecturers, tutors, financial
constraints, family, university facilities and etc, instead of looking in the mirror and seeing where the real problem lies. Believe it or not, going to college is a job; therefore, it is not the time to procrastinate, but the time to challenge ones’ self, to learn about your strengths and weaknesses.

It is the time to make the right connections, visit your career counselor, seek out on campus jobs, internships, part time jobs (if you’re a full-time student) and participate in school activities (such as joining clubs, sporting activities, other recreational activities and the student union, which looks quite remarkable on your resume).

“Opportunity looks a lot like hard work,” because opportunity is simply put hard work. Any goal
worth achieving will require dedication and the utilization of your time efficiently. As Wiz Khalifa correctly puts it, in order to play hard, you’re going to have to work hard… “Work Hard,

Play Hard!”

Secondly, Mr. Kutcher said “Be Sexy.” Yes, I concur, it is your divine right to be sexy. But, being sexy in this context means to be really smart. The first step to being sexy is to always have a Great attitude towards the opportunity that Mr. Kutcher defined. A great attitude towards hardwork will bring forth great results, but a poor attitude towards hard-work will inevitably bring
forth poor results. Let’s take the word “Attitude” a step further. With a great attitude, you’ll also
develop a sense of Gratitude. Often times, opportunities are missed, courses failed, not only
because of a poor attitude but also because a lack of gratitude.

After college, some will quickly matriculate into their chosen career path, whilst others will gain
employment at an entry level position, which is far from what is expected but read closely to
what Ashton Kutcher also said in his speech “… I’ve never had a job in my Life that I was better
than, I was always just lucky to have a job, and every job I had was a stepping stone to my next
job, and I never quit my job until I had my next job…”. I hope that you have carefully read this
statement because it solidifies my argument about being grateful and possessing a great attitude.

Because Mr. Kutcher quickly recognized this at the tender age of 13 years old, he can speak in
this manner, as his life attest to the fact. Drake rapped it best, “Started from the bottom now we’re here.”

Lastly, “Live your Life.” In other words, build a life. Therefore, I recommend that you set S.M.A.R.T goals. What is the meaning of that acronym simply put set specific, measurable,
attainable, realistic and timely goals. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a high school student, recent high school graduate, about to become a university student, already a university student, university graduate or even employed 
but hoping to study at the tertiary level, you must put in effect each of these words in order be efficient in each pursuit.

Also, never get complacent whilst building your Life. Progression is an innate desire for all, so
always challenge yourself through hard work, a great attitude, consistently showing gratitude,
and always think S.M.A.R.T.

Therefore to end the article, I do so in the words of the man who inspired it, Mr. Ashton Kutcher
himself, which is to “Build a Life, Find your opportunities and always Be sexy!”

- Diana M. Williams “Made To Write…”

1 comment:

  1. I make $20 for completing a 20 minute survey!

    Guess what? This is exactly what large companies are paying me for. They need to know what their average customer needs and wants. So large companies pay millions of dollars every month to the average person. In return, the average person, like me and you, answers some questions and gives them their opinion.

    ReplyDelete