If there’s one video I’d recommend everyone to watch, it’s Steve Jobs’ commencement speech at Stanford University in 2005

I’ve watched it at different points in my life: during high school, university, the early days of my career, while pursuing my Master’s degree, and now, again, in the midst of change. Each time, a different part resonates with me.

Seventeen years since it was first posted, I still find myself returning to it, revisiting old memories and reminding myself why I started.

I first watched it in 2010, back when I was a high school student in Bogor, in my teenage phase, full of dreams, and determined to get into my dream university. One line spoke to me:
“Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become.”
That was the moment I decided to pursue a degree in civil engineering, driven by my fascination with buildings and bridges, my love for Lego, and interest in physics.

In 2014, I watched it again during my final year at university in Bandung, struggling to complete my thesis. Another line stayed with me:
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.”
It reminded me to hold onto the joy in what I was doing, even during the most stressful and challenging moments.

Then came 2020. The world was hit by COVID, and I had already spent a few years working in the construction industry. At that time, this part hit me hard:
“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.”
It pushed me to chase one of my lifelong dreams, to study abroad and see the world from a different perspective.

In 2022, I was in London, once again a student, this time working on my Master’s dissertation. I watched the speech again.
This time, a different line resonated deeply:
“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward.”
A simple but powerful reminder to pause and reflect on my journey.

Now in 2025, in the midst of yet another transition, I revisit it once more. It’s still one of the most powerful speeches I’ve ever heard. And this line now speaks to me the most:
“Stay hungry. Stay foolish.”
A reminder to keep learning, embrace change, and hold onto the beginner’s mindset, no matter how far you’ve come.

Maybe one day, in the future, I’ll find myself watching this speech again, during another turning point, another leap of faith, another chapter of growth. It has quietly accompanied me through every phase of my journey so far, like an old friend offering timeless wisdom, reminding me to trust the process, to stay curious, and to keep moving forward.

However, above all those lines, these verses from the Qur’an remain the most grounding and powerful reminder for me:

“So when you have finished [your duties], then stand up [for worship]. And to your Lord direct [your] longing.”
— Surah Al-Insyirah (94:7–8)

A gentle yet profound message: to stay anchored in faith and keep going.