Transforming the Box – A Lasting Lesson by Jacob

Transforming the Box – A Lasting Lesson by Jacob - July 2016 Scholarship Essay

“Try thinking outside of the box.” That’s the advice I’d received throughout most of my life concerning how to approach problem solving. It’s not a bad idea. In fact, sometimes following that age-old adage results in the foundation of new and fresh perspectives. Unfortunately, fresh and new ideas aren’t always enough. More often than not, what’s needed are solutions that are effective, durable, customizable, impactful, and cutting-edge. In short, more often than not, it is innovation that is needed.

I was a freshman, just beginning my undergraduate degree, when I first met Professor Nielsen. Though I was fortunate to study under many skilled educators during my undergraduate schooling, Professor Nielsen continues to stand out in my mind as a teacher who went above and beyond to ensure that his students not only digested the course material, but that they truly actualized each principle. Throughout my time in Professor Nielsen’s class, I learned much. Yet, of all the lessons I learned, it was Professor Nielsen’s approach to problem solving that stands out to me as perhaps the most important lesson I have learned from a teacher. He taught me to use innovation when it comes to solving problems. He taught me the meaning of innovation and how it can completely change the outcome of a problem, if you’re willing to let it.

This is the lesson that Professor Nielsen taught me. Innovation means not just breaking the mold, but examining it, figuring out how it can be better and more applicable, and then shattering it before pressing forward into the future and creating a new precedent. Innovation means capturing the bigger picture and taking time to examine every pixel, to fully comprehend the scope and magnitude of each concept, so as to better understand it as a whole. Innovation means being able to do more with less; more product with less cost, more variety and less homogeny, and especially, more concern for the community and less concern for image. Innovation means creating something that simultaneously achieves the ability to be flexible and adaptable, yet durable and lasting. It means rejecting the idea that “good enough” is good enough, instead of reaching for a standard of excellence. Innovation isn’t just knowing, but comprehending; not just splashing, but immersing. Innovation means not just having a goal, but also having a plan to successfully execute and attain that goal. Innovation is the tipping of the domino that will create a positive and practical ripple effect for years to come; not just affecting the “here and now”, but the “there and then” as well.

Think back to the box. The one that everyone always recommended that I, “think outside of.” Sure, I could take that traditional approach. Or, I could take the road less travelled and transform the box completely through innovation. Measure the box, define the box, figure out where it came from and when. I can identify all strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that the box might possibly present. Is it the only box of its kind? Where am I in relation to the box? Even though it’s a box right now, what does it have the potential to be in the future? By asking the right questions and not backing down from the dedication and resolve that is required for true innovation to occur, the opportunity for the extraordinary to transpire is born. Many people spend their whole lives living within the familiar walls of their box. Perhaps venturing out from time to time for a breath of philosophical fresh air. Imagine the world we would live in if people had the courage to transform their boxes entirely, changing forever the way they see themselves and the world as a whole. The subsequent revolution would be astounding.

With the help of Professor Nielsen, I was fortunate enough to learn this lesson and forever alter my approach to problem solving. Though I’ve learned (and continue to learn) beneficial lessons from my teachers, this lesson I learned from Professor Nielsen is the one I consider to be the most important.