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Creativity

Our society is full of creative individuals who think outside the box, challenge the status quo, or simply ask questions that others are not asking. Many have achieved fame by using their thinking skills and actions to change our world. Even a single thought can have a ripple effect that leads to major progress. As you move through your other first-year courses such as sociology, psychology, history, or technology, you will learn about people who have used their creative-thinking abilities to become world changers in their academic areas.

Below are some critical thinkers of our past and present. Some might surprise you. What contributions to our world did each of these individuals make, and how do these contributions continue to affect our lives?

Abraham Lincoln When we think of great leaders, Lincoln often comes to mind. Lincoln was able to think about the relationship between national policy and human rights in new and different ways. By working slowly and deliberately, Lincoln changed American laws and began a long process toward guaranteeing equal rights for all U.S. citizens—a journey that culminated in the civil rights legislation of the 1960s.
Martin Luther King Jr. King could be considered one of the greatest activists of all time. When segregation ruled in the South, he contributed to the civil rights movement by voicing his concerns and presenting his dream of a different world. He created opportunities for change in many unfair societal policies and practices.
Twitter creators Jack Dorsey, Evan Williams, Biz Stone, and Noah Glass Twitter was created in 2006 as a social networking and microblogging site to enhance communication around the world through hashtag statements that are limited to 140 characters each. In spite of early public resistance, the site quickly gained popularity and changed our way of communicating in times of national and international crisis due to its ability to disseminate information to millions of people instantly.
Steve Jobs As an innovative and dynamic thinker, Jobs shaped the way our society viewed technology and digital capabilities. He persevered with passion, even through tough times, such as when he was ousted from his position as the head of Apple.
Lady Gaga Pushing her artistic expression through fashion and activism, Lady Gaga projects an androgynous identity that challenges gender expectations and voices her belief in equality for all individuals.
Your instructors You may not know it yet, but many of your instructors have conducted and written about cutting-edge research in their respective fields. Some may have even written textbooks that you are currently using in class!

Stay Motivated

Follow the Examples of Others

People who make a difference in their communities, nation, or the world stay motivated. They don’t quit, even when they experience tough times. What other people in our world today—religious leaders, politicians, scientists, athletes, or entrepreneurs—have maintained their motivation and achieved major successes within their spheres of influence? What can you learn from them about what it means to stay motivated?