Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple Inc., delivered an inspiring commencement speech at Grand Valley State University, reflecting on his unconventional journey in the tech industry. He emphasized that his motivation for starting Apple in 1976 was not financial gain but rather the desire to create impressive technology that would earn the respect of his peers. Wozniak shared his experiences of facing rejection from Hewlett-Packard, where he sought support for his personal computer concept, which ultimately led him to partner with Steve Jobs. Despite Apple’s immense success, with a market capitalization of around $4.5 trillion, Wozniak expressed that wealth was never his goal, stating, 'I do not invest. I don’t do that stuff.' He also recounted how he sold significant portions of his Apple stock and donated to charity, which could have cost him a fortune. Wozniak's message to graduates was to embrace their individuality and creativity rather than conform to societal expectations. He encouraged them to take jobs that support their living needs while exploring their passions. Education remained a core value for him, as he completed his degree at age 35 and later taught computing to young students. His advice to the graduates was simple yet profound: 'Do your best.'