In a direct expression of my condolences for the loss of Steve Jobs, I send this as a college student that had no connection to the man behind the very machine I use to communicate this message with.

This machine and the things I’ve read and written are really the only connections.

I feel like I respectfully join many people who are mourning the loss of a visionary who helped create the machine I am using.

This machine, with its black plastic keys and sleek design, which illuminates a soft backlit glow, enables me to pursue my dreams as a designer and as a student. Everything it does is rooted in the work and dreams of a man who did everything he could to create.

I feel I am not much unlike this man in that I am an individual who wants to discover, create and make something out of the life I am living.

Jobs lived out his goals in a way that I’ll never know personally. I have read much about him and about where his innovations have led.

I knew his history, but I was inspired by the design and integrity of Apple, the company he co-founded.

Even as I write this letter I realized I misspelled “innovations,” and the Mail app auto-corrected the mistake I made. This function saves me regularly, and I’m grateful for all these functions. Thanks Jobs.

I recently wrote an article in the Hawkeye about Jobs. My story focused on the upcoming iCloud. I remember how excited Jobs seemed about seeing iCloud released. I truly feel sorrow that Jobs didn’t get to see this come about, but I’m sure he got to play with it.

I was so impressed to see Jobs react to the dreams and creations that he showcased at the 2011 Worldwide Developers Conference. I won’t ever forget him saying, “It just works.”

As for the human element, Jobs was that element behind everything I do lately. Everything he contributed to his productes inspires me. I never knew that after only a month of purchasing my MacBook Pro, I’d be so affected by Jobs’ death. I am grateful for this man’s contribution to my life and my ability to be a designer.

He enabled me to do what I’ve always wanted, which is to create.

I hope I am half the motivator and visionary he was.

Thank you Steve Jobs for enabling me to be everything I can. I hope you found peace, joy and everything you ever dreamed of in the end.