Continuous Joy and Happiness

How can I continue to find joy and happiness throughout my life? The way that I have found true joy is through putting others before myself. It's amazing how quickly your problems go away or how small they diminish when you are helping another person. This solution may seem simple, but it is actually quite hard. A good way to start is "fake it til' you make it." If putting others first doesn't come natural, then start doing it until it does. Think about others even when the natural man or woman in you wants to focus on yourself. Remember it's been said happiness is an emotion and joy is a state of being. So let us all focus on obtaining joy instead of an instant gratification.

A Whole New World

During some point in our life we may want to quit the world we live in and start all over. A new outlet has been created with the birth of the internet and virtual reality games. I am a strong advocate against these virtual worlds. Some of the greatest lessons I have ever learned have been during my toughest challenges in life. I've learned how to work hard even when I didn't feel up to the task. I've also learned how to work through problems instead of masking them behind a virtual world. The type of virtual world that I am referring to are the ones where you can create a family, job, and go on dates online. Virtual worlds only mask the real world that we live in they don't actually take away our problems. The best way to find happiness in this life is through dealing with the cards that you've been dealt and making the best situation with what you have.

Position vlog

Technology from Jake Wright on Vimeo.

What We Do Really Does Matter

Even the smallest and weakest can have a large impact on society. The impact of one is often magnified with time. Now that we are even more connected to one another our influence is spread more broad and can be seen immediately. It used to be that we only got the medias skewed take on stories, but now the first to the scene are the actual victims. They can blog, tweet, or post pictures about events that happen.  All they need is a little device with a camera and a way to connect to others quickly.

We've all seen videos or small stories go viral. Have you ever wondered why they went viral? Many times the people weren't famous prior, but because of the internet their voice is heard and they are making an immediate impact on society. On the internet people don't know if you are the nerd, shy girl, or jock--that's where you can shine and let your voice be heard. For those who have experienced devastation in their life, words of encouragement can come from anywhere in the world. For those trying to break free of a tyrannous government, they can gather on a whim through connecting on social networks.  For those whom the law makes it hard for them to meet in groups and express religious feelings, they can FaceTime.  The list of possibilities is endless now that we are even more connected than ever. On the flip side what we post online can come back to haunt us or hurt someone else. Remember even the smallest voice can be heard, so lets make it count.

Computer Scientist == Nerd

I am graduating in Computer Science next semester. Does this make me a nerd? A few years ago I didn't even know what programming was. The only association with programmers that I had was with the stereotypical nerd. I'm not into gaming and could care less about building a computer. I love sports and outdoor activities. So why then am I graduating in Computer Science? I had to take a programming class for a previous major and learned how I could make a computer solve problems and tasks for me. I love problem solving and being able to use a computer language as an aid in completing various tasks. I still don't like computer games or comic books, but love programming. For those of you who haven't even considered Computer Science I implore you to do so.

Open Sourcing Our Communities

Open source software has the following attributes: freely distributed, source code is included, anyone can modify the source code, and modified versions can be redistributed. Let's apply these principles to our local communities. Freely distributed may infer that anyone can join our community and be apart of it. Source code included might refer to our unwritten rules of the community along with the current laws. Modifying the source code could mean the ability to change these rules and laws. Modified version redistribution would then mean changes to the rules and laws would have the potential to become applicable to all. Then the process would be repeated and refined until we have a well tuned society. Are these open source principles actually applicable to our communities? If so, why aren't we turning to these rules, given the success of many open source software.

I'm a Mormon

My name is Jacob Wright and I was born in Salt Lake City, Utah.  I have a beautiful wife and daughter, whom I love so much.  I am finishing up a Computer Science degree at BYU this april.  I love tennis, camping, and fishing.  I want everyone to know that I am a Mormon.  I know that Heavenly Father loves us and deeply cares about our various situations.  I know that Jesus Christ died for each one of us.  I know that Jesus Christ lives.  I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ was restored through the prophet Joseph Smith.  I know that families can be together forever.  I am so grateful for this wonderful world that Heavenly Father has provided for us.