Aspir8

Good question. I can assure you it’s not for decoration and that there’s a good reason why it’s there, but it isn’t time to give up the secret just yet! If you think you have any idea what it may mean – email whythe8@aspir8.org and you may just win a prize…

Yes, I am aware of the term’s medical origins and did you know it also has another meaning related to drama/acting? As for what any of that has to do with Aspir8 – well, nothing! What does a half eaten apple have to do with technology or what does a green mermaid have to do with coffee? Whether it’s a logo or brand name, these are all associations that become popular after an organisation has been successful and made its mark on the world. I can’t guarantee that no doctors will think of breathing when they see or hear our name “Aspir8,” but I’m working towards the day when that isn’t the first thing most people think of.

I really didn’t have a lot of support when I was in school and first started building up original projects. It was hard not having anyone I could go to for guidance, and even harder staying motivated since there was no template I could follow and I had no idea when and even if the payoff would begin.

Aspir8 exists so students can learn from others’ achievements and not be afraid to take the first step towards doing something different. You don’t have to be an academic overachiever or a super popular sports star to create change, you just need a simple desire to do coupled with a supportive network of people (who have been in your shoes) to lend a hand when you fall and clap along when you win.

No matter how zany the ideas sound in your head, if you have even the slightest desire to take a shot and try to make it happen, Aspir8 will help get you there.

Not at all, but from what I have seen, there is an incredibly high correlation between students who are active in their high school community and those who do extremely well in their later lives. I’m talking major awards and Fellowships, yes, but also just plain great jobs, good salaries and generally happy, fulfilling lives. Many of the strategies we use and teach at Aspir8 can be applied to almost any person’s past experience and future career path.

Being a part of innovation challenges and numerous entrepreneurship retreats inspired me to launch Aspir8 right out of college, and attending an Aspir8 event might have the same effect on someone else, but breeding CEOs is not at all my, or the company’s, aim. The aim instead is to shed a light on the successes and failures of young people so students can better identify and develop their own inherent skills, interests and leadership style / potential. The aim is to shatter the belief that you need to “grow up” to be something, but it is our students who are always in control of what it is they want to be.

For now, yes, our SIEBs and mentor matchmaking services are our signature programs, but there’s a lot more in the pipeline and I’ll do my best to make it come to you very soon.

media@aspir8.org handles all our press / media inquiries. Email us and we’ll respond promptly.

Great! We’re growing pretty quickly so email partner@aspir8.org with what you have in mind and we’ll get back to you to set up a meeting.

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Also please make sure to follow us on social media! We’re going to be sharing a lot of exclusive content and exciting behind the scenes work so you can get in on how the magic is really made at Aspir8.

Well, I’m flattered. I get a lot of mail so you can either send something to jivika@aspir8.org and be patient, or if you feel like you need immediate attention, fire off a tweet to @jivispeaks. It may take a little time, but I do try and respond to every message I get.