October 26, 2024 – In a recent interview with WSJ Magazine, Apple CEO Tim Cook shared insights into his journey, revealing the entrepreneurial spirit that sparked in him from a tender age. Cook recounted how he funded his college education through the earnings from delivering newspapers.
“Delivering newspapers made my college dream a reality,” Cook stated, emphasizing that this job enabled him to become the first in his family to attend college.
He recounted, “I would wake up at about 3 a.m., grab a bundle of newspapers, and start delivering. Then, I would usually head back home for a quick nap before school.”
Besides newspaper delivery, Cook also worked part-time at a pharmacy to save up for his education at Auburn University. The tuition for in-state students at Auburn was 660peryearduringhistime,which,adjustedforinflation,isapproximately2,670. This figure stands in stark contrast to the current annual tuition of $12,900 at Auburn.
After graduating in 1982, Cook spent 12 years at IBM, rising to the position of director of North American fulfillment. While serving as a vice president at Compaq, he crossed paths with Steve Jobs, ultimately joining Apple in 1998.
Reflecting on his journey, Cook said, “I knew that being able to [go to college] was a privilege that I couldn’t waste. Back then, people viewed college as an opportunity to open many doors, and I hope that’s still the case today.”
Tim Cook’s narrative underscores the pivotal role of hard work and education in personal success. Through his early work experiences, he not only laid the foundation for his education but also paved the way for his subsequent illustrious career.
