College sophomore at Northwestern seeking happiness after Palo Alto

/ Philz/

My time in high school

Attended high school in the
2010s

Overall high school experience
3/10. I had a terrible time, but didn't even realize how miserable I was until I got out.

Grades in high school
Mostly A's. I was a perfect student, but was never happy. I almost got Bs in two classes and cried both times. I ended up getting As in those classes.

 

Favorite subjects
Math, Performing Arts

Favorite extracurricular
Music

Life since high school

“My self-worth is no longer defined by my GPA or my college acceptances. It’s refreshing. ”

Attended college / university at
I am currently a sophomore at Northwestern.

Places lived in US
Illinois

Current occupations / past occupations
I'm still in college, so I'm doing odd job internships to help me find my place.

Industries I've worked in
- Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (e.g. Law, Accounting, Interior Design, Graphic Design, R&D, PR, Advertising, etc.)
- Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation
- Nonprofit

Did your education prepare you for your career or occupation?
I always saw college as an opportunity to get out. And, it's proven its worth as such. Though I am twice as stressed, I'm twice as happy.

A little introspection...

To me, being successful means...
being happy. In high school, I was over-competitive, overstressed, overbooked. And, I felt god awful all of the time because I just felt like I had to be the best. Now that I'm in college, I just want to do things that I'm passionate about and that make me happy. But yet, in doing that, I feel like I'm accomplishing far more than I had in high school, even though in high school I was trying much harder.

My definition of success has changed over time. 
Obviously, my self-worth is no longer defined by my GPA or my college acceptances. It's refreshing. 

My greatest accomplishment to date and what I’ve learned from it
I'm especially proud of how much I've grown as a person socially. A few years ago, I was so socially awkward that saying my own name is difficult! Now, in college, I serve multiple people-facing positions on executive boards, and I couldn't be happier. I really want to see what my younger self would have to say about this progress.

My biggest mistake or regret so far and what I’ve learned from it
In high school, I was competitive to the point where I alienated acquaintances and friends just to get ahead. But, now, I wish I still had friends back home. Even though I'm surrounded by friends at school now, I regret not building lasting relationships in my hometown. That's on me. That's because I cared more about my GPA than hanging out with people or joining clubs or doing anything that would build my friend circle.  

This alumni is open to your questions and follow-ups.
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My favorite spot in or around Palo Alto

Philz !!!!!!!!!!!!