Flourishing after graduation from [high school].
/My time in high school
Attended high school in the
1980s
Overall high school experience
3/10. The environment at [high school name omitted] was a poor match for me. Ultra competitive academically with excessively high expectations for "success". Anything less than Ivy League college acceptance was considered inferior by students themselves. There was no social-emotional education. The environment on campus was not emotionally supportive or collaborative. Bullying was common place. I wouldn't want to go back.
Grades in high school
B's and C's. I was disengaged from academics. I now have a Ph. D.
Best subjects
History / Social Studies
Struggled with...
I struggled in math and science. I did not enjoy my classes or teachers.
Favorite extracurricular
Sports / Recreation
Life since high school
“[To me, being successful means] always treating others the way you would like to be treated. In other words, following the golden rule...When I was younger, I thought material possessions reflected success.”
Attended college / university at
Attended Junior College for 1 year and then a Liberal Arts College
Post-graduate education or training
Earned my PhD in Clinical Psychology
Places lived in US
Illinois, Ohio and Washington State
Places lived outside the US
London
Current occupations / past occupations
I am a Clinical Psychologist.
Industries I've worked in
- Health Care and Social Assistance
Did your education prepare you for your career or occupation?
Yes.
Has your education or career/occupation trajectory ever changed? How?
Yes, I was on a path to earning my Ph.D. In art history, but decided to go back to my undergraduate interest/major in Psychology.
A little introspection...
To me, being successful means...
Always treating others the way you would like to be treated. In other words, following the golden rule.
My definition of success has changed over time.
When I was younger, I thought material possessions reflected success.
My greatest accomplishment to date and what I’ve learned from it
Being a good mother. I have learned so many things about myself and raising a child. It would be hard to enumerate them here. My son teaches me things each and every day.
My biggest mistake or regret so far and what I’ve learned from it
Not understanding my true academic potential in grammar, middle and high school. Comparing myself to the smartest people in the room and diminishing my strengths in the process. Eventually, I realized my own potential through hard work and exposure to a different environment (not Palo Alto).
An unexpected event that changed my life and how it impacted me
Experiencing health problems. It made me live in the moment, value and seize each day, and eliminated unwanted things from my life.
This alumni is open to your questions and follow-ups.
In order to protect anonymity, we will pass along your message and they can choose whether to respond.
My favorite spot in or around Palo Alto
Foothill Park
