To me, being successful means...
Obviously being able to sustain yourself financially is one component to happiness, however the bigger part of the equation is the genuine relationships you surround yourself with. Authentic connections with family and friends become a higher level of priority as one matures!!
My definition of success has not changed over time.
Read MoreTo me, being successful means...
Living an authentic life where I can be myself, am appreciated for what I can contribute and where I can love and be loved.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I was concerned about how my career would afford me a certain lifestyle, based on how I was raised in affluent Palo Alto. Now I focus on how I can contribute to a mission I care deeply about and work-life balance.
To me, being successful means...
Experiencing life
My definition of success has changed over time.
I used to think I was a failure or didn't measure up to what was expected of me because I didn't have the prestigious career or college under my belt. What I learned was I actually got to live life and see what the world had to offer and in that, I grew and became a better person.
To me, being successful means...
Being happy.
My definition of success has changed over time.
It's a personal goal, not a public one.
To me, being successful means...
Being emotionally and physically stable while pursuing something you are passionate about.
My definition of success has changed over time.
In high school I compared myself to my "successful" older siblings who took more AP courses than me while also having friends than me. I didn't know how to define myself outside of the standards others had set for me and was very lost. I tried really hard in everything I did but never felt it was enough. I had a terrible eating disorder which almost took my life and my anxiety was through the roof.
To me, being successful means...
Being happy
My definition of success has not changed over time.
Read MoreTo me, being successful means...
I believe that success is defined as being happy with all aspects of your life. In order to do that, one must work hard to achieve that success. For me to be happy, I want to work at a job that I look forward to going to everyday and that pays well. That means I will need to get a college degree and make myself marketable. Success and happiness are intrinsically linked. I do not believe that you can be truly successful without being happy.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I always thought growing up that success was all about having a lot of money and living in a big house but that perception changed once I moved out of Palo Alto and went off to college. I also was grown up thinking in high school that if you don't go to an Ivy League school, you will be a failure in life. That perception really changed when I graduated from [high school name omitted].
This is a collection of anonymous life and career stories from Palo Alto alumni for everyone. They shatter the myth that there is only one path to success.
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Black and white photos on this site courtesy of Palo Alto Historical Association. All other photos taken by us. Website by us.
