To me, being successful means...
Learning new things for a better tomorrow, everyday. Never be afraid to fail, as that is what makes us stronger.
My definition of success has changed over time.
It used to be about money, and material things. Now I’m just glad for all I have and enjoy the little things in life.
To me, being successful means...
The ability and means to share experiences with my loved ones and the confidence to make myself vulnerable enough to constantly expand that group.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I stopped assuming that success for me was what it meant to others.
To me, being successful means...
Being happy
My definition of success has changed over time.
Growing up you are programmed that success is being educated to get a good job, marriage and nice house, money for vacations...living the American dream. However, if you are not happy your success means nothing to you.
To me, being successful means...
Showing up to something you love and making the world a bit of a better place.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I used to think it was more about money and material things, but now I think your success in life has a lot more to do with following your inner voice.
To me, being successful means...
Freedom to realize potential, realize potential, follow the desires of your hear.
My definition of success has changed over time.
Earlier in life it was attached to monetary / professional wins.
To me, being successful means...
Being happy and feeling that your work and life make a difference. It’s also being able to support yourself and your family and having enough money in the bank to take care of emergencies. Sometimes you have to sacrifice to maintain success (i.e., keeping a job with benefits if you’re the one that provides the health insurance). Some people may believe that you should sacrifice the health benefits and follow your passion, but I believe success is being able to support those I love. And I’m female, so I’m not coming from a male breadwinner viewpoint.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I used to think you had to have a high level job to be considered successful. I think you can be successful at any level - but you should live the life you can afford.
To me, being successful means...
Not obsessing about "being successful", what a yawner question...
My definition of success has changed over time.
Sure, why not...
To me, being successful means...
A loving family, rewarding work and a comfortable existence.
My definition of success has changed over time.
Used to be all about money.
To me, being successful means...
Setting values and living to them is to me being successful. Do what you say and say what you mean.
My definition of success has not changed over time.
I have been very constant in my beliefs on how to live my life
To me, being successful means...
It means being happy and living your life the way you best see fit.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I used to think it meant having money and now I understand that money has nothing to do with it. If you aren’t happy then what’s the point of the money?
To me, being successful means...
Finishing what you start.
My definition of success has not changed over time.
Read MoreTo me, being successful means...
Feeling fulfilled with the decisions you have made to have gotten to where you are today.
My definition of success has changed over time.
It used to be about money and title.
To me, being successful means...
Having a good career in Customer Service or being a Customer Service Representative in Call centers.
My definition of success has not changed over time.
Read MoreTo me, being successful means...
Being happy!
My definition of success has changed over time.
I used to focus on career as an indicator for success, but I now realize mental health well being is just as (if not more) important than career goals
To me, being successful means...
spending my time bringing joy, health, reflection, and peace to myself and those around me.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I used to think being successful meant becoming the top of whatever field I chose, and it wasn’t enough unless I became famous and rich. And I only ever thought about it in a career-context, not about love, family, community or anything else.
Attended high school in the
1990s
Overall high school experience
6/10
Grades in high school
A's and B's
Favorite subjects
English, History / Social Studies, Science
Struggled with...
Visual arts (issues with dexterity) computer science (hard to think in a linear way)
Favorite extracurricular
Community Service / Social Activism
Attended college / university at
Stanford
Majored in
Biopsychology
Post-graduate education or training
Masters of arts in general psychology
Places lived in US
California
Current occupations / past occupations
Research, caregiving, volunteer tutor
Industries I've worked in
Nonprofit
Did your education prepare you for your career or occupation?
Yes
Has your education or career/occupation trajectory ever changed? How?
In 9 years and 11 mos it will. Upon retirement I will embark unto a second career.
“Marriage. I learned compassion, understanding from multiple perspectives and forgiveness. I learned that love is a give and take.”
To me, being successful means...
contentment with life, past, present, and future.
My definition of success has changed over time.
It shifted from a superficial worldview to one that was deeper and richer.
My greatest accomplishment to date and what I’ve learned from it
Marriage. I learned compassion, understanding from multiple perspectives and forgiveness. I learned that love is a give and take.
My biggest mistake or regret so far and what I’ve learned from it
I regret not relying on my own intuition more when making decisions.
An unexpected event that significantly changed my life and how it impacted me
Trumps presidency. It seems that after that everything went downhill in politics.
Lake lagunita
To me, being successful means...
Having a positive impact on the world
To me, being successful means...
Being able to provide for myself and my family, being content in the small moments with family and friends, continually learning and growing and being able to share my talents with others.
My definition of success has changed over time.
Yes, not having completed graduate school I used to feel less than in some way when compared to my career oriented peers, but as I realized that I could keep learning and developing talents and pursuing interests on my own I have felt liberated to pursue my own life path that is meaningful to me.
To me, being successful means...
Living and loving on my own terms, within my means in the company of beloved family and friends.
My definition of success has changed over time.
My worth as a human being is no longer defined by my work, my employer, my income, my college "pedigree," or even having grown up in Palo Alto.
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.
Alumni
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in Palo Alto?
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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.
