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...
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...
To be happy - there will obviously be up and down days, but if you can wake up, feeling happy with where you are in life/your career/your relationship, I think that is success.
My definition of success has changed over time.
Read MoreTo me, being successful means...
Being happy and satisfied
My definition of success has changed over time.
I thought money would make me happy
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...
Striving to do the best at whatever I do. Leading a positive example for/and watching my children grow up to be good people.
My definition of success has not changed over time.
Read MoreTo 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...
Being in an industry that you as passionate about and excited to be involved in.
My definition of success has changed over time.
Growing up in Palo Alto, I associated success with money. Now I associate it with happiness. If you are getting up for a job you hate everyday, where you are uninspired, what is the point? What I do literally gives me butterflies in my stomach. I may not be making money yet, but that's not my first priority. I live for it.
To me, being successful means...
Finding meaning and fulfillment in your relationships, your work, and your contributions to the common good.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I care less about professional "success" and now measure personal success by how much time I have to read, hangout with family and friends, travel, and volunteer.
To me, being successful means...
doing things you love.
My definition of success has changed over time.
As I reached high school and older, I realized that success, to me, was more about being happy and productive than about wealth or fame.
To me, being successful means...
accepting myself as an imperfect being, feeling strong and energized in my body, and cultivating healthy, mutually respectful relationships.
My definition of success has changed over time.
It used to be more about quantity, like number of friends, amount paid, amount of influence, how well known I am. Now it's become more about the quality of my work and relationships -- noticing what nourishes me and what drains me, and making decisions about my life accordingly.
To me, being successful means...
feeling good about who I am, about others, and about what I do.
My definition of success has changed over time.
Before, I think it meant finding a job I like.
Attended high school in the
1980s
Overall high school experience
9/10
Grades in high school
A's and B's
Favorite subjects
English, History / Social Studies, Physical Education
Struggled with...
Math. I'm just not a natural at it.
Favorite extracurricular
Sports / Recreation
“The broader definition of success has not changed for me, but what has changed is my awareness that there are many different paths to success. ”
Attended college / university at
Brown accelerated Program in Medicine
Post-graduate education or training
Med school, internship/residency
Places lived in US
California, Maryland, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island
Current occupations / past occupations
Radiologist
Industries I've worked in
Health Care and Social Assistance
To me, being successful means...
finding fulfillment in my work, family, and relationships. I don't believe it's a static goal, but one that requires fine-tuning throughout one's life.
My definition of success has and has not changed over time.
Yes and no. The broader definition of success has not changed for me, but what has changed is my awareness that there are many different paths to success.
Anything else that you'd like to share that we didn't ask?
I'm in the unique position of being able to see my children attend the same PA schools I did. Their world is so different than mine was, and I feel so sorry for today's youth as they struggle to find their place in this increasingly competitive world. This is what I would like to tell them: Where you go to college does not determine your future. If you do go to college, try to find a place that speaks to you rather than going for the big names. Be open to detours along the way (transferring schools, taking a gap year, traveling abroad). Realize that no matter whether or where you pursue your education, as long as you work hard, apply yourself, find your passions and pursue them, you will eventually find your place. Don't get discouraged and don't compare yourself to others.
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.
The old Tower Records/Swenson's Ice Cream shopping center
To me, being successful means...
Being happy and as healthy as possible, both physically and mentally. Being conscious of all moments, good or bad, and making sure you're shaping them the way you want to to the best of your ability; not taking your life or your abilities for granted. Doing something that impacts other people positively, even if it's in a small way.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I admittedly used to be obsessed with academic success-- getting As, 100s, being seen as a "perfect" student.
To me, being successful means...
Finding and surrounding myself with things that make me happy, and emotionally and creatively fulfilled.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I used to think that being successful meant going to a good college, graduating and getting a good job that made a lot of money. I had no idea that there was so much more to life than to strive for. I got into a good college, graduated, worked my way into a good job, then realized I was extremely unhappy. I hadn't taken into account that there was more to life than just having a job. My physical health and mental well-being were suffering. And once I had my first child and found that I only had about 1.5 - 2 hours with him per day, I realized on all that I was missing out on. It was clear case of "money can't buy happiness," and that's when I made a change.
To me, being successful means...
Being happy.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I used to focus mostly on academic and financial success. But that matters less and less as you get older. Success as happiness (a measure that comprises love, friendship, leisure, good and interesting work, etc.) is my focus now.
To me, being successful means...
A productive life, with as much spare time that I can muster, to spend with my family and friends.
My definition of success has changed over time.
Realizing it is not only important to be productive, but time spent with family & friends is equally important.
To me, being successful means...
Enjoying the little moments in life and appreciating what I have.
My definition of success has changed over time.
When I was younger, success always meant how much money one makes, or what title one has, and what materials one owns. Now that I am in my 40s, materials don't mean a thing, waste of money actually. Title and money mean nothing if you don't have a time to enjoy life.
To me, being successful means...
Like the old Spanish saying goes: "Salud, amor, y dinero… y tiempo para disfrutarlos!" ("Health, love and money… and time to enjoy them!")
My definition of success has not changed over time.
Read MoreTo me, being successful means...
Feeling fulfilled in a major aspect of your life, whether it is in the context of family, career, spirituality, etc. Pursuing interests. Having interests. Feeling happy with yourself and the person you are. Feeling content and at peace. Being financially comfortable and emotionally stable.
My definition of success has not changed over time.
My definition of success really hasn't changed much over time. In high school, I may have also included more age-appropriate things like getting good grades or making my parents happy, but I always knew success was a big-picture rather than snapshot thing. I think I was always aware that true success was more of an intrinsic rather than extrinsic accomplishment.
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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