Unlikely Life
/To me, being successful means...
finding meaning in my life and serving others. Also being able to support myself and all of my pets
My definition of success has not changed over time.
Read MoreTo me, being successful means...
finding meaning in my life and serving others. Also being able to support myself and all of my pets
My definition of success has not changed over time.
Read MoreTo me, being successful means...
Survive and be active
My definition of success has changed over time.
I don't have to be famous! I don't have to be rich!
To me, being successful means...
Loving life and being able to encourage and provide for others.
My definition of success has changed over time.
It is less of a material target and more of an attitude or state of being.
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
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...
To be content with where you are, but most importantly, who you are.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I used to measure my success by where I stood compared to my peers. In hindsight, it's silly to think that a group of people, with all varying personalities and interests were expected to follow the same path.
To me, being successful means...
Acting in a way that was true to my values. That meant for me, dropping out of UC Berkeley half way through my first quarter of my senior year, and travelling....For me, being successful means following my heart...
My definition of success has not changed over time.
Sometimes I do think I could have been more financially successful if I had been more traditional in my career choices, but I know I would not have been as satisfied with my life.
To me, being successful means...
Not having to worry about where you'll be in 10 years
My definition of success has not changed over time.
Read MoreTo me, being successful means...
Having time and resources to spend doing things that are meaningful to me.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I realized while having a business that some things are more important to me than money.
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.