To me, being successful means...
Doing what I love, working hard at it every day, and realizing that I've grown by making mistakes.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I don't associate success with (quick) fame or money, and have found that by just doing what I've described aa my idea of success, have found that the recognition and rewards are coming and feel that they are deserved.
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...
Being able to take pride in what you've made of your life.
My definition of success has changed over time.
Although the core of my own idea of success hasn't changed, it has been a difficult and continuing struggle to keep my sense of accomplishment separate from parental expectations. You'd think at 40 it would be easier to look your parents in the eye and not be sorry for having chosen a path that doesn't involve marrying a person wealthy by inheritance or profession in order to secure a pampered and indolent life for oneself and one's offspring, but...in my experience, parents don't change. I had to build yourself the protective space I needed to keep myself from wishing I had never been born.
To me, being successful means...
Being happy, being grateful, and being able to help others / contribute positively to society in a meaningful way.
My definition of success has not changed over time.
I don't really know. I was lucky that I was never wired super tightly in high school to think of college and grades as my end-all be-all. I do think now I define success less in terms of my personal accomplishments and more about what is important for my community, company, city, and family.
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...
I feel nothing but contempt and frustration toward the use of words like "success" and "failure" being introduced to adolescents. I've always had a huge problem with the idea that from a very young age, I'm supposed to measure my self-worth by my ability to "get stuff done", whether that means fulfilling my own goals or those of someone else. And while this frustration emerged mostly out of a youthful nihilism that I'm beginning to think is endemic to Palo Alto kids, it became even more emboldened as the years went on and I realized a vast amount of my time in the Palo Alto School District was spent disciplining my body and mind rather than liberating my spirit.
People will tell you that there are things you "need" to do to survive in this world, that you have to play the game because you don't want to end up like "them". Don't listen. Your youth is precious. Don't waste it worrying about someone else's idea of "success".
My definition of success has changed not over time.
Read MoreTo me, being successful means...
Being happy with what you are doing.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I'm less interested in quantitative metrics of success and I focus more on the intangible measures.
To 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.
To me, being successful means...
doing work that is meaningful and having a caring family and circle of friends
My definition of success has changed over time.
My definition of success was to have EVERY element I dreamed of. I now understand there are sacrifices and compromises. There is going to be some suffering along the way, but that doesn't mean you did something wrong.
To me, being successful means...
Doing something that is just the right amount of challenging, fulfilling and fun which also helps make the world a better place. If you're going for power, first ask yourself why you want it.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I don't think I started off my education with an idea of success at all. Certainly in college it was more about getting good grades and advancing with little thought to the value of what I was doing.
To me, being successful means...
Wanting to get up and out of bed everyday. At the end of the day feeling like I did even a little thing that will last into the future.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I used to think that I would want to retire super early or be a stay at home mom. Then I took a couple years off and found that I really need to work. I am happier with feeling like I do something productive everyday and the structure of a job helps me do that.
To me, being successful means...
Doing something that I'm good at and that I enjoy. For me, it happens to be business.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I used to think getting into the best college was the most important. I've literally kept a mental notebook of many of my peers and I find little correlation between what college one attended and job and/or life fulfillment.
To me, being successful means...
Success means spending my time being useful, learning, and having close relationships with my family and friends.
My definition of success has changed over time.
Success used to be more about what other people thought of me, now it's about what I think of me and what those I love think of me.
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...
Helping improve the lives of others
My definition of success has changed over time.
I see how you can make mistakes along the way and still end up being successful
To me, being successful means...
being healthy, having friends and family, and making time to do what you enjoy.
My definition of success has changed over time.
well, ironically enough, i realize the importance of financial stability. not to say money=success. but, y'know.
To me, being successful means...
Living your life with passion and not taking it for granted. Being able to love and be loved. Having compassion for yourself and others. Trying to make the world a better place.
My definition of success has changed over time.
Absolutely. For years --starting in elementary school and extending past graduate school – I defined success based on academic and professional accomplishments. My parents were very achievement oriented and put a lot of pressure on us to excel starting at a very young age. But it never felt like enough. In college, I became very depressed. I felt like I had been jumping through hoops my whole life, and I was exhausted. I didn’t even know what actually made me happy. After an episode of major depression, I decided to pursue the things that gave me pleasure instead of what other people told me I should do. I feel very lucky to have found a career I love, one where I can help people every day, be creative, feel intellectually satisfied, and explore the world. I feel even luckier to have found my soul mate in my late 30s. The joy I derive from my day-to-day life, and my ability to give back, are what make me feel successful.
To me, being successful means...
being happy, feeling accomplished, and staying afloat.
My definition of success has not changed over time.
Read MoreTo me, being successful means...
Having meaningful relationships with friends and family. Having enough money to live a decent life. Knowing yourself well enough that you can be honest with yourself and others about your strengths and weaknesses.
My definition of success has changed over time.
The college you go to does not determine how your life will go.
To me, being successful means...
Being happy
My definition of success has changed over time.
I think it's relaxed a lot over the years. Gotten more inclusive and simpler
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
Did you attend high school
in Palo Alto?
___
Current students
How can we improve this experience?
Join our Facebook group.
___
Sign up for regular emails.
(no more than 1/week)
Keep in touch. | Got feedback?
Want this project in your city?
©2016 Paths from Palo Alto.
Black and white photos on this site courtesy of Palo Alto Historical Association. All other photos taken by us. Website by us.
