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...
fulfilling my purpose in life
My definition of success has changed over time.
Success used to be much more achievement based. I would be "successful" when I checked certain boxes, but realized that's so empty.
To me, being successful means...
Not settling for what is “automatic/expected/the norm” but actively participating in shaping your outcome and the outcome of your work.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I just assumed that I would continue on the track I was on and gain success that way, and even though I have I am not satisfied with the environment or how I arrived at the decision, so I am changing it.
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.
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.
To me, being successful means...
Being happy with what you do with your life
My definition of success has changed over time.
Like every student in Palo Alto, being successful meant being at the top of your class, and eventually going on to be at the top of your field. However, being the best is, of course, remarkably subjective, and not objective at all. Most things aren’t measureable in numbers and statistics.
To me, being successful means...
Happy. Creative fulfillment.
My definition of success has changed over time.
Read MoreTo me, being successful means...
Pushing myself to learn more every day, to be a better person every day, to enjoy every moment as much as I possibly can. It means not wasting the precious time I have in my life, on making a difference in the world as much as I can.
My definition of success has changed over time.
When I was in high school I thought there was a rigid path to success. That the only way I could succeed was by getting the right grades, doing the right things and picking the right career. As I got older, I realized that there are many different paths to the same place. I am lucky to have had the opportunities that Palo Alto afforded me, to have gained the work ethic that I did there. But it wasn't my grades that defined me, it was my experiences.
To me, being successful means...
What a question. For some reason I tend to think of my life now by how my kids are doing, my husband, myself and the state of other relationships I have in my life. When all of those things are hitting I feel successful but when they're not I don't. It seems too close-in and too short term for such a global definition but that's how I measure my life day to day. The bigger, grandiose definitions are wonderful and make for good quotes to remind myself of sometimes but I don't think anyone really stays true to them.
My definition of success has changed over time.
In high school it was about grades, sports and college ranking. In college it was grades, social status, job offers. In career it was work reviews, weddings and grad school. As a Mom, it's are my kids happy, having fun and learning. With my husband, right now, it's are we getting along, lol.
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...
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...
To achieve what I set out to achieve, while making enough money to not have to worry, and being able to help others who have not been so fortunate.
My definition of success has changed over time.
In my youth, I assumed money would automatically accompany good work. It does not. It must be consciously pursued.
To me, being successful means...
Being balanced.
My definition of success has changed over time.
It used to be more about money and material things, now it is about being happy.
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...
doing something that you love to do. It shouldn't necessarily be about the money; of course, that does help.
My definition of success has not changed over time.
Read MoreTo me, being successful means...
Accomplishing goals and tasks that I set for myself no matter how big or small.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I used to think it was about what you did, but now I believe how you did it is more important.
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.
My definition of success has changed over time.
It's a personal goal, not a public one.
To me, being successful means...
Being able to take care of myself and those I love, and feeling happy with my life.
My definition of success has changed over time.
It's so much broader than I ever could have imagined it growing up.
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.
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.
