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, and not living under a bridge. Optional: leaving the world a better place than I found it in some small way.
My definition of success has changed over time.
Read MoreTo 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...
loving my life and making the world a better place.
My definition of success has changed over time.
Read MoreTo 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...
Living an authentic life where I can be myself, am appreciated for what I can contribute and where I can love and be loved.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I was concerned about how my career would afford me a certain lifestyle, based on how I was raised in affluent Palo Alto. Now I focus on how I can contribute to a mission I care deeply about and work-life balance.
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...
Loving yourself, loving a craft or finding a passion, and loving others.
My definition of success has changed over time.
My definition has changed from a "paper chase" perspective, where I thought achieving high academic marks was most important, to something related more to what simply makes me happy.
To me, being successful means...
achieving YOUR dream and nobody else's!
My definition of success has changed over time.
I've matured. When your young, there's peer pressure to be as good or better than the next student. At [high school name omitted], I wanted to take advanced classes because it was the thing to do, not because I really wanted to do it on my own. Now I do things because I want to...not because it's the cool thing to do!
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...
Being successful means contributing to society, knowing and honoring myself, figuring out how to love/care others (i.e. my family) best, and using my intellect.
My definition of success has changed over time.
It has more to do with the satisfaction I draw and my own priorities being sorted out.
To me, being successful means...
Having been a good husband, father, brother,son and a respectable of others
My definition of success has not changed over time.
At first it was how much money I could make to be successful then I learned how to be #1 answer!
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.
