GO PLACIDLY AMID THE NOISE AND HASTE...

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My time in high school

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

Life since high school

“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 

A little introspection...

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.

My favorite spot in or around Palo Alto

The old Tower Records/Swenson's Ice Cream shopping center

 

It is NOT always about grades and colleges.

/ Mitchell Park/

To me, being successful means...
knowing myself and being able to apply my strengths and talents to make a difference in the world. it also means having a few good friends and a loving family.

My definition of success has changed over time. 
when i was in high school, i pretty much defined success as being able to get good grades and get into a good / top college.

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Competitive and sports loving, yet often humbled

/ Peninsula Creamery/

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.

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Made all the "wrong" choices, still came out OK

/ Know Knew Books/

To me, being successful means...
Being able to positively impact people's lives.

My definition of success has changed over time. 
When I was younger I wanted to be able to control more of my path. I had very different goals at that time in my life - most of which involved non-sustainable career paths (like the arts).

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