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...
Discovering, accepting, and celebrating who I am and my unique potential to influence the world around me.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I used to have a vague sense of what success was. Never being particularly career or money driven, I always tended to relish the moment and dream of the future. I had pictures in my mind of who I wanted to be as a person, not necessarily what I was doing.
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...
Looking back at an experience and feeling satisfied with what I have put in and what I have gotten out of it.
My definition of success has changed over time.
When you are just starting out, school and careers seems to be the most important areas to focus on. Now it's all about my relationships.
To me, being successful means...
Spiritual bliss. Knowing yourself.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I used to care more about external measures of success like career. I still do but it's less pointed. I give more credence to the inner experience while worrying less about others' opinions about career tracks. Nonetheless, I do notice that how people see your worth does depend on external measures.
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.
