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...
Being happy!
My definition of success has changed over time.
I used to focus on career as an indicator for success, but I now realize mental health well being is just as (if not more) important than career goals
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.
Attended high school in the
1990s
Overall high school experience
6/10
Grades in high school
A's and B's
Favorite subjects
English, History / Social Studies, Science
Struggled with...
Visual arts (issues with dexterity) computer science (hard to think in a linear way)
Favorite extracurricular
Community Service / Social Activism
Attended college / university at
Stanford
Majored in
Biopsychology
Post-graduate education or training
Masters of arts in general psychology
Places lived in US
California
Current occupations / past occupations
Research, caregiving, volunteer tutor
Industries I've worked in
Nonprofit
Did your education prepare you for your career or occupation?
Yes
Has your education or career/occupation trajectory ever changed? How?
In 9 years and 11 mos it will. Upon retirement I will embark unto a second career.
“Marriage. I learned compassion, understanding from multiple perspectives and forgiveness. I learned that love is a give and take.”
To me, being successful means...
contentment with life, past, present, and future.
My definition of success has changed over time.
It shifted from a superficial worldview to one that was deeper and richer.
My greatest accomplishment to date and what I’ve learned from it
Marriage. I learned compassion, understanding from multiple perspectives and forgiveness. I learned that love is a give and take.
My biggest mistake or regret so far and what I’ve learned from it
I regret not relying on my own intuition more when making decisions.
An unexpected event that significantly changed my life and how it impacted me
Trumps presidency. It seems that after that everything went downhill in politics.
Lake lagunita
To me, being successful means...
Having a positive impact on the world
To me, being successful means...
creating an intentional community of people who support each other, growing into relationships in every way. It is truly not about your own success.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I slowly learned that it's not about the popularity, the brand, the namesake...
To me, being successful means...
Being able to provide for myself and my family, being content in the small moments with family and friends, continually learning and growing and being able to share my talents with others.
My definition of success has changed over time.
Yes, not having completed graduate school I used to feel less than in some way when compared to my career oriented peers, but as I realized that I could keep learning and developing talents and pursuing interests on my own I have felt liberated to pursue my own life path that is meaningful to me.
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...
finding meaning in the way I live my life, and the blessing of experiencing a wide range of positive emotions along the way.
My definition of success has changed over time.
It's not about money and prestige anymore.
To me, being successful means...
being a happy and productive citizen of the world.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I used to think success was dictated by the brand names that made it onto your resume. Letting go of those expectations for myself was the most productive decision I have ever made.
To me, being successful means...
being happy and confident in myself. having positive relationships with people who love me as much as I love them.
My definition of success has not changed over time.
Read MoreTo 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...
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...
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...
looking at your past with acceptance and without regrets; looking at the present with contentment and thankfulness; looking at your future with hope, drive to grow, and excitement for what's to come.
My definition of success has changed over time.
Status quo matters less to me now - I am more in tune with what I want from my life, not what I think my peers would see and appreciate.
To me, being successful means...
Being successful means not being afraid to try, fail and try again.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I used to associate success quantitatively. Especially growing up in a community that values high achievers, never receiving 100% or A+, I grew up constantly feeling like a failure.
To me, being successful means...
Obviously being able to sustain yourself financially is one component to happiness, however the bigger part of the equation is the genuine relationships you surround yourself with. Authentic connections with family and friends become a higher level of priority as one matures!!
My definition of success has not changed over time.
Read MoreTo me, being successful means...
Being in an industry that you as passionate about and excited to be involved in.
My definition of success has changed over time.
Growing up in Palo Alto, I associated success with money. Now I associate it with happiness. If you are getting up for a job you hate everyday, where you are uninspired, what is the point? What I do literally gives me butterflies in my stomach. I may not be making money yet, but that's not my first priority. I live for it.
To me, being successful means...
Happy. Creative fulfillment.
My definition of success has changed over time.
Read MoreTo me, being successful means...
Having a positive impact on the world that will live beyond you. And earning enough for family to be comfortable and have fun.
My definition of success has changed over time.
Focus has shifted from monetary success to impact on others. But, most who say money matters less probably have plenty.
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
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