Paths From Palo Alto
  • by School by Industry by Decade
  • About this project
  • Add your story
  • Current students

Paths From Palo Alto

  • Alumni Stories/
    • by School
    • by Industry
    • by Decade
  • About this project/
  • Add your story/
  • Current students/

Paths From Palo Alto

All Alumni Stories by date

Paths From Palo Alto

  • Alumni Stories/
    • by School
    • by Industry
    • by Decade
  • About this project/
  • Add your story/
  • Current students/
December 28, 2018

Unlikely Life

December 28, 2018/ Capitola/ Michal Pasternak

To me, being successful means...
finding meaning in my life and serving others. Also being able to support myself and all of my pets

My definition of success has not changed over time. 

Read More
December 28, 2018/ Capitola/ Michal Pasternak/
1960s
High school experience: 1/10, Grades: Mostly A's, UC Riverside, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Texas, Utah, Washington
May 24, 2016

Embracing the Changes

May 24, 2016/ California Avenue Caltrain Station/ Michal Pasternak

To me, being successful means...
Being faithful to the gifts God has given me.

My definition of success has changed over time. 
After you retire your career becomes less and less important.

Read More
May 24, 2016/ California Avenue Caltrain Station/ Michal Pasternak/
1970s
High school experience: 8/10, Grades: Mostly A's, UC Davis, California, Louisiana, Texas, Manufacturing

   

More stories
Jun 22, 2020
High school experience: 7/10, Grades: B's and C's, Foothill College, Wholesale Trade, Retail Trade, Finance and Insurance, Management of Companies and Enterprises, California
There is no singular definition for success.
Jun 22, 2020
High school experience: 7/10, Grades: B's and C's, Foothill College, Wholesale Trade, Retail Trade, Finance and Insurance, Management of Companies and Enterprises, California
Jun 22, 2020
High school experience: 7/10, Grades: B's and C's, Foothill College, Wholesale Trade, Retail Trade, Finance and Insurance, Management of Companies and Enterprises, California
Nov 21, 2019
High school experience: 8/10, Grades: B's and C's, University of Utah, California, Utah, Utilities, Construction, Retail Trade, Transportation and Warehousing, Information, Professional Scientific and Technical Services, Management of Companies and Enterprises, Educational Services, Nonprofit
Enjoy yourself, it's never too late.
Nov 21, 2019
High school experience: 8/10, Grades: B's and C's, University of Utah, California, Utah, Utilities, Construction, Retail Trade, Transportation and Warehousing, Information, Professional Scientific and Technical Services, Management of Companies and Enterprises, Educational Services, Nonprofit
Nov 21, 2019
High school experience: 8/10, Grades: B's and C's, University of Utah, California, Utah, Utilities, Construction, Retail Trade, Transportation and Warehousing, Information, Professional Scientific and Technical Services, Management of Companies and Enterprises, Educational Services, Nonprofit
Nov 21, 2019
High school experience: 9/10, Grades: B's and C's, California, Manufacturing, Real Estate Rental and Leasing, Management of Companies and Enterprises, Administrative and Support Services, Educational Services
Student of Last Graduating Class of Cubberley HS
Nov 21, 2019
High school experience: 9/10, Grades: B's and C's, California, Manufacturing, Real Estate Rental and Leasing, Management of Companies and Enterprises, Administrative and Support Services, Educational Services
Nov 21, 2019
High school experience: 9/10, Grades: B's and C's, California, Manufacturing, Real Estate Rental and Leasing, Management of Companies and Enterprises, Administrative and Support Services, Educational Services
Jan 14, 2019
High school experience: 4/10, Grades: C's and below, Foothill College, University of Iowa, iowa, Educational Services, Health Care and Social Assistance, Other Services (except Public Administration), Nonprofit
Bay Area evacuee
Jan 14, 2019
High school experience: 4/10, Grades: C's and below, Foothill College, University of Iowa, iowa, Educational Services, Health Care and Social Assistance, Other Services (except Public Administration), Nonprofit
Jan 14, 2019
High school experience: 4/10, Grades: C's and below, Foothill College, University of Iowa, iowa, Educational Services, Health Care and Social Assistance, Other Services (except Public Administration), Nonprofit
Jan 10, 2019
High school experience: 5/10, Grades: A's and B's, Cal Poly, California, New York, Educational Services
Followed my Dream
Jan 10, 2019
High school experience: 5/10, Grades: A's and B's, Cal Poly, California, New York, Educational Services
Jan 10, 2019
High school experience: 5/10, Grades: A's and B's, Cal Poly, California, New York, Educational Services
Jan 4, 2019
High school experience: 8/10, Grades: Mostly A's, Georgia, Hawaii, New York, Professional Scientific and Technical Services, Public Administration
Small school in NY, Military, Georgia, Hawaii, New York
Jan 4, 2019
High school experience: 8/10, Grades: Mostly A's, Georgia, Hawaii, New York, Professional Scientific and Technical Services, Public Administration
Jan 4, 2019
High school experience: 8/10, Grades: Mostly A's, Georgia, Hawaii, New York, Professional Scientific and Technical Services, Public Administration
Jan 2, 2019
High school experience: 5/10, Grades: A's and B's
Private College ->community college->state university-grad school-> completely different field
Jan 2, 2019
High school experience: 5/10, Grades: A's and B's
Jan 2, 2019
High school experience: 5/10, Grades: A's and B's
Jan 2, 2019
High school experience: 9/10, Grades: A's and B's, UCLA, California, Georgia, Utah, Construction, Retail Trade, Information, Professional Scientific and Technical Services, Arts Entertainment and Recreation
UCLA, Innovation Specialist, Writer and Entertainment Consultant, CA
Jan 2, 2019
High school experience: 9/10, Grades: A's and B's, UCLA, California, Georgia, Utah, Construction, Retail Trade, Information, Professional Scientific and Technical Services, Arts Entertainment and Recreation
Jan 2, 2019
High school experience: 9/10, Grades: A's and B's, UCLA, California, Georgia, Utah, Construction, Retail Trade, Information, Professional Scientific and Technical Services, Arts Entertainment and Recreation
Dec 28, 2018
High school experience: 4/10, Grades: Mostly A's, University of Phoenix, UCLA, California, Educational Services, Health Care and Social Assistance, Public Administration
University of Phoenix, Special Education, Health Education, California
Dec 28, 2018
High school experience: 4/10, Grades: Mostly A's, University of Phoenix, UCLA, California, Educational Services, Health Care and Social Assistance, Public Administration
Dec 28, 2018
High school experience: 4/10, Grades: Mostly A's, University of Phoenix, UCLA, California, Educational Services, Health Care and Social Assistance, Public Administration
Dec 28, 2018
High school experience: 1/10, Grades: Mostly A's, UC Riverside, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Texas, Utah, Washington
Unlikely Life
Dec 28, 2018
High school experience: 1/10, Grades: Mostly A's, UC Riverside, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Texas, Utah, Washington
Dec 28, 2018
High school experience: 1/10, Grades: Mostly A's, UC Riverside, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Texas, Utah, Washington
Dec 27, 2018
High school experience: 7/10, Grades: A's and B's, Carnegie Mellon, Stanford University, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utilities, Professional Scientific and Technical Services
Green Energy Engineer
Dec 27, 2018
High school experience: 7/10, Grades: A's and B's, Carnegie Mellon, Stanford University, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utilities, Professional Scientific and Technical Services
Dec 27, 2018
High school experience: 7/10, Grades: A's and B's, Carnegie Mellon, Stanford University, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utilities, Professional Scientific and Technical Services
Dec 27, 2018
High school experience: 5/10, Grades: A's and B's, UC San Diego, California
98 Lawmama
Dec 27, 2018
High school experience: 5/10, Grades: A's and B's, UC San Diego, California
Dec 27, 2018
High school experience: 5/10, Grades: A's and B's, UC San Diego, California
Dec 27, 2018
High school experience: 9/10, Foothill College, California, Georgia, Mississippi, Texas, Manufacturing, Transportation and Warehousing, Health Care and Social Assistance
International Equipment Salesman
Dec 27, 2018
High school experience: 9/10, Foothill College, California, Georgia, Mississippi, Texas, Manufacturing, Transportation and Warehousing, Health Care and Social Assistance
Dec 27, 2018
High school experience: 9/10, Foothill College, California, Georgia, Mississippi, Texas, Manufacturing, Transportation and Warehousing, Health Care and Social Assistance
Dec 27, 2018
High school experience: 8/10, Grades: A's and B's, Foothill College, Stanford University, BYU, Alaska, California, Utah, Information
BYU-Mom-2 degrees-Utah
Dec 27, 2018
High school experience: 8/10, Grades: A's and B's, Foothill College, Stanford University, BYU, Alaska, California, Utah, Information
Dec 27, 2018
High school experience: 8/10, Grades: A's and B's, Foothill College, Stanford University, BYU, Alaska, California, Utah, Information
Dec 27, 2018
High school experience: 8/10, Grades: A's and B's, Iowa State University, Foothill College, De Anza College, University of West Indies, California, Iowa, West Indies, Retail Trade, Finance and Insurance, Professional Scientific and Technical Services, Administrative and Support Services, Educational Services, Health Care and Social Assistance, Arts Entertainment and Recreation, Accomodation and Food Services, Public Administration, Nonprofit
Involved Mom
Dec 27, 2018
High school experience: 8/10, Grades: A's and B's, Iowa State University, Foothill College, De Anza College, University of West Indies, California, Iowa, West Indies, Retail Trade, Finance and Insurance, Professional Scientific and Technical Services, Administrative and Support Services, Educational Services, Health Care and Social Assistance, Arts Entertainment and Recreation, Accomodation and Food Services, Public Administration, Nonprofit
Dec 27, 2018
High school experience: 8/10, Grades: A's and B's, Iowa State University, Foothill College, De Anza College, University of West Indies, California, Iowa, West Indies, Retail Trade, Finance and Insurance, Professional Scientific and Technical Services, Administrative and Support Services, Educational Services, Health Care and Social Assistance, Arts Entertainment and Recreation, Accomodation and Food Services, Public Administration, Nonprofit
Dec 27, 2018
High school experience: 7/10, Grades: A's and B's, Foothill College, San Jose State University, Oregon, Health Care and Social Assistance
Foothill and San Jose State, Executive Assistant, Oregon
Dec 27, 2018
High school experience: 7/10, Grades: A's and B's, Foothill College, San Jose State University, Oregon, Health Care and Social Assistance
Dec 27, 2018
High school experience: 7/10, Grades: A's and B's, Foothill College, San Jose State University, Oregon, Health Care and Social Assistance
Dec 27, 2018
High school experience: 8/10, Grades: Mostly A's, New York University, New York, Professional Scientific and Technical Services, ad, Administrative and Support Services
NYU, University researcher, New York
Dec 27, 2018
High school experience: 8/10, Grades: Mostly A's, New York University, New York, Professional Scientific and Technical Services, ad, Administrative and Support Services
Dec 27, 2018
High school experience: 8/10, Grades: Mostly A's, New York University, New York, Professional Scientific and Technical Services, ad, Administrative and Support Services
Oct 31, 2018
High school experience: 8/10, Grades: Mostly A's, Stanford University, California, New York, Information, Professional Scientific and Technical Services, Arts Entertainment and Recreation
A winding path from STEM to the arts
Oct 31, 2018
High school experience: 8/10, Grades: Mostly A's, Stanford University, California, New York, Information, Professional Scientific and Technical Services, Arts Entertainment and Recreation
Oct 31, 2018
High school experience: 8/10, Grades: Mostly A's, Stanford University, California, New York, Information, Professional Scientific and Technical Services, Arts Entertainment and Recreation
Apr 18, 2018
High school experience: 7/10, Grades: Mostly A's, University of Pennsylvania, Nonprofit, Arts Entertainment and Recreation, Colorado, California
I know art saves lives
Apr 18, 2018
High school experience: 7/10, Grades: Mostly A's, University of Pennsylvania, Nonprofit, Arts Entertainment and Recreation, Colorado, California
Apr 18, 2018
High school experience: 7/10, Grades: Mostly A's, University of Pennsylvania, Nonprofit, Arts Entertainment and Recreation, Colorado, California
Feb 26, 2018
High school experience: 8/10, Grades: A's and B's, UC Davis, Accomodation and Food Services, Arts Entertainment and Recreation, Educational Services, Professional Scientific and Technical Services
Immigrant neuroscientist goes from bakery to farm to grad school
Feb 26, 2018
High school experience: 8/10, Grades: A's and B's, UC Davis, Accomodation and Food Services, Arts Entertainment and Recreation, Educational Services, Professional Scientific and Technical Services
Feb 26, 2018
High school experience: 8/10, Grades: A's and B's, UC Davis, Accomodation and Food Services, Arts Entertainment and Recreation, Educational Services, Professional Scientific and Technical Services
Nov 28, 2017
High school experience: 6/10, Grades: Mostly A's, BYU, California, Utah, Nonprofit, Educational Services, Retail Trade
Mother, pursuing dreams little by little
Nov 28, 2017
High school experience: 6/10, Grades: Mostly A's, BYU, California, Utah, Nonprofit, Educational Services, Retail Trade
Nov 28, 2017
High school experience: 6/10, Grades: Mostly A's, BYU, California, Utah, Nonprofit, Educational Services, Retail Trade
Oct 20, 2017
High school experience: 2/10, Grades: Mostly A's, Northwestern University, Florida International University, California, Florida, Oregon, New York, Illinois, Nonprofit, Public Administration, Accomodation and Food Services, Administrative and Support Services, Finance and Insurance, Information, Transportation and Warehousing, Utilities
Today is the day that God has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Oct 20, 2017
High school experience: 2/10, Grades: Mostly A's, Northwestern University, Florida International University, California, Florida, Oregon, New York, Illinois, Nonprofit, Public Administration, Accomodation and Food Services, Administrative and Support Services, Finance and Insurance, Information, Transportation and Warehousing, Utilities
Oct 20, 2017
High school experience: 2/10, Grades: Mostly A's, Northwestern University, Florida International University, California, Florida, Oregon, New York, Illinois, Nonprofit, Public Administration, Accomodation and Food Services, Administrative and Support Services, Finance and Insurance, Information, Transportation and Warehousing, Utilities
Oct 14, 2017
High school experience: 10/10, Grades: A's and B's, Tufts University, Vanderbilt University, Stanford University, Mass, Tennesee, Accomodation and Food Services
Left for 9 years and came back to Palo Alto
Oct 14, 2017
High school experience: 10/10, Grades: A's and B's, Tufts University, Vanderbilt University, Stanford University, Mass, Tennesee, Accomodation and Food Services
Oct 14, 2017
High school experience: 10/10, Grades: A's and B's, Tufts University, Vanderbilt University, Stanford University, Mass, Tennesee, Accomodation and Food Services
Oct 14, 2017
High school experience: 5/10, Grades: A's and B's, Knox College, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Oregon, Illinois, California, Other Services (except Public Administration), Arts Entertainment and Recreation, Retail Trade, Tourism & Hospitality
how to be happy, despite all expectations
Oct 14, 2017
High school experience: 5/10, Grades: A's and B's, Knox College, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Oregon, Illinois, California, Other Services (except Public Administration), Arts Entertainment and Recreation, Retail Trade, Tourism & Hospitality
Oct 14, 2017
High school experience: 5/10, Grades: A's and B's, Knox College, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Oregon, Illinois, California, Other Services (except Public Administration), Arts Entertainment and Recreation, Retail Trade, Tourism & Hospitality
Oct 14, 2017
High school experience: 6/10, Grades: A's and B's, Scripps College, California, Retail Trade, Health Care and Social Assistance, Nonprofit
Scripps, Therapist, California
Oct 14, 2017
High school experience: 6/10, Grades: A's and B's, Scripps College, California, Retail Trade, Health Care and Social Assistance, Nonprofit
Oct 14, 2017
High school experience: 6/10, Grades: A's and B's, Scripps College, California, Retail Trade, Health Care and Social Assistance, Nonprofit
Oct 13, 2017
High school experience: 8/10, Grades: Mostly A's, Pomona College, California, Colorado, Utilities, Construction, Professional Scientific and Technical Services, Management of Companies and Enterprises
Liberal arts grad who loves all subjects discovers at 27 that she's made for product management
Oct 13, 2017
High school experience: 8/10, Grades: Mostly A's, Pomona College, California, Colorado, Utilities, Construction, Professional Scientific and Technical Services, Management of Companies and Enterprises
Oct 13, 2017
High school experience: 8/10, Grades: Mostly A's, Pomona College, California, Colorado, Utilities, Construction, Professional Scientific and Technical Services, Management of Companies and Enterprises
Oct 13, 2017
High school experience: 7/10, Grades: Mostly A's, Cal Poly, California, New York, Professional Scientific and Technical Services
Cal Poly, New York, Designer/Fabricator
Oct 13, 2017
High school experience: 7/10, Grades: Mostly A's, Cal Poly, California, New York, Professional Scientific and Technical Services
Oct 13, 2017
High school experience: 7/10, Grades: Mostly A's, Cal Poly, California, New York, Professional Scientific and Technical Services
Oct 13, 2017
High school experience: 9/10, Grades: B's and C's, De Anza College, California, Oregon, Washington, Agriculture Forestry Fishing and Hunting, Utilities, Construction, Retail Trade, Transportation and Warehousing, Real Estate Rental and Leasing, Management of Companies and Enterprises, Administrative and Support Services, Waste Management and Remediation Services, Other Services (except Public Administration), Public Administration
De Anza, CA, OR, WA, Truck Fleet Maintenance Manager
Oct 13, 2017
High school experience: 9/10, Grades: B's and C's, De Anza College, California, Oregon, Washington, Agriculture Forestry Fishing and Hunting, Utilities, Construction, Retail Trade, Transportation and Warehousing, Real Estate Rental and Leasing, Management of Companies and Enterprises, Administrative and Support Services, Waste Management and Remediation Services, Other Services (except Public Administration), Public Administration
Oct 13, 2017
High school experience: 9/10, Grades: B's and C's, De Anza College, California, Oregon, Washington, Agriculture Forestry Fishing and Hunting, Utilities, Construction, Retail Trade, Transportation and Warehousing, Real Estate Rental and Leasing, Management of Companies and Enterprises, Administrative and Support Services, Waste Management and Remediation Services, Other Services (except Public Administration), Public Administration
Oct 13, 2017
High school experience: 2/10, Grades: C's and below, San Jose State University, Foothill College, UC Irvine, University of San Francisco, Pepperdine University, California, Retail Trade, Educational Services, Health Care and Social Assistance, Nonprofit
Road less travelled is rocky but eventually evens out
Oct 13, 2017
High school experience: 2/10, Grades: C's and below, San Jose State University, Foothill College, UC Irvine, University of San Francisco, Pepperdine University, California, Retail Trade, Educational Services, Health Care and Social Assistance, Nonprofit
Oct 13, 2017
High school experience: 2/10, Grades: C's and below, San Jose State University, Foothill College, UC Irvine, University of San Francisco, Pepperdine University, California, Retail Trade, Educational Services, Health Care and Social Assistance, Nonprofit
Oct 13, 2017
High school experience: 9/10, Grades: A's and B's, University of San Francisco, California, Educational Services, Arts Entertainment and Recreation
Just because you live in Palo Alto, doesn't mean you have to be the next Steve Jobs.
Oct 13, 2017
High school experience: 9/10, Grades: A's and B's, University of San Francisco, California, Educational Services, Arts Entertainment and Recreation
Oct 13, 2017
High school experience: 9/10, Grades: A's and B's, University of San Francisco, California, Educational Services, Arts Entertainment and Recreation
  • Alumni Stories/
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  • About this project/
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Paths From Palo Alto

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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  • High school experience: 7/10
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  • High school experience: 6/10
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Get Inspired

1. How to Live Wisely (NY Times) ›

2. Preparing Our Kids For Jobs That Don't Exist Yet (LinkedIn) ›

3. Advice from Artists on How to Overcome Creative Block, Handle Criticism, and Nurture Your Sense of Self-Worth (brainpickings) ›

4. How to Raise an Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success (book) ›

More inspiration ›

 

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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.