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...
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...
being happy, sharing your happy moments with others, being around friends and family
My definition of success has changed over time.
success was defined if I was able to get a paying job, not just another internship
To me, being successful means...
I think success is being generally happy with what you are doing. I don't mean overjoyed happy every minute of every day but I am achieving success when I wake up ready to start the day and go to bed feeling I accomplished something and had time for those I love. I also think success is making that happen while balancing my family/friends and being there for them and enjoying my time with them as much as I can.
My definition of success has changed over time.
Growing up I thought of success as being the most educated I could be and then working the hardest to get the highest paying job or best job title no matter what sacrifices I had to make in my own life. Honestly, I have none of the above things now (except the education piece perhaps) and I feel better about my life then ever.
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.
