To me, being successful means...
Being able to take care of myself and those I love, and feeling happy with my life.
My definition of success has changed over time.
It's so much broader than I ever could have imagined it growing up.
To me, being successful means...
Living a happy, vibrant, full life that has a positive impact on the world (even if the impact is tiny, it's still meaningful as long as it's positive).
My definition of success has not changed over time.
I don't think my definition of success has fundamentally changed over time so much as I've gained the worldly knowledge to understand what I always knew to be true.
To me, being successful means...
Learning to find joy, love, gratitude, and opportunity no matter what is (or is not) happening in our lives while remaining fully present and compassionate with the reality of our own and others' suffering and the light such darkness can reveal for us to share with others.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I wanted to do something big with my life - and to me that meant being well-known and doing something high profile (like being an astronaut or a famous author). While I still struggle with that old attachment to having my ego-identity validated by as many people as possible, I've come to find the greatest sense of purpose in my life comes from the individual relationships I form and the opportunity I'm given to make a lasting and meaningful difference in the lives of others.
To me, being successful means...
feeling good about oneself and one's contribution, place and station in life.
My definition of success has changed over time.
When I was younger (especially when I went to [high school name omitted]), I thought my life was determined by where I went to college. I found that one's professional journey is much more complicated than where one went to school and that matters less than finding things you enjoy to do, feeling good about yourself and your life. There is still a nagging urge to accomplish but I can see it is more of a story than reality.
To me, being successful means...
Being happy. having friends and family who support me in all areas of my life. Having a job/career that I am excited about and proud of.
My definition of success has not changed over time.
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.
