Success is a word that can mean and feel different for many people. Success could be starting a family and getting married; it could be having a lot of money and or a good career. Success is what you want it to be and what you believe it to be.
Success is something that people start dreaming and thinking about when they are young, and the pressure for high schoolers to succeed can feel intense. However, success doesn’t look the same for everyone.
Callie Barnett, an 11th grader said, “Success to me would be having a family and making sure everyone got what they wanted, and they were happy and successful”. She went on to say that if she could change anything that she’s done in high school it would be to “focus on one set of classes or a certain career instead of doing all different classes”.
Her meaning of success was similar to what Caroline Cloonan (12) said when asked the same question about success. “I consider success to be a balance in life. I am fulfilled when I make time for schoolwork, extracurricular activities, hobbies, and family.”
It is important to have a work-life balance otherwise without that balance, you might burn out.
Mrs. Stathakos, a former movie producer turned teacher believes that teachers and mentors have a very active and effective role in contributing to the success of their student later in life.
“I believe that I do have a great effect on how successful people become, because we are preparing them for more than just there future but also helping them work through the tough spots in life.”
Teachers play an important role in every student’s life. Just think of that one teacher that you felt you could always talk to or go to when something went wrong, or you failed that test. They play a huge part in helping us get back on our feet and be the best we can be.
So, think back to the start and think what the meaning of success really means to you. There is no single definition of success. It is a personal journey shaped by our individual experiences and influenced by the people who guide us along the way. Being mindful that we each have our own vision of success can help those goals feel meaningful and our achievements more fulfilling.
What does success look like to you?
