Children are often raised to believe the only way to be successful is by making money and having a perfect life. That could not be farther from the truth, because success is not one-size-fits-all.
For example, if someone has always dreamed of being in the military, then that is where their future takes them. By reaching their goal, they are successful in their own right. For some, they may see success as making it into a top university, but for others, it may be being the first in their family to make it to high school graduation. People may base their definition of success on creativity, freedom or mental health over a job title. None of these definitions are wrong, yet society has led people to believe there is only one way to reach success.
A problem with basing success purely on grades or achievements is that it ignores individuality. Throughout school, students are often compared, whether that is intentional or not. Through grade-point averages, test scores, sport statistics and extracurriculars, it can be easy to believe students are falling behind when they are just where they are meant to be. Smaller victories begin to be lost and diminished rather than celebrated. A student who struggles with one subject may be advanced in another, but not noticed because that subject is seen as “less important for a successful life.”
Social media has added to the complexity of this definition because many people’s feeds are filled with people becoming wealthy, famous or “successful.” This can lead to unrealistic expectations and constant pressure that leads them to feel like their success is less important. While students are still trying to figure themselves out as people, they are expected to know what they want to do for the rest of their lives. This makes it much more understandable that so many are feeling overwhelmed with the future.
The future will not look the same for everyone. Each student will hold a different path they will follow, so why is everyone’s success placed on the same scale? A successful future is not built by how fast someone reaches their goal but rather how they build the life that is meaningful to them.
Helping support your family, finishing assignments, overcoming personal struggles or simply making it through a difficult circumstance is a success in its own way. Everyone deserves the opportunity to define success for themselves instead of being forced into what society wants for them.
Success will lead everyone in their own ways and into lives they will form for themselves. It is different for every student, because each has experienced their own struggles. Therefore, a meaningful future should be measured by fulfillment and the capability to create what makes their life feel complete.