Defining Success- Nathan

 

What is success? Webster’s dictionary defines success as a “favorable or desired outcome”. I'll be focusing on the meaning of success in high school, which for some students means getting a diploma. But high school is about finding out more about yourself, your interests, and preparing for your future. When it comes to success in high school, many are quick to think of academics. Academic success can be seen in getting good grades, doing well on standardized tests, and achieving a high GPA. This success reflects a student's ability to learn and apply knowledge, which is a very important skill in the real world. While academic success is important, it shouldn’t be the sole focus. High school is also a time for self-growth and discovering your interests. Success in high school involves engaging in activities that you enjoy or want to learn more about. This could be joining clubs, playing sports, or participating in volunteer work. For example, while walking around Club Rush this year I was surprised to see such a wide variety of clubs, each displaying their own unique interests. Diversifying your knowledge through extracurricular activities allows you to develop character and discover your passion.

 Success can also be one's ability to try new things and not be afraid to go out of your comfort zone. Exposing yourself to new experiences allows you to be able to learn more about yourself and your strengths and weaknesses. Every morning I drive myself to school, which is a relatively new experience. The thought of bad drivers almost hitting my car makes me question if it’s such a good idea. But I know that going out of my comfort zone will make me a better driver. In high school, we often have to persevere through challenges. High school is a time when many of us face personal struggles, social pressure, and academic difficulties. Success involves learning from these challenges and growing as a person. When I took AP Chemistry last year, I almost accepted defeat and dropped the class halfway through the semester. However, I learned to embrace the challenge by working harder so I could succeed in the class. Through these challenges, we can develop problem-solving skills that will help us in the future. These challenges can also provide us with a greater sense of resilience and determination. 

 Success in high school also involves preparation for the future. It involves setting goals and working towards them and also having a plan for the future. High school allows us to be able to find what we excel in, and it gives us an idea of what we want to do after high school. During freshman year, I decided to take Graphic Design. It was a fun class that I found a lot of value in, and I may pursue it further in college. High school success can also be seen in developing relationships. With such a diverse group of students at Etiwanda, we are able to learn more about other students and their respective cultures. We are able to make friendships and connections that help us navigate through the difficulties of high school. High school friendships teach us about the importance of teamwork and collaboration.

 In conclusion, success in high school involves academic achievement, personal growth, relationships, and preparation for the future. There is simply not one definition of a successful individual in high school, but rather a well-rounded person ready for the challenges of life ahead. As a high school senior, I’ve learned that success lies not only in the journey but also in the destination.