Success: My Own Definition

Success: My Own Definition Webster's dictionary defines the word "success" as, "favorable or desired outcome; also: the attainment of wealth, favor, or eminence" (Webster's Dictionary Online). My definition of success; however, is a little different. In my opinion, if you are doing something that makes you happy, something that you love to do, you are successful. My chosen education, career, and home environment will define whether or not I am successful. After I graduate from high school, I would like to attend the University of Kansas. I'm not for sure what I would like to major in, but I am seriously considering going into early education. I will go to the University for four years in order to earn a bachelor's degree. If I do go into the field of education, I would like to do my student teaching, if possible, in a small town. That way I can get to know the students on a slightly more personal level, as there will most likely be less students in a small town. As a teacher, I would like to stay in the classroom with the children. I do not think I would enjoy being in administration or anything like that, but I will further my education while teaching, and earn my master's degree. By doing this, I could also go into counseling, which I am very interested in. My preferred grade level I would like to teach is kindergarten or first grade, but I will consider older grades if there are no jobs available for kindergarten/first grade teaching. Aside from my education and career path, my home environment is also important to me. I would love to live in a small town, because I grew up in one and I absolutely love it. I love that everyone knows each other, and I have gone to school with the same people my whole life. I do need to consider, however, that there may not be any teaching positions available in a place like that, so I may need to live in a larger city. While finding a teaching position, I will try to be as flexible as possible when it comes to the place I will live. I do plan to have a family by this time, so I will also need to take their needs into consideration. Overall, flexibility is key to finding a job. If I complete my education the way I have planned to, find my preferred career, and also have a decent living situation, I feel I will be on the right track. When and if I have done these things, I will then look back at my life. Hopefully I will be able to consider myself a successful person. Being successful, to me, is being happy with, and also loving what you are doing.