Success is just a 7- letter word but holds multiple meanings . In today’s world where morals and ethics are declining day by day and people participate in an endless race to become and be ‘successful’, the meaning of success is not the same for all. For a student, success might be passing a test, scoring good marks and so on. The education system that is based on marks and the stigma that students who fail cannot be successful, impact a student’s viewpoint on success.
Societal and peer pressure and the fear of failure may take over and make students think that scoring marks is their only aim . They neglect their passions and even health . Being a student, I used to think the same to some extent . I did not give much thought to what success meant to me in my previous grades but I was definitely focused on scoring marks.
That attitude did change and after Grade 6, I did not associate success with marks. I was satisfied and content with my preparation in a subject and this felt like an achievement – instead of the result, the preparation was a success to me . Therefore, success is not always materialistic in nature.
I also think that success is omnipresent and is obvious or subtle during particular situations. Every incident is a success from someone or something’s part; we might not realize or acknowledge that success. Even when we fail a test, that failure is a success – it succeeded in teaching you the required lesson and if you learn from it, then it is your success too. Even when someone makes fun of you or teases you, you have a choice to succeed by controlling your emotions, learning what is necessary and ignoring negativity. Success is also an emotion.
Thus , success depends on and is defined by oneself, not by anyone or anything else. Hence, ultimately, I define and think of success as ‘ a feeling or an occasion where I am satisfied or benefited due to my work or an event’ – it means achievement, contentment and room for further improvement; it means life.
Author: Vikasini, Grade 12 B
