How To Measure Success
Paper #5 Final Draft People describe the American dream as being able to start with nothing, and, through hard work and dedication, they are able to call themself successful. This brings to mind, however, the question of how to measure success in life? In an excerpt from The Norton Anthology of American Literature, Booker T. Washington wrote of how he began life as the son of a slave. Nevertheless, through hard work and a will to succeed, Washington became one of the most revered leaders of the African-American community. I believe success should be measured by the ability of an individual to overcome obstacles as demonstrated through resiliency, earning respect from others, and learning not to take anything for granted in life.
The ability to bounce back from adversity is essential to gaining success throughout life. Washington did not let the oppression of his time prevent him from gaining the education that he desired. Even while he worked as a salt packer, coal miner, and house servant he still attended school in the off hours and began to satisfy his “intense longing” to learn (Washington, 453). I myself have experienced having to bounce back from adversity, when I was arrested for a DUI in January of 2010, which could have ruined or ended my career in the Army. Instead, I was able to turn my mishap with the law into motivation for change. I worked hard to slowly crawl out of the hole that I had dug for myself, and as a result was still be able to successfully earn a promotion to a higher rank in the army.
I also believe that by working hard to gain success, rather than having it handed to oneself, the individual earns the respect of his or her colleagues and others in the community. Washington was so admired and sought after that eventually he was awarded an honorary degree by Harvard University, was invited to dine with President Theodore Roosevelt, was widely consulted on policy questions by white political and business leaders, effectively influenced
The ability to bounce back from adversity is essential to gaining success throughout life. Washington did not let the oppression of his time prevent him from gaining the education that he desired. Even while he worked as a salt packer, coal miner, and house servant he still attended school in the off hours and began to satisfy his “intense longing” to learn (Washington, 453). I myself have experienced having to bounce back from adversity, when I was arrested for a DUI in January of 2010, which could have ruined or ended my career in the Army. Instead, I was able to turn my mishap with the law into motivation for change. I worked hard to slowly crawl out of the hole that I had dug for myself, and as a result was still be able to successfully earn a promotion to a higher rank in the army.
I also believe that by working hard to gain success, rather than having it handed to oneself, the individual earns the respect of his or her colleagues and others in the community. Washington was so admired and sought after that eventually he was awarded an honorary degree by Harvard University, was invited to dine with President Theodore Roosevelt, was widely consulted on policy questions by white political and business leaders, effectively influenced
Cited: Washington, Booker T. “Chapter XIV. The Atlanta Exposition Address.” The Norton Anthology of American Literature (Shorter Seventh Edition). Eds. Nina Baym, et al. 7th ed. New York: W. W. Norton, 2008. 452-462. Print.