Smoke Screens & Mirrors or Real Life?

2/8/2019

Generation Z is overflowing with young people who thrive on a sense of worthlessness and low self-esteem. Or, so it seems. Whether it’s in the self-deprecating memes or self-degrading comments, it seems that most iGeners are depressed and the reasons are clear.

There is this unspoken rule that you must be successful by the age of 25. So if you don't have your life together by that age, when will you? A habit that contributes to the self-decaying self-worth is comparing achievements and success to other Gen Zers or always wondering, Why haven’t I thought of the next million dollar idea yet? Why can’t I draw as good as “her”? How come my rank is so low compared to that of my friends?

Gen Zers fixate on the achievements of others and the notion that they are incapable of holding remarkable qualities. However, this sense of self-deprecation, if left uncontrolled, can have negative consequences. For instance, belittling others successes to feel better, or overestimating the value of high school class ranks can be damaging to someone’s self-esteem. The focus should not be on the success of others. Instead, it should be on the progress made over time.

Most of my high school career, I was an anxiety ball contemplating suicide because I thought I wasn’t good enough. I didn’t even think I was going to make it to my 16th birthday, let alone graduation. Now that I am in my senior year, I know that I am good enough. After experiencing that kind of pain, I realize that I am strong and resilient, and can make it through anything life throws at me.

Nevertheless, there is still a concern for my future. I often hear that success equates happiness, “when you reach your goals you will feel fulfilled!” This kind of ideology is ever-present in my life. In the novel “Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock” by Matthew Quick, the protagonist questions this kind of thinking. This same thinking jump-started my anxiety for what awaits for me in the future. What if I reach my goals and I am unhappy or unsatisfied?

YouTuber, Elle Mills, had a mental breakdown in May, 2018 because although she had reached her career goal, she felt unhappy. So, with that, if success isn't the pathway to happiness then what is?
—Contributed by D.T., LHS High School Senior

Read the commentary above, then comment intelligently, academically and with fidelity.

1. INCLUDE: First initial AND last name AND class period.

2. Respond in no more than 10 sentences and no less than five.

3. You MUST respond to at least TWO other posts from any student. Your replies cannot be identical comments on different posts and posting shallow comments such as "I agree" or "I disagree" will earn you a zero. Make sure your reply addresses the comment that you are responding to.
Be sure to--

Be clear about your position
Provide specific support for your argument
Use rhetorical devices and other grammar elements
Write EPIC Content-Engaging, Powerful, Informative, Creative

CAUTION!! Do NOT embarrass me, yourself, your class, the English department, the school or your parents with tasteless, meaningless comments. This is for a grade.

DISCLAIMER: If you do not respond AND comment on TWO others, you will not receive credit for this assignment. It's all or nothing.

Due: Fri., Feb. 8, 2019 11:59 p.m. CST

A. Green 3

2/9/2019 02:47:06 am

I’ve felt the same but I think it’s just apart of life to feel like you can be doing better. But everyone’s success and happiness is graded differently because no one sees it the same. But stressing out to the point where you don’t even enjoy your everyday life doesn’t help anything. Worrying about your future is always important but if you can’t focus on the now there’s nothing good coming from it. But I do believe once you reach your own success you’ll feel it and it’ll help you with anything else you decide to conquer in your life.

J. Griffith 2nd

2/9/2019 04:30:02 am

In some way, I’ve felt it’s a part of life to push oneself to achieve goals and accomplishments.

T. Jones 2nd

2/9/2019 07:20:00 am

I agree. There’s never a time in life where we should just settle for where we are now or what we have now. You will be sad if you don’t push yourself to do more.

Jordan bridges

2/9/2019 08:32:49 am

Yep and with that we can be brought to bigger thing and better our self for the future.

D. Miller

2/19/2019 09:36:01 pm

Its good for you to have high self esteem, because kids in this generation are rude and dont care now a days. They do half of the stupid things they do just to be funny.

Jniquea jackson 2

2/9/2019 06:22:55 am

I agree with you . If having to stress and worry to be successful it’s not worth it to me . There is nothing worth pushing for if you not happy. If being not happy that can lead to depression. You can be successful in different ways . Even some can make a goal n hit the target and be successful.

T. Jones 2nd

2/9/2019 07:22:51 am

I agree. Everyday we must do something to get better. But I feel that the stressing only comes when we think that everyone around us is perfect.

Jamarion

2/9/2019 11:34:29 am

I agree I feel like we should strive to be better than what we are instead of settling for less.

M. Cain 2nd

2/9/2019 08:11:51 am

I agree, worrying about your future to the point that you forget to live in the present is not healthy.

T.Falls 6th

2/9/2019 10:48:00 am

I once read a quote that said “ Never get to busy making a living that you forget to make a life”. This stuck with me because I know that people will put all there energy and time into one thing and when they finally achieve there goal they are faced with a brand new task. Which is trying to figure out who they are and what they like and what they don’t like.Just because you have fulfilled your goals doesn’t mean you are guaranteed happiness that is something that comes from within. Lastly Teens compare their self to each other’s because it shows you how far ahead or behind you are it’s just a ways to stay in the loop. This actually in courages self motivation which can lead to success.

Jordan bridges

2/9/2019 08:28:17 am

I agree. Focusing on the point it brings you to is what's the should be on peole minds.

T. Young 2nd period

2/9/2019 08:33:13 am

I agree with you that maybe the feeling of wanting to do better is a natural feeling.

T.Harris 6th

2/9/2019 09:24:09 am

Yes only because deep down we can do better than what we put our mind to we have to push to get reach the sky.

K.Moore

2/9/2019 10:29:53 am

I agree that you should never push yourself to the point where you don’t enjoy everyday life.

Jamarionj.

2/9/2019 11:37:36 am

I disagree I feel like if you push yourself now in the future your outcome will be better therefore you should always push your self

T.Falls 6th

2/9/2019 11:03:18 am

I totally agree but I feel like once your happy with yourself it will lead you towards working harder for success because you know where you wanna go. Think about it when you are going through something do you feel like giving 110% in everything you do? But when your in a good mood you tend to get more done.

Lloyd Trimble

2/9/2019 12:57:41 pm

I agree a happy you is a focused and hardworking you.

D.Gadson

2/9/2019 12:16:35 pm

Yes ! Everyone do have a point where they feel like we can do better . Also focus is a big thing in life.

L.Allen 2nd period

2/9/2019 12:27:25 pm

I agree, but when I achieve a goal or reach that goal I feel that I can always do more or it could of been better. Because I constantly feel motivated to always go above the top because there will always be room for improvement but you should not feel unhappy you should feel ready to take on the next challenge that will help improve you and the things around you.

D jones 3rd

3/2/2019 04:19:19 am

I agree even i want to do better for myself.

J. Griffith 2nd

2/9/2019 04:27:51 am

It’s generally a part of life to think you can do better. I’ve been feeling like that ever since I transferred schools. I felt as if I could do better than at my old school. As it turns out, I came a long way from where I was. It’s good to push yourself so you can get better and achieve your goals.

Jniquea jackson 2

2/9/2019 06:26:26 am

This is also true. Everyone wants to do better in life . Even get to a point you want to get better than your neighbor. Yes pushing your self is a great way to start . Even more so don’t worry about being better than somebody else . This can cause friction within your self because your main focus should be you .

M. Chavez 2nd pd

2/9/2019 10:38:06 am

I agree, as long as there are people ahead of you, you’ll always feel behind. It’s not the worst thing, because everyone works at their own pace, and that’s the bet way to work.

Houston S.

2/9/2019 11:34:26 am

I completely agree, I believe it’s almost a sense of natural instinct to want more for yourself. This could be based off others and just looking in the mirror.

C. Capel 6th

2/9/2019 12:18:19 pm

Self growth is a huge success ... and it takes a strong soul to notice that .

Lloyd Trimble

2/9/2019 12:58:35 pm

I agree you always believe that you can do more than what you are currently

D jones 3rd

3/2/2019 04:22:31 am

Sometimes you have to look at where you were. It’s much better than thinking of where you could have been. It stresses you out thinking about of well this could be here. You have to work up to that point but on the bright side look at what you have came from. It’s an improvement. That’s all that matters

Jniquea jackson 2

2/9/2019 06:19:58 am

Great questions!! Being yourself can cause happiness. Staying true to yourself goes a long way . The poorest person can be happy with there self if they allow there self to be . Not everyone will become “worldly successful “ . Success is not having this career or that career it’s about who can accessed. Happiness is defined with your internal self . The highest paying doctor may be happy and successful but then again may not be happy but still successful. Whatever make you happy define your happiness.

J. Griffith 2nd

2/9/2019 07:44:27 am

I agree that being who you are and staying true to yourself will generally make you happy.

M. Cain 2nd

2/9/2019 08:10:07 am

I agree, that happiness is what you make it. If you rely on a career to bring you happiness then you risk the chance of never having it.

T.Harris 6th

2/9/2019 09:21:55 am

Understanding what you are saying happiness is Whatever you feel it is not what others think.

N.Brown8th

2/9/2019 10:36:18 am

I agree that your success is driving by your own happiness. Why be successful in something that doesn’t make you happy ? Your inner self tells you who you are but you have choice to listen or not listen .You have to follow your heart to find where your true success lies.

I. Florence 8th

2/9/2019 10:41:18 am

On social media I have seen so many people become damaged by the pressure to feel and look successful because everyone else looks or is deemed as successful. This pressure we place on ourselves is damaging and we often forget that we need to define what success is for our own happiness. I concur with your statement.

A green 3

2/9/2019 11:34:42 am

That’s so true even myself have tried comparing my success to others my age and it left me with nothing but self doubt. So I had to realize that my success won’t come at the same time or same way as someone else. Realizing that has helped me in so many ways unimaginable.

timothy hornbuckle 5th

2/9/2019 12:05:51 pm

I agree that your success is driving by your own happiness. Why be successful in something that doesn’t make you happy ?

L.Allen 2nd Period

2/9/2019 12:31:16 pm

I totally agree, but I don't understand why our generation believe that wearing name brand and diamonds makes them successful when it just makes you look like you value unnecessary material things.

A green 3

2/9/2019 11:33:00 am

I totally agree you should find happiness in everything you do. But you don’t have to be happy in the way others feel you should. Because that just leads to your downfall.

C. Capel 6th

2/9/2019 12:20:44 pm

That is so true . People could have it all and still not be happy .

D.gadson 6th

2/9/2019 12:21:48 pm

I like your definition of success! Your example is very true as well.

D jones

3/2/2019 04:23:53 am

Being yourself is always the best opinion. Doing what makes you happy. No matter the “worth”

T. Jones 2nd

2/9/2019 07:27:22 am

We must push ourselves on a daily to become successful. With that, we do have to compare ourselves to others and I don’t think it’s anything wrong with that. It begins to be a problem when you expect to have the same results at everybody you see. You shouldn’t compare yourself to just 1 person but to a group of people who may live a similar life as you. Each person’s definition of happy depends on them. For some, money will make them happy, fame will make others happy and then you have those who just want to be with family & they will be happy.

T. Young 2nd period

2/9/2019 08:26:50 am

I agree with you, that sometimes comparing yourself to somebody may be good only if you have the mindset as " what she/he is doing i can improve and do better". You don't really have to compare yourself because it may become a negative outcome without you trying.

K. Banks 6th

2/9/2019 09:39:38 am

Success and happiness does depend on the person, so there truly isn’t an accurate portrayal for it.

I. Florence 8th

2/9/2019 10:42:53 am

Comparison is damaging, It causes jealousy and the depreciation of self-esteem.

T.Hornbuckle

2/9/2019 12:07:24 pm

I Agree Because Each person’s definition of happy depends on them.

C. San Roman

2/9/2019 12:23:31 pm

Its okay to compare goals, but its not okay to compare the means by which to obtain that specific accomplishment

M. Cain 2nd

2/9/2019 08:08:37 am

The fear of not being successful in the future is real. Comparison is a part of life unfortunately, whether consciously or unconsciously. Even though we all want and aspire to be different things in our life, it's so easy to see others celebrating their success and be envious. You have to be confident enough in yourself to know that your time will come. But I also feel that true success shouldn't be stressful 24/7, there should be moments of happiness or content. Lastly I believe that there is no time limit on when you should reach your peak in your life, and once we learn to go at our own pace we will all be good.

K. Banks 6th

2/9/2019 09:41:53 am

I also believe there isn’t any time limit on success and you should go at your own pace.

Z. Crawford

2/9/2019 10:32:11 am

True to not live up to society norms can reduce the stress levels of others

T.Falls 6th

2/9/2019 11:06:18 am

Honestly, the stress of trying to keep if with society caN drive someone mentally and physically crazy. That’s one of the main reason I do what makes me happy even when others might not.

M. Chavez 2nd pd.

2/9/2019 10:47:55 am

Confidence is key, and a little goes a long way. as long as someone confident they can do almost as much as they please.

J Butler 5th & 6th

2/9/2019 12:54:53 pm

I agree if you can confidently and successfully do something then this automatically boosts self esteem for the future of doing that

B. Haynes 8th

2/9/2019 10:50:25 am

Time also plays a role when it comes to our definition of success. Some people believe that you should be successful by a certain age, and some are! But does that mean that another person who is still struggling at that age is automatically a failure? Not at all. Everyone should go at their own pace. As you said, there is no time limit to reach your peak in life.

H Aleman 8th period

2/9/2019 11:04:59 am

I think competition is the biggest hindrance in terms of success. Yeah, we tend to compare ourselves to others a lot. However, the biggest issue is competition. Everyone wants to be the best, everyone wants to stand out. Everyone wants to outdo everyone and that's why we can't ever move forward.

F. Aleman 8th

2/9/2019 11:46:15 am

I think both are equally a hindrance in terms of success.

F. Aleman 8th

2/9/2019 11:42:55 am

People should stop comparing themselves to others. Comparing yourself has no positive outcomes.

T. Young 2nd period

2/9/2019 08:23:21 am

The feeling of not being successful after high school or in life is the greatest fear of all. I felt that I would't have made it to my senior year after countless attempts to suicide after many close deaths in my family I felt no point to live. When teachers, parents, or even society compares you to some one with a "greater look" or "more successful" it can lower a person self-esteem and confidence, because they begin to question everything that they're doing and begin to feel like whatever they do won't be good enough to the next and that's something that I sometimes battle with. I have my down moment, however, I have to remember that I am a strong person that can persevere threw anything I put my mind to and actually enjoy. No matter what we have to remember that all our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them and it does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.

B. Haynes 8th

2/9/2019 10:46:53 am

Success can either be a fun idea to toy around with, or something that can drown your whole day. I think that comparison can be a good thing sometimes because it can lead to growth, but for some reason, it tends to lead to self deprecation in our society. Though, we should always remember that someone else's success isn't our failure.

Jordan bridges

2/9/2019 08:24:57 am

When it come to this you just have to think of only yourself and not other because so many people say you have to be the best in this and that's cool for the fact that some people love competition. On the other hand people would put so much stress on themselve because feel as if they have to be the best and I used to be that way myself but now I just think do the best you can be and not focus on others.

Z.Crawford

2/9/2019 10:30:58 am

Yes competition is the main reason people can’t focus on getting themselves on the right track to success

K.Brown 2nd

2/9/2019 12:04:09 pm

I used to be same the way .I just stopped thinking I have to prove something to somebody. “It is what is ,” is what I find myself saying a lot .You can’t change how people may view you ,so why stress on it ?

T.Harris 6th

2/9/2019 09:19:25 am

Success is happiness in a way it’s only about 25% of it only because you have to make yourself happy. “When u live how you want they suppose to hate” quote from a rappers song people are going to be mad regardless win or lose. When it comes to high school I set my own goal 80’s and above and that what my parents expected all four years it wasn’t a job it was just a simple task. Why push yourself hard if the person next to you is just going to try is take you down. If you move in silence and keep all that’s well to yourself you might live a life with 75% of happiness.

K. Banks 6th

2/9/2019 09:36:25 am

Wanting to be successful is a common desire. Some people feel the need to be successful straight out of high school because of their fellow peers. Not realizing that it might take time, they push themselves to certain limits that they can’t come back from. Success is something earned not given, so it won’t be as easy to acquire. The sooner we come to this realization, the less stressful it shall be.

K.Moore 5th

2/9/2019 10:26:10 am

I agree that we need to realize that our success/happiness isn’t going to come as fast as the next persons did.

N.Brown8th

2/9/2019 10:29:47 am

I agree success takes time and shouldn’t be forced. If you force success your basically throwing your life in a temporary position. It becomes temporary because you become unhappy in this so called “success” . Some successes aren’t meant for you that’s what people need to understand.

M Martinez 3rd

2/9/2019 10:47:42 am

Everyone is in such a rush to grow up instead of just enjoying life. I feel that we hurry to get our careers not knowing it always takes time to progress in life.

R. Leal

2/9/2019 10:47:54 am

I agree with this statement. Being successful has been stressed upon us from a early age. Not only from our parents but also our teachers, employees, and counselors.

J Butler 5th & 6th

2/9/2019 12:44:56 pm

I have to agree with this statement and say yes its hard to be great when you're living someone else's dream (parents and teachers). As we grow we are held to such a high standard.

S.johnson 8th

2/9/2019 11:42:04 am

Success comes in different ways and will not always come right away. I may have to wait 5 years to be successful whereas you become successful right away. Many become discouraged with the thought of having to wait to be successful

K.Moore 5th

2/9/2019 10:22:02 am

Naturally us as humans compare ourselves to one another. Is this this ok? No it’s not but for some it motivates them to get to their goal in life. As a high school student we see everything as competion on who can be the best or we are always being pushed to be the best; and yes sometimes this gets overwhelming cause we just all want to be successful. Success is look a differently for everyone. Sometimes success it’s the key it also could be just being overall happy in life.

M Martinez 3rd

2/9/2019 10:46:38 am

Comparing ourselves to others always seem the first thing we do. This isn't good to do all, we need to just focus on ourselves.

S. Pirzada 6th

2/9/2019 12:40:53 pm

I can't make my use of words a stabled philosophy, but I think sometimes comparisons is needed in life, even if it's not the healthiest form.

H Aleman 8th period

2/9/2019 10:59:54 am

I don't necessarily think that people comparing themselves to others is motivation, even if it may seem that way. What it truly is, is degradation. It is competition with ourselves and with other people. We may think that we are motivating ourselves when we try to outdo what others have done, but all we are really doing is tearing them down to uplift ourselves, and then scolding ourselves when we fail to outdo them.

Marqueshia Richardson

2/9/2019 11:40:05 am

It is like comparing ourselves to others all the time will never get to be our selves because its like constantly looking to see if our standards are like theirs having that memory of "she did it so i can we have to be who God called us to be if we are constantly setting our standards to another person standards we are limiting God and ourselves to being ourselves to the fullness that it is suppose to be. it makes you feel bound and limited comparing ourselves to others because you will always think " why can't i ever think like him/her" or "why can't i have smart ideas or be like her famous" but what we fail to realize is that we are fearfully and wonderfully made their is only one you.Their is another person on this earth who may look like you, sound like you, and even have the same name as you, but they are not you. Being you is rare God created only one you. there is no other you especially to the fullness God created you to be.

A crow 5th prd

2/9/2019 12:01:07 pm

I have to disagree with u on one part, it's not normal for a human to compare themselves to someone I feel like thats being insecure.

N.Brown8th

2/9/2019 10:24:58 am

You drive your success , your success doesn’t drive you meaning you make your own version of success.So if you are driving success and your unhappy then that’s not your true desire of success. Your success should be a blessing and also give you lessons along the way . You have a to realize that some “Successes” aren’t meant to be yours but you worked towards it because you believed that’s what you wanted or needed. Your true success should be a mixture of your work ethic, talents ,and happiness.If your success is dull and unhappy you are dull and unhappy .

Marqueshia Richardson

2/9/2019 11:31:50 am

Sometimes we have our visions of how we want our life to turn out and in our own eyes it can look like the biggest thing ever and we have it all planned out. obstacles are also needed it is such a rush sometimes i mean challenges can help us and GOD is looking at us and he has a plan bigger their may be obstacles but they can't stop you he won't give you more than what you can take. think about it God is looking at us like "hmmm this plan is a bit boring i know what you like seek me i have a bigger plan trust me' and the suddenly fear comes in but think about it even though it may look hard its not and God has something way better something new everyday that is why it is a blessing to wake up everyday. Everyday God is doing something new he always keeps us on the edge of our seats looking for something new every time and never fails to wow us.

T.Tate 8th

2/9/2019 11:35:40 am

I agree , it’s not true success if your still unhappy with your success then it’s not your success .

D. Hearne 8th

2/9/2019 12:14:37 pm

What if I call success, being able to get up in the morning. Some may see that as “unhappy” or “dull”. Success should not be something that has to meet a standard. This is the mindset that we need get out of.

J. Perez 6th

2/9/2019 12:17:17 pm

Yeah I belive that if you're passionate about something the success you obtain from it will be your blessing. You have one life, one chance to do something so why bitter yourself over trying to be successful when you can be happy doing what you're passionate about. We need to live in the moment. Yes money and success is lovely to have but not while you're bitter or mad. Thats why you should enjoy while you can because no one has their destiny bought or planned.

Z.Crawford 6th pd

2/9/2019 10:29:51 am

Senior year by far has been one of the most stressful years of my entire educational experience. With the pressure of starting your life goals, finally realizing and understanding that this is the year that you embark on your adult journey. I began to feel overwhelmed with the fact that this is the start of my career/life and if I don’t start about it the right way it may leave me in a predicament I fear. Growing up your frequently asked what are your goals and aspirations in life? Most common answers are doctors, nurses, lawyers, etc all integral of college. Which leads to the impression that a college education is necessary to be successful. But not many have the funds to finish there way through college which often then causes the depression. The feeling of not being able to succeed because your less fortunate in some minds.

R. Leal

2/9/2019 10:45:43 am

I agree with this. At the beginning of senior year I was not feeling the stress and importance of this year. Until second semester began and then I saw myself not passing classes or doing my work.. I am fearful of not being successful and earning what I want or what I envisioned my life to be.

I. Florence 8th

2/9/2019 10:31:29 am

We as a society are disillusioned with the notion that success is synonymous with goals and dreams that can boost our stature in society and happiness. With this disillusion, we forget that in reality, our achievements of success are not enough for our lack of self love, and peace. Robert Williams was one of the best comedic actors of all time. He played in some our favorite movies, made millions of dollars, and achieved fame and notoriety, but he still took his own life. He is, and deserves the right to labeled as successful. But did he actually feel so? If Robert Williams had self love and peace would he still be alive today? I can not speak for him or anyone else who has battled similar demons, but I do believe that we obtained self love and inner peace, this constructed idea called success would not be as much of a burden.

C.Jones 6th

2/9/2019 12:02:29 pm

No were disillusioned to think that popularity is success. People do what they think what get them more "friends".

B. Haynes 8th

2/9/2019 10:41:49 am

I wish I knew a concrete answer to “what is success,” but I think that’s something we all learn as we live our lives. Success means different things to different people, but at its core, it’s about being satisfied with your life, who you are, and who you’re willing to become. Comparing ourselves is one of the many downfalls when it comes to hindering our full potential, especially in a world of social media where everyone is happy—and for some, that’s merely a mask to hide behind. I don't know why we feel the need to compare ourselves negatively, just as I don’t understand why we have to pretend to be happy. Maybe it’s just a part of the human experience, or maybe it’s because of how we perceive ourselves. However, what I do know is that I see myself in every word of this commentary as someone who does compare herself to others and also once contemplated suicide. Though, as I get older and grow, I realize the potential I have as a being in this world every day. I can see myself finally being content with who I am and who I want to become, and to me, that is the definition of success.

J. Maple 8th

2/9/2019 11:49:42 am

I agree. Everyone’s version of success is different, but we feel the need to vie for someone else’s version, and it makes us unhappy.

T.Tate 8th

2/9/2019 11:56:19 am

If you’re not satisfied with your life what makes you think you are going to make it through life . People have to understand that you have to be happy with yourself before anyone can.

C. San Roman 2nd

2/9/2019 12:16:51 pm

I am glad you have grown, matured, and have since been happy. That is something i wish everyone else could do.

M Martinez 3rd

2/9/2019 10:45:39 am

Having success in life solely depends on the person. What is success to me might not be success to you. Its truly in the eye of the beholder, but with social media everyone feels pressured. Having the career you desire by age 25 is always pressured on young people which isn't fair. Aslong as you're successful in life with health, happiness and love is all you can hope for. Money doesn't bring happiness in the end, we all just want to be happy in life.

J. Perez 6th

2/9/2019 12:07:27 pm

Like you said success is what you see it to be but because of social media people will base it off of someone elses success and curse themselves for not being on that level. This makes us unhappy with our lives and it affects our mental health as well as our work ethic. We start blaming the world, taking it out on others instead of progressing. We need to get out of that mindset.

R. Leal 2nd

2/9/2019 10:50:20 am

I believe that many people discriminate themselves because of the lack of support around them. Getting through depression can seem almost impossible. I myself have experienced the never ending cycle of dark days. Most people are not able to get through it and are driven to commit suicide. In order to succeed through depression you must have a strong mindset and support.

K.Brown 2nd

2/9/2019 11:45:18 am

Yes success starts with having the mindset thing on lock .Although,changing and strengthening your perspective on things can be tough . It takes time to build up the courage to let go of all the things you were used to . Comfort can sometimes keep people from moving forward and living the life they have intended for themselves .

C.Jones 6th

2/9/2019 11:53:43 am

Suicide is a problem nowadays. Personally I'll never do that shit. You have to lose your life just to have a life but when you lose it there's no more life.

I. Chancellor 8th period

2/9/2019 11:54:33 am

You are totally right, because when you lack a good support group, you are destined to kill your own aspirations and dreams. Even though depression is a hard battle to face, you still have to fight and not give up. To be honest, when you are dealing with depression, that often means you are getting close to your blessing or dream. Which is sad, that they did not have nobody to go to, to talk about their depression. Lastly, a good support group, can get you out of any situation that you face.

S. Lara 6th period

2/9/2019 11:55:29 am

Everyone has bad days when they overthink about life and how it may not work out later in life for them but i believe support is the strongest think to get you through it as it build your confidence and pushes you.

A crow 5th

2/9/2019 12:08:27 pm

I believe that having a strong mindset towards negative situations can get you out of them, because some things God wants you to go through them alone.

M Taylor 1st period

2/9/2019 12:11:35 pm

In my opinion depression destroys a strong mindset... if you have a strong mindset why have depression if you know you’re capable of over coming the anxiety and low self esteem or the lack of self love or confidence... whatever the case maybe that caused the depression.. right.

S. Pirzada 6th

2/9/2019 12:46:13 pm

There's people who do have support but aren't seeking any of it until it hits them. You have to support yourself in order to find some.

S. Pirzada 6th

2/9/2019 12:46:24 pm

There's people who do have support but aren't seeking any of it until it hits them. You have to support yourself in order to find some.

H aleman 8th period

2/9/2019 10:52:30 am

Living with anxiety makes it difficult to even think about the possibility of happiness or success. I'm always being reminded that I'm smart, and that I'm pretty, or that I have so many friends that are here for me and will support me no matter what I decide to do. Unfortunately, I can never shake away the looming thought that there is no path to happiness for me. In my opinion, the path to happiness won't ever be the same for everyone. The path to happiness will be long and painful for some, or easy and short for others. The journey is what we make of it, and the outcome depends on the decisions we make. Our society is so obsessed with fame and image, that we seem to forget or even push aside our true goals in order to feed a false sense of dignity and worth. We need to fixate that energy on reaching for things that make us happy. And when we feel that happiness is not possible for us, we need to pick ourselves back up and realize that everything we face is a part of our journey to happiness.

J earl

2/9/2019 11:36:27 am

Well you’re living a good life . I am being judged by the way u act but me and myself know what I could do if I would just sit and relax and do my work

J. Maple 8th

2/9/2019 11:44:45 am

I completely agree. Everything we go through brings us one step closer to happiness. Success is just something that’s a part of the path.

K.Brown 2nd

2/9/2019 11:08:23 am

Truthfully , not everyone is meant to be on the same level. It’s tough to hear and stick in your head but , it’s true . To compare yourself with someone is normal .You get compared to somebody everyday whether you realize it or not . It’s your choice to either make it a deep or to accept it as it is . It’s important to be sure of yourself as well as your path . Everyone has their own journey to follow .Nobody is the same .Nobody is living the same life as you !

P Augustine 2nd

2/9/2019 11:42:43 am

I agree with you. Dont look down on yourself, or hold yourself to a lower standard because your not as successful as someone else, you jus have to work hard to get to where you want to be in life.

C.Jones 6th

2/9/2019 11:47:52 am

Right, the law of nature is the strongest survive. But they dont have to be physically the strongest.

F. Aleman 8th

2/9/2019 11:21:19 am

In our society, the world has become a stage for a competition, Everyone is trying to be best.I always believed that people would become happy if they achieved their goals .However, now I think that happiness and success are not similar. To me, success deals more with living with a plan while happiness is living with a passion. I think you have to find yourself and not just focus on comparing yourself to others.

J earl

2/9/2019 11:35:21 am

Competition is not what you want . I mean year everyone wants to be successful but that’s not the only way .

S.johnson 8th

2/9/2019 11:40:40 am

It is like everyone can’t succeed today and only one person can be at the top. All of us can prosper together withou the need for competition

K. Brown 8th hour

2/9/2019 11:45:31 am

It is physically impossible to live without comparing yourself to others. Because life is a large competition. To get anywhere you have to compete, so that leaves us constantly wondering if we meet the standard that 'Sam' might be better for. We are always trying to improve, and while it's mostly for ourselves- it's also for outer forces as well.

M. Jimerson

2/9/2019 11:46:20 am

Today's society is based too much on what the new phone is or how much money you have and they base that on success and I don't think that is what success should stand for at all. Achievement and success should actually mean something instead of it standing for material things.

S. Lara 6th period

2/9/2019 11:51:04 am

I agree one must first find themselves and be content with where they are instead on being focused on others and their success to be happy.

C.Williams 6th

2/9/2019 12:59:44 pm

Everyone is competing which is crazy

Marqueshia Richardson

2/9/2019 11:25:13 am

Honestly i have felt that humbleness is something needed don't become envious over someone else and their success be humble.

P Augustine 2nd

2/9/2019 11:40:08 am

i agree. you should be working hard just like the people who are successful have. success dosnt come free.

Chancellor, Q

2/9/2019 11:41:39 am

i agree with this statement because without knowing who you are as a person and for yourself , you can become extremely lost trying to be someone that you aren’t. you have to humble you own accomplishments and not take them for granted.

M. Chavez 2nd pd

2/9/2019 11:29:49 am

I want to be successful, who doesn’t? But I also want to be happy, and as a young student, i’m so terrified of failing, in school and at life. It’s hard not to compare myself to those that are ahead of me, I can’t help but feel like i’m slacking too much. I want to be content with my life, and not just getting by. I don’t want to be stuck in a cycle doing the same thing over and over again, daily.

K. Brown 8th hour

2/9/2019 11:42:11 am

Honestly, there are times were I look at my work and feel proud of it. But then I'll glance at someone else's and think, "there's is much better, I didn't do enough." Or times were the things I love doing... I find myself drifting from because I get so concerned with how it's not like the people I look up too. Then I just feel like I am doing all of it for nothing. Thankfully, I'm too stubborn of a mule to stop trying.

Chancellor, Q

2/9/2019 11:42:25 am

Whats does succes mean to you though? it can differ depending on the person and their values of life

S. Houston

2/9/2019 11:43:23 am

I agree full heartedly, i feel like I’m slacking even though I put in my best effort. Nothing at the moment seems “enough”.

J. Mills 2nd pd.

2/9/2019 11:53:31 am

Happiness should be your main goal in life and when you think about failing, you should think about what makes you happy and stick with that. If the life you want to live is successful but you don’t see yourself being happy in it, you should choose another path.

C.Williams 6th

2/9/2019 12:59:12 pm

Failing is my worst fear but don’t let that hinder you from pushing to the extreme so you can obtain everything you deserve

R. Garcia 8th

2/9/2019 01:07:28 pm

Comparing yourself is a natural thing and at times it can be beneficial as it makes you realize when you begin to slack, however, it can become toxic if you let it. Rather than comparing yourself to others, compare yourself to older versions of yourself and reflect on whether you've improved or not.

J earl 1st period

2/9/2019 11:34:04 am

I would like to be successful who doesn’t want to be.i would be happy achieving my goals . Being happy is all people want . I was scared to fail but that’s all I get judged by so why not believe it .

I. Chancellor 8th period

2/9/2019 11:43:12 am

In agreement, everyone wants to be successful in everything that they do or dream for. In disagreement, in some cases, even if you do achieve your goals, it still does not produce the happiness that you want. With all honesty, it is better than feeling sad, because that drains your energy and hope. To be honest, it is ok to fail, because in some cases, it makes you better and it open better doors for you, opportunity wise. Lastly, you should ignore people, because their opinion doesn’t matter in your book of life.

Donald G. 1st period

2/9/2019 11:57:54 am

I agree, nobody wants to be sad or depress all the time atleast have some type of happiness in der life.

I. Chancellor 8th period

2/9/2019 11:34:09 am

With all honesty, I learned that I should put my happiness in the present, so I do not take this current life for grant, worrying about the future. I live by this because, you may not get what you hope for in the future, which might make you even sadder, that you hope for this one thing and it did not come true. To be honest, I still suffer from anxiety about thinking about my future, only because of that ideology that you have to be successful at the age 25. However, as a maturing young man, I am learning that people who just live life, end up getting what they worked hard for, without stressing over it. Lastly, I am starting to enjoy life, because I stopped worrying about my dreams, because if I work hard for it, I might get it or I might not.

J James 6th period

2/9/2019 11:50:45 am

I 100% agree with you. Your happiness should be your main priority. Life is too short.

Chancellor, Q

2/9/2019 11:38:49 am

I agree that an individual should work hard in life and reach their full potential. In the world that we live in, it is extremely hard for individuals that are confused about what they want to accomplish in life . I truly believe that chasing your dreams should be one’s too priority . Whether that is attend college, go to the military, bocome an entrepreneur, or anything else that a person may be interested in. They should refrain from following the rules that society give them and go at the own paste , while striving for their own passions in life.

P Augustine 2nd

2/9/2019 11:38:50 am

In my opinion, happiness should be a goal jus as well as success. If you are working hard to be successful then you should be happy in the end, but what is the true definition of success. We all overthink it way too much. There shouldnt be a set age to one to have to get on track to be successful because everyones live doesnt start at the same time in their lives.

J. Mills 2nd pd.

2/9/2019 11:50:09 am

I agree that happiness should be a goal. I think happiness should be the primary goal in any achievement and should be taken into consideration when trying to do anything.

M Taylor 1st period

2/9/2019 12:34:35 pm

Just because you have an eye out for success doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be happy when you reached then end . but yea there’s no age for your success do what you want when you want how you want

K. Brown 8th hour

2/9/2019 11:39:28 am

Success does not really equate to happiness. And this is because everyone is aiming for 'titles' that appeal to the eyes of others instead of themselves. Careers, being a huge example. There are fields that people will immediately tell you to steer clear of, and that aren't as lucrative as others. Instead of saying 'go for it, just be prepared and have a back up plan for your back up plan'. So now people are steering out of the path of happiness into the stream of success. Which many define as just being able to survive alone.

M. Hollywood 2nd

2/9/2019 12:14:31 pm

People do things so others can see how well they are doing. For example, on social media people constantly wait to see someone post something negative. That doesn’t make sense to me because no one is going to post the bad parts of life.

D. Hearne 8th

2/9/2019 12:27:54 pm

By saying this, you are saying that there is only one path to success. Success comes in many forms for different people. Success is happiness as long as you work towards your goals and not follow someone else who claims to be successful.

R. Garcia 8th

2/9/2019 01:00:06 pm

I Completely agree, and i think that rather than seeking to fulfill titles we should try to fulfill a purpose.

S.johnson 8th

2/9/2019 11:39:38 am

happiness is reached differently for everyone.However I tend to think be happy now and not take life for granted because I never know when my life may end. With that being said I try to enjoy my life and live it to the fullest without worries. Of course there are times when pressure gets the best of me but that’s normal for everyone. But what’s different is how we choose to overcome and seek our happiness .

J. Maple 8th

2/9/2019 11:41:56 am

Success is a step towards happiness. If we have the preception that the only way to achieve real happiness is to be successful, of course that pressure will get to us and affect our mental health. Many times teenagers equate good grades with a happy future, and I have been guilty of doing it myself. However, success should just be seen as a stepping stone towards the ultimate goal, true happiness. There are many aspects of life—love, grief, sadness— that need to be experienced to obtain this goal. True happiness doesn’t stop at success.

J James 6th period

2/9/2019 11:49:26 am

I completely agree with you. Success doesn’t make you happy right of the bat, it’s a step in the right direction.

M. Hollywood 2nd

2/9/2019 12:09:30 pm

I think happiness leads to success. When you are happy you are more open minded and making better judgement decisions.

Estevan Salas 6th

2/9/2019 12:30:23 pm

I personally believe that happiness is about your level of content. Being able to be in your 1 bedroom apartment and being content with your life situation or wanting a mansion. Happiness is the sum of many things other than success.

N. Medina 6th

2/9/2019 12:40:45 pm

Of course, there are many obstacles through out the way but I think if everyone sets their mind to it and stops comparing their self to others things would run much smoother and it wouldn’t affect us so much.

C.Jones 6th

2/9/2019 11:42:04 am

It depends entirely on the person. If something that makes me happy doesn't mean it will make you happy. To be happy you have to stop thinking and just do, like the bird that was in Rio.

M. Jimerson 2nd pd

2/9/2019 11:42:12 am

Out of all the mixed inks that we've had, this one really spoke to me on a personal level. Generation Z has a huge issue with making others feel self conscious about themselves, whether its inbolving school or your body shape, face, or whatever other thing that you can think about. The anxiety of me graduating has me wanting to just drop out because I have so many people that are expecting so much from me but I cannot live up to their expectations. But, knowing that if I don't listen to the demons in my head and try to overpass the negative people in my life, it will have a positive ending.

S. Houston

2/9/2019 11:42:25 am

Success should be measured by how many people you can help, not how much you have to yourself. True success doesn’t come until you’ve reached genuine happiness. We’ve all put timelines and limitations by when we should be “successful”. Wanting more for yourself is an inevitability, it’s sure to happe. Outside influences and even innner self judgement are constantly telling us that we must be doing this and that to be able to say that we’ve achieved the accomplishment of LIFE. The future has become the only thing I can think, dream, and talk about because right now I’m not where I want to be. I continuously remind myself that being only 18, I’m not supposed to know and have my life together. However, because of what I’ve been exposed to through social media it seems everyone has reached success, except me.

A crow

2/9/2019 11:45:37 am

I believe that success cant a make a person happy because there is no limit to it. Half of the 2019 seniors are battling with depression and stress due to the fact that they want become something better in life, better than what their parents or anyone else around them was

Donald G.

2/9/2019 11:56:28 am

This is true most of our class are going through depression not knowing if their going to graduate or not

T.Hornbuckle 5th period

2/9/2019 11:46:02 am

This is also true. Everyone wants to do better in life . Even get to a point you want to be better than your neighbor. And also Succes depends on how you make on what you have not what you want

J James 6th Period

2/9/2019 11:47:17 am

The standards that we ware suppose to reach as the new generation are very high. With all of the technology and new innovations coming about, all of this pressure is put on us. Pressure doesn’t lead anybody anywhere, it leaves them stressed. Success could make you happy in the long run but it all comes down to how you feel about yourself at the end of the day. If you aren’t happy with yourself nothing will make you happy. Not even being on top of the world.

J. Mills 2nd pd.

2/9/2019 11:47:33 am

I think that happiness comes from doing what you want to do and being good at. Even though Elle Mills was unhappy with her success, she still had 1 million plus subscribers, so for her to be unhappy that must have not been what she truly wanted to do in life. I believe in order to be happy, a person must first figure out what their ultimate goal is and find happiness through the journey they embark on to success. A person should be sure on what it is they want to do in life. If you try to achieve a goal you don’t really even like then achieving that goal just isn’t worth it, no matter how big the goal.

S. Lara 6th period

2/9/2019 11:48:18 am

Who doesn’t want to be successful but comparing yourself to other and the standards set by others won’t help with your happiness. Success can bring you happiness if you do something you love but i believe happiness is brought by those around you with the support and company they bring.

T.Tate 8th

2/9/2019 11:51:42 am

I believe that’s a huge problem today people always worried about if they are good enough for others . Or if the next person is going to accept their success . I believe if your not happy with your success then it’s not your success. People need to realize they need to accept their self first and reward their self before anyone else can . If you’re not happy with yourself what makes you think anyone else will.

Donald G. 1st person

2/9/2019 11:54:25 am

Being yourself can bring happiness, knowing your doing something to help yourself or others bring happiness. Success is not the only thing to bring happiness or joy to a person there are a lot of ways to bring joy to a somebodies life. Success not greeted to everybody so others uses different ways to make themselves happy.

D. Hearne 8th

2/9/2019 11:54:53 am

I can relate to making self-degrading jokes and they’re half jokes, half serious. I constantly compare myself to other people and am concerned with what others think. However, when it comes to my success, I do not. My success is based on how satisfied I am with the outcome. If I know that if I were to die tonight I would not be satisfied, because I feel I’ve done nothing worthy enough to note in my epitaph.

Z. Holmes Pd 3

2/9/2019 12:17:35 pm

I can totally understand your perspective. People compare them selves unrealistically to other people that are in better positions. We be so worried about other's success that we miss our own opportunities to be exactly where they are.

J. Perez 6th

2/9/2019 11:57:46 am

We tend to look at the darker side of things. We fill our head with thoughts such as "im not good enough", "I'll fail" or "I'm stupid" and by saying those things we lose confidence in ourselves. We stress ourselves by comparing ourselves to the mold that has been placed before us by earlier generations. For example my father was married, had a house, a stable job, a car and a child by age 22. 22 is four years away from my age and I haven't accomplished anything he had. Just thinking about that is stresful and prompts me to think negatively, this is the mindset we need to breakout of. It stressed us out, increases our anxiety and makes us depressed which affects our performance. If we want to be great, we will,sometimes it takes longer for most but as long as you make it nothing else matters.

Estevan Salas 6th

2/9/2019 12:26:56 pm

Thinking positively has many benefits that can allow someone to better in life. Ive been practicing on thinking “you need to get smarter” instead of “youre stupid” but i still do nothing in the end. lol

N. Medina 6th

2/9/2019 12:38:30 pm

I definitely agree, I think everyone moves at their own pace and it just takes some self confidence to reach any goal you desire.

M. Hollywood 2nd

2/9/2019 12:03:29 pm

Your personal success is determined by the standards you set for yourself. Success doesn’t bring happiness, however happiness brings success. With that being said, it’s hard not to compare yourself to people in positions that you would like to be in. Everyone wants to be successful but people don’t realize everyone’s success isn’t going to come as easy as someone else’s. Some people are going to have to work harder for something that is given others. Instead of working for success and expecting to be happy we should work to be happy and let success find us.

Z. Holmes Pd 3

2/9/2019 12:15:44 pm

We often preach that success doesn't bring happiness when we have all these people posting cheesy pictures with wide smiles about how they love their life. Whether or not it's true, we're basing our idea of happiness off of people that are wealthy's instagrams. It's time we face the facts that nobody is going to believe that saying as long as we have Kardashians around.

W. Sapari

2/9/2019 12:24:18 pm

Social media shows all celebrities & pop stars sucess, & when your normal average person sees these things they try to make there sucess seem possible in there lives, so I do agree with this comment

M Taylor 1st period

2/9/2019 12:05:29 pm

Success is NOT the pathway to happiness.. you.. yourself is your pathway to happiness.. you control what makes you happy.. your inner self.. your thoughts.. your mental is what decides what your happiness..
you determine how to feel about everything that you encounter.. you always have a choice on how to feel with different situations you encounter... reaching goals or not you create your own happiness...
handing anxiety and depression is a major set back with happiness and goals but it’s not impossible to deal with it’s just a struggle

Z. James 8th

2/9/2019 12:26:50 pm

You are free to feel the way you do. Don’t ever let anyone else influence your feelings. Be self assertive.

R. Mbelwa 6th

2/9/2019 12:48:03 pm

Some people like only not the thrill of the chase but when they get it they don’t really want it. Life is all about finding what Is your chase and finding if it makes you happy or not. If it does you can do way more than that of what you can without fun. Time Dilation is one thing that’s true about this world and if you have fun it’ll go by faster than it seems. If you can do what makes you happy and if it gets you paid it’s a double win.

Z. James 8th

2/9/2019 12:11:25 pm

Success comes from inner self confidence. Only you have the power to make the best out of anything . Unhappiness comes from dissatisfaction. At all times you should give your 100% so there is no lack of satisfaction. Only you have control of your happiness/success.

W. Sapari

2/9/2019 12:25:09 pm

Only you have ge capability to become successful, because life is what you make it. So I do agree with this comment.

K. Phillips 6th

2/9/2019 12:28:20 pm

You wouldn’t be disappointed if you gave your all. Stop giving half all the time. Put your feelings, thoughts, etc into whatever you are pursuing.

C. San Roman 2nd

2/9/2019 12:12:23 pm

The path of happiness will be different for everyone, for we all walk different paths in life. That fact makes comparison futile. We do not share the same goals and ambitions as others. That alone is the reason why my generation needs to stop comparing them selves, you are not them, and they are not you. I will state this as a warning, if you never stop comparing your self, you will never be happy. True happiness comes when you accept your self, and achieve your OWN personal goals.

D.Molo 8th

2/9/2019 12:31:46 pm

I agree with this. Reason being is that it is factual and has substance. Because true happiness is based on self preservation and achievement.

Z. Holmes Pd 3

2/9/2019 12:12:59 pm

Social Media is the #1 contributor to " be successful by 25 or you fail at life " You have all of these 18 year old celebrities while the common 18 year old is still in highschool working at pizza shops. Kylie Jenner for instance is a billionaire and is our age. We as teens forget that most celebrity kids that we see have wealthy parents with a kind check book. We often lose sight of the fact that everything is always just given to us.

D. Tonche 8th pd

2/9/2019 12:38:25 pm

I agree with you, social media heightens insecurities.

C. Hamilton 6th

2/9/2019 12:48:07 pm

Exactly . That’s why people nowadays will do anything to get their follows or adds up on social or try to go viral , thinking it’ll make them successful and they’ll be happy in their lives . Also, touching the point of these teenage celebrities that are our age , some if not half or most of them be miserable . You hear all the time that they wish they could just be a regular kid and live a regular life because all that game comes with “rules”( for lack of a better word) and constant pressure of them to always look a certain way or try to be this perfect person .

C. Capel 6th

2/9/2019 12:15:16 pm

Success is different for everybody , but nowadays it just seems that everyone is just chasing the same things. Success is deeper than any money or career , it’s about reaching your full potential in the things that you believed in. It could be happiness ,family ,friendships to name a few. It seems as if everybody has an opinion about the next persons life . I’m so focused on myself it’s hard for me to even become involved with other people assumptions and opinions. Success is living day to day with a mindset and faith on the things that’ll better you. If you’re not willing to do that you’re not successful .

D.Molo 8th

2/9/2019 12:33:45 pm

It does seem like everyone is just chasing the same thing and it’s crazy. That just means it’s about who want it more that the other.

D. Tonche 8th pd

2/9/2019 12:34:50 pm

Capel I agree with your statement about having faith that the future will be better, if you continue to believe that life is terrible it will be so.

Aaliyah Crow 3rd period

2/9/2019 12:16:06 pm

I personally agree success doesn't bring happiness.There are many successful people in this world who aren't happy. Happiness comes from within not from who has the best job or who has the most money.

Z. James 8th

2/9/2019 12:32:52 pm

People are unhappy from being overwhelmed with life. They can’t handle the many pressures thrown at them. You should do what you love and express what your passionate about.

John Gonzalez

2/9/2019 12:58:55 pm

I agree with you because ik a lot of people who believes success is being able to pay bills and put food on the table and feed their families success because they’re with the ones that make them truly happy

W. Sapari

2/9/2019 12:22:41 pm

As humans we tend to base our lifes off of other people’s sucess, & try to make their accomplishments seem possible in our lives. Being successful is not just a hand out. You have to commit yourself to doing work & finding your true hustle.

K. Phillips 6th

2/9/2019 12:31:00 pm

We do tend to focus on others succes. Let’s focus on ourselves. Let’s make our own successes in our lives.

C. Hamilton 6th

2/9/2019 12:42:34 pm

Right . Everybody be so worried what the next person doing and trying to copy what they do to get what they got. Instead they need to ding they own hustle and grind at that and get their own accomplishments. Everybody can’t be the same . What might work for them , might not work for you .

R. Mbelwa 6th

2/9/2019 12:42:53 pm

We may try and be like others but that’s only what we see. When you see something growing and profiting in a way you like you’ll try to go and become part of the action right? You may try and hide it but you want to be like the top dog most of the time because if you’re not perfect then you can’t play with everyone else. And then no one wants to hang out with you and you lose all your friends. Everyone leave you all alone. Then you’re lonely.

Estevan Salas 6th

2/9/2019 12:25:00 pm

The self deprication that you see online is mainly just banter and , most of the time, should not seen as being serious. However i wouldnt classify of us as “depressed” and just kinda following the trends we see online. As for the success comparisons i see it as necessary (for me) to do better. I am a person who craves competition and wants to be better than others. However i know when i can and cant compete and to what extent i can compete. I know its too late to be a Jayla Maple but i can still go up in rank and look up further to see what i could become. Success is all about perception.

K. Phillips 6th

2/9/2019 12:25:25 pm

First, I’m glad that you are at peace with yourself. Secondly, I think that we are our own worse critics. We as a society are responsible for our own downfalls and mistakes. The question is will we get back up and fix what’s been broken? Or will we just wallow in self doubt and keep failing?

D.Molo 8th

2/9/2019 12:28:54 pm

Via web-based networking media I have seen such a significant number of individuals wind up harmed by the strain to feel and look fruitful in light of the fact that every other person looks or is regarded as effective. This weight we place on ourselves is harming and we regularly overlook that we have to characterize what achievement is for our very own joy.

D.Gadson 6th

2/9/2019 12:32:15 pm

Everyone push theirs selves in some type of way when their at they worst time. Being successful in life can be in different ways. Some people might compare their selves to other but that may bring their self esteem down. However, that’s how life work. Happiness comes in variety of ways to different people.

D. Tonche 8th pd

2/9/2019 12:32:49 pm

I have been thinking about this question for some while now. All I can come up with is the perception one has of themselves. The pursuit of success, and the sense of fulfillment are unattainable if we are not confident nor content of who we are as individual and our capabilities. Elle Mills has often spoken about her self-esteem issues and how unsatisfied she was with her weight. She might've not said outright but she did by making self-deprecating jokes and bashing her accomplishment. It's no wonder she was so unsatisfied with her life, she wasn't satisfied with herself.

J chandler 6th

2/9/2019 12:33:51 pm

Getting to where you want to be in life is not easy. You will have things set down and make you stumble, but it is up to you whether you get back or not. If you do get to where you want to be and still end up unhappy, then change it. Nothing is stopping you from being happy in life besides yourself. Opportunity is everywhere endlessly.

John Gonzalez

2/9/2019 12:57:03 pm

I agree with you because there’s not only one thing out there for just that one person... There’s multiple opportunities for everybody to achieve what they want but it’s up to them to go and find it

R.Hannon 6th

2/9/2019 01:00:54 pm

Our destinations are hard to achieve and it can be a struggle but we can fight against that.

C. Hamilton 5th

2/9/2019 12:34:00 pm

You should never focus on what other people accomplish and compare them to yours because it will make you feel less than . You can acknowledge it and be happy for their success, but you have to move on and focus on accomplishing your goals. Also, success is the the way to happiness , BUT only if the success is in doing something you truly love . If you’re doing something you really don’t want to do or truly love to do, no matter how successful you are at it, you willl never be happy . That’s career wise or whatever . That’s just how life is .

S. Pirzada 6th

2/9/2019 12:34:14 pm

If we're going to discuss about our ideal of success, it must be standardized. Sometimes even the brightest minds set their standards, yet somehow leads to unsatisfactory. I think about how what I earn is my award, but later on when my strucks down to the point asking myself "Do I actually deserve this?" Continously being lectured of what do I have make of myself just weight my shoulders. I don't want to define "success" as a social status, where I feel like someone is better than me.

N. Medina 6th

2/9/2019 12:37:23 pm

I think that there is no certain age limit to success. I believe everyone works at there own pace and it shouldn’t be rushed. I think whatever someone considers their success is what makes them happy or else that wouldn’t be their goal. It’s all about hard work and dedication. I think people should stop comparing their own lives to others because that causes insecurities and low self esteem. Everyone has their own opinions, feelings and own idea about what success means to them.

R.Hannon 6th pd

2/9/2019 01:00:17 pm

People fail to realize that opinions don’t matter. People take that to the heart.

J McCarter pd 2

2/9/2019 01:02:05 pm

Just because someone else has had there time doesn’t mean its time for yours. I often remind myself that while someone is gloating in your face about there achievements, yours is being planted and with grow far more beautiful. Patience is a virtue.

R. Mbelwa 6th

2/9/2019 12:38:45 pm

Suicide is an escape that many others see as a get out of jail free card. But it’s not it not only hurts yourself but when you do it everyone around you hurts. Even if you don’t think that not a single speck of life cares about you there probably is someone that cares for you. You just have to find them and love them with all your heart but they’re there. It may be a generational thing but it can also be solved by our generation simply by being nice.

L.Allen 2nd Period

2/9/2019 12:40:26 pm

"Don't let success determine your happiness but instead let your happiness determine your success."-unknown
I believe that the younger generation need to understand that you are not in this world to live up to other people expectations but to live and value your own. And that opinions about don't define your reality unless you make it your reality. But we also have to realize that everyone journey is different with different results.

C. Swann 2nd

2/12/2019 10:25:03 am

You’re right Miss Allen. Everybody can’t vompare their success because we’re all different, meaning our success should be too.

J. Butler 5th & 6th

2/9/2019 12:41:45 pm

We have to compare ourselves to something to push ourselves to do greater but in reality you can be in competition with yourself. This new generation of weak self love and confidence dead children cant handle the thought of people being better than them. So it comes to being yourself and in comparison doing better with your own self. Its probably hard for them growing up trying to be whatever in such a low self esteem trend.

K Eagans 3rd

2/9/2019 12:59:30 pm

Thats true. Being your own competition will push you to be better than what you once were.

J mccarter

2/9/2019 01:00:34 pm

I agree, being yourself is the only way to live your best life.

M.Robinson link

2/9/2019 12:52:24 pm

K Eagans 3rd

2/9/2019 12:58:30 pm

I agree. Not everyone has the same future. Whats a blessing to somebody might be a curse to you.

John Gonzalez

2/9/2019 12:53:38 pm

“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing. You will be successful.” -Albert Schweitzer.. This quote applies to this because success isn’t always defined by money and power, but if your doing what you love then you will truly be successful. And I’m scared of the unknown which is not knowing what I’m going to be or if im going to achieve my goals, but I have the mindset of knowing that I’m going to be somebody which pushes me and drives me to not be a bum

C. Swann 2nd

2/12/2019 10:21:23 am

That’s phenomenal John! I agree that life is only what you make of it.

R. Garcia 8th

2/9/2019 12:55:08 pm

The thing about success and happiness is that they are complicated concepts that are constantly being oversimplified. Success has been, for a long time, mostly marked by how much money a person has along with their total assets. While this idea is not new to our culture, social media has made it a standard. We’ve all seen the videos and posts of people showing off their wealth, their jewelry, their luxurious vacations, and along with it all, they show off how happy they are, or at least that's what it seems. This so-called “flex culture” has allowed us to think that wealth equates success and thus success will invite happiness, and yet when some reach this point they find themselves empty and unhappy. And the reason why is that they’ve oversimplified what success and happiness should be about.

Keiyana E 3rd

2/9/2019 12:57:04 pm

I believe happines is knowing what your worth. Once you know and appreciate who you are being hally comes natural.

S. Sanders- 1st Period

2/9/2019 03:02:55 pm

I feel happiness is a sense of peace of mind or freedom, which basically is on the lines of what you said. Knowing one’s worth with respect for self as others can then one positively strives and responds to matters of life.

S. Sanders - 1st Period

3/4/2019 11:41:14 am

C. Williams 6th

2/9/2019 12:57:15 pm

There is no path to happiness, happiness is the path. Happiness isn’t about winning and succeeding all the time. Happiness starts from within, if you’re not content with who you are you’ll never be truly happy. Success can only make you so happy until reality hits and you’re back to your unhappy self. Success is not the key to everything.

Ant Breedlove

2/9/2019 01:07:27 pm

I disagree, if you are passionate about your success, you are happy end of story

P Augustine 2nd

2/21/2019 10:32:08 pm

I undertand what you are saying and I both agree and dissagree with what you are saying. Happiness does start within, but how do you get to that happiness. Its true that success could only make one so happy, but woulnt you want to keep striving to be better so that you satify your own happiness.

M. Mason 1st

3/4/2019 08:48:37 pm

Success may be everything for some people, but for others they don’t care for that they rather care for happiness.

Kourtnei Halton

2/9/2019 12:58:32 pm

I disagree,I feel like success comes at different ages and it doesn’t matter when u make it as lobby as u make it.

R.Hannon 6th pd

2/9/2019 12:59:28 pm

Success has no label of age. We are now in a era where people should already have a mindset of what they want to do or maybe not even really set on exactly their goal but at least an idea. No one should feel discouraged or less valued about their success. It takes time for good things. Nobody wakes up rich and if so then I need to go to sleep. It might be a rule to be successful to a certain age but it’s not a law saying you can’t achieve anything after that.

I Jones 6th Period

3/3/2019 03:16:47 am

I agree, you can put an age on success. It doesn’t work that way, it’s takes time to actually reach success.

J McCarter 2nd pd

2/9/2019 12:59:49 pm

In today’s society success is often measured by how much money an individual has. Its creates the idea that in order to be happy you have to have a boat load of money which isn’t at all true. They often ask us “Would you rather have money or love?” From many public and famous examples, people who have reached goals and made tons of money have later commited suicide. Money can’t fill the void of love and to me love is happiness. Loving life and living it with people you love. Money is but only a material that can’t be taken away in a blink while love (the true happiness) stays forever.

Ant Breedlove

2/9/2019 01:06:18 pm

I agree, if you work hard enough success can follow

P Augustine 2nd

2/21/2019 10:28:33 pm

i agree with you, success just dont come easy. You have to work for your success.

S. Sanders - 1st Period

3/4/2019 11:42:43 am

Success is not happiness, it with success one can be happy; but isn’t guaranteed it will be always.

M. Mason 1st

3/4/2019 08:46:53 pm

I agree money cannot buy love or happiness, but some people cannot see that.

Lloyd Trimble

2/9/2019 12:59:52 pm

I believe that in Highschool you are so focused on your future that you push yourself too hard and start to stress yourself out. But it’s apart of life and you just have to learn to take it easy

Ant Breedlove

2/9/2019 01:05:26 pm

Wanting to be successful is a common. Some people wants to be successful straight out of high school because of everyone else. Not realizing that it takes time, while pushing themselves to certain limits that they can’t come back from. Success is something earned not given, so it won’t be as easy to acquire.

S. Sanders- 1st Period

2/9/2019 03:00:47 pm

This life has been challenging and a life of learning, which I imagine I’d always be learning for sure if I’m to be successful by age twenty five. Wonder if anyone asked themselves what is success. In my understanding and belief, what’s purpose or supposed to be for me will be. What’s for the person is for that person so, basically my success is not the next person’s’ success. In my recollect success do not equate happiness. Happiness can be a sense of feeling to some or a thought of peace of mind. Reaching my goals will promote my success and I shall e a feeling of happiness because I’d be able to be independent affording my life’s responsibilities although, this may not dictate if I’m satisfied. So, to summarize one can be happy or even content with his/her place in life and not even be satisfied. Being satisfied for me is achieving and accepting my goals and decisions for confusing to strive to have more as desired to financially enjoy life without much strife. Happiness is living freely without much struggle, with love and care in heart for others, with a peace of mind with much stress, and simply having my hearts desire.

C. Swann 2nd

2/12/2019 10:16:41 am

The pathway to happiness is understanding, love, and acceptance None of the three are attached to society, they all are within an individual. Understanding your purpose and your truth are a key component to happiness because it helps you live for you. Loving yourself through all obstacles and issues. Lastly, accepting who you are so that you can always be yourself.

P Augustine 2nd

2/21/2019 10:27:01 pm

To work hard is important, but to believe in yourself is more important because dont you work hard to achieve something that you put your mind to? If you dont believe in yourself then you wont eve try to put in the effort needed to do the task put infront of you. Hard work leads to success, and if you dont believe in yourself how could you expect to become successful? Believe in yourself even when no one else will, and show them somethings differently that what they might have thought of you in the beginning. Your belief could open so meny doors for you.

I Jones 6th Period

3/3/2019 03:15:14 am

I totally agree, you need to believe in yourself before you start putting in hard work beacsue you won’t wven try if you don’t believe in yourself.

K Eagans 3rd pd

3/2/2019 08:58:11 am

Some people don’t care about being successful they focus on their family. That’s what I think makes me happy. Successful is replaceable family is not. Yes having successful is cool but I think family is extravagant.

I Jones 6th Period

3/3/2019 03:13:28 am

The pathway to happiness is doing what you truly love , weather it’s drawing, writing , singing, whatever it is . The whole “if you aren’t successful by the age of 25 then you won’t ever be successful” is a bold face lie. You can’t time success. You should always be successful if what you are happy doing . No one lives your life but you, therefore no one can tell you what age you need to be successful by. Success and happiness come with time .

M Robinson link

3/4/2019 09:04:26 am

Ant Breedlove

3/4/2019 10:41:20 pm

Ummm...But everyone’s success and happiness is graded differently because no one sees it the same. But stressing out to the point where you don’t even enjoy your everyday life doesn’t help anything.

S. Samders- 1st Period

3/4/2019 11:43:56 am

S. Sanders- 1st Period

3/5/2019 07:54:36 am

My post. My last name is typographical misspelled by mistake as Samders.

M. Mason 1st

3/4/2019 08:45:52 pm

Happiness and success are two different things. Happiness can come from many things. Success comes when you work hard and do what has to be done. Becoming successful can be stressful but in the end it’s all worth it. Happiness may come with a price sometimes, so that’s also stressful.

Ant Breedlove

3/4/2019 10:40:41 pm

Ehhh...But everyone’s success and happiness is graded differently because no one sees it the same. But stressing out to the point where you don’t even enjoy your everyday life doesn’t help anything.

Ant Breedlove

3/4/2019 10:40:14 pm

But everyone’s success and happiness is graded differently because no one sees it the same. But stressing out to the point where you don’t even enjoy your everyday life doesn’t help anything.

Comments are closed.

Mixed Ink

Mixed Ink is our class blog, the window into our souls. It was designed to improve students' writing, critical thinking and communication skills by giving them a platform to provide meaningful content based on their interpretation of what they see.

Although the students receive a grade based on a rubric for completing this assignment, they are not graded on complexity of thought. This is a place where students of all levels can freely, confidently and creatively express themselves and their opinions in a nonjudgmental platform. They are required to respond to and critique each other, but degradation, slander, lewdness, etc., will not be tolerated.

Bridge Builders

All subjects are vital to learning, but English is the bridge of communication. So let's build the arch, one word at a time...

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Learning Objectives

Communicate effectively
Be aware of current events
Write concisely
Boost critical thinking skills
Be accountable
Follow directions
Have a voice about what goes on in the world around you