After this first semester of college, I find myself thinking the definition of a successful student has not changed. I still believe success can not simply be defined by one person. Gladwell still seems to have a cut-throat approach. Being introduced to another author in FYS class has shown me that not all authors who write about success and what it means is as shallow as Mr. Gladwell. Dweck seems to cheerfully define success as having a growth-mindset, and being able to overcome struggles with a positive attitude towards everything. Is Dweck's whole idea about having a growth mindset all the time realistic? Not really because people have their faults, but it is a nice concept. People really should try to be successful by having a growth mindset towards life.
A successful student works hard and, hopefully, reaps the benefits of hard work. College has taught me that the successful student is one that is happy with themselves and his/her performance in school. If that means 100% of effort should be given when it comes to school work, then the student should be willing to give that much effort. Again, the student does not wait for the “perfect” opportunity, but takes initiative and seizes any opportunity, seeing it as having potential. Whether or not the student thinks he/she is successful should be left up to he/she.
"Don't aim for success if you want it; just do what you love and believe in, and it will come naturally." - David Frost
