External factors shape our life experience. I'm not minimizing that idea.
But, I have a hunch that even if Kwasi decides to attend one of the SUNY schools, he will be highly successful in life because he knows how to dedicate his time, energy, and power into achieving positive results. Kwasi wasn't accepted to these schools by mistake: he graduated in the top 2 percent of his high school class, he scored in the top 1 percent on his SATs, and he is a first-generation American (his parents immigrated from Ghana). Note: he did NOT earn a perfect 2400 on the SAT... You don't need a perfect score to succeed. Now, not everyone who ranks in the top 2% of their high school classes or who scores in the top 1% on the SAT will gain admission to Harvard. And that's okay! Everyone who has achieved feats such as these—or accomplishments not as easily quantified, such as writing a first novel or making a consistent positive contribution to their community—has honed values and habits that will serve them as they progress through life: in college and beyond. If you don't believe that you have achieved anything particularly remarkable by age 17, that's okay, too. We hadn't heard of most world leaders by the time they reached 17. Part of the journey of life is finding the area in which we can make the biggest, most positive contribution and then following through with this awareness. What's important to note is that... By developing who you are on the inside, you will affect your external experience. {Tweet It} Making a commitment. Working towards a goal with consistent, conscious actions. Being kind to yourself and to others. These are the things that matter. These are the things that will determine your success in the bigger scheme of life. No college can give you that strength of character if you don't intend to develop it, and no college can take away the benefits of intending to develop that internal strength if you're already on the path towards nourishing it. At the end of the day, as impressive as it is to earn admission to eight Ivies, Kwasi will be able to matriculate at only one college. The journey doesn't end with the admissions letter. The journey is only beginning. As always, I love to hear your comments below. And, if you feel inspired, please share this post with your social networks.
14 Comments
4/3/2014 07:50:44 am
Well said! And what a great idea to blog about this story. I had seen it, but hadn't thought about it in this way. Nice job.
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Erika Oppenheimer
4/3/2014 06:24:08 pm
Thank you, Kristen!
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4/3/2014 03:24:06 pm
I really enjoyed your post. It makes me think about how we create our own success and the only person that stands in our way is ourselves. I believe that each person has unique talents and gifts, but it is only when we accept our gifts and nurture them, that we are able to effectively utilize them to their full potential. A fish may never be good at flight, but it sure can swim!
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Erika Oppenheimer
4/3/2014 06:25:21 pm
Totally! And I love that Einstein quote about birds and fish. That guy knew a thing or two ;)
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4/3/2014 09:40:23 pm
I loved the original article about Kwasi and equally enjoyed your take on it, Erika.
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Erika Oppenheimer
4/11/2014 07:40:23 am
Totally, Andrea! We are all on our way :)
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4/4/2014 03:30:51 am
What an inspiration and you are so right. Success comes from within! This is a great reminder for me as I work towards my dreams and goals. It is good for me to remember that I hold that success in my hands and it's my actions that will make it come to fruition!
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Erika Oppenheimer
4/11/2014 07:41:01 am
Go get 'em, Krystal!
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Erika Oppenheimer
4/11/2014 07:41:27 am
Thanks, Emma! You got it!
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Erika Oppenheimer
4/11/2014 07:42:30 am
:) I wish him all the luck in the world! (Luck = opportunity + readiness)
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Kirsten
4/7/2014 10:41:21 am
Great Job Erika! This is great advice for all! His story not only inspired me, but my daughter who is 10!
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Erika Oppenheimer
4/11/2014 07:43:14 am
Aww I love hearing that he inspired your daughter! What a wonderful story to share with her!!
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