Balancing Achievement and Happiness

I interviewed Will Taber, who currently attends Boston College, in order to investigate college and success. Will graduated from a all-boys preparatory school called University School in 2016.

DT: What is your major and desired career? What were some of the careers you wanted to pursue as a child?

WT: I’m an English major. Currently, I see myself going to law school, but, as a child, I wanted to be an entrepreneur.

Growing up, I started a million small businesses. In high school, I began to get more serious about it. However, I found I wasn’t all that similar to any entrepreneurs I met. It’s tough to say why, but I just didn’t connect with them, and pretty much abandoned this path.

Towards the end of high school, I wanted to be a curator for an art museum, so I took a couple Art History classes my freshman year of college. In these classes, I discovered art was more an interest for me rather than a 1

serious path of study or career; I loved art, but it was difficult for me to take it seriously enough to devote my studies to it. I know I will never stop being inspired by it, but I don’t see it as a career.

DT: Growing up what did you picture success as and how does that differ nowadays?

WT: Throughout my childhood, I thought of success in terms of things that were measurable. I remember looking up colleges early, as success for me meant getting into a school with a low acceptance rate. Coming to BC has made me think that success is entirely immeasurable, it’s about figuring out what the best way to live is. The Jesuits tell us to “Go and set the world aflame” and that students here are “Men and women for others.” The underlying message of these mottos and the classes we take is that we ought to find

what gives us fire and pass that fire onto the rest of the world by impacting others, as that way of life puts us in touch with our humanity and the things that make life worthwhile.

Focussing too much on measurables draws us away from what is truly valuable.

DT: Do you think colleges do a good job preparing students to be successful?

WT: I know my school does! That’s the beauty of a Jesuit education! Becoming prepared to be successful in my opinion is up to students. They need to understand what their goals and desires are and be brave enough to embrace them. For some this means college is counterproductive or unnecessary. For others, this means finding a school that focuses on those aspirations.

DT: Thanks so much, Will.

WT: Thank you.

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Fictional and non-fictional

1980 Olympics, the United States

documentaries provide different

Olympic Hockey Team dethroned

interpretations of success. During the

the superior Soviet Union hockey 3

club in the Olympic Hockey

while the players enter the arena,

Tournament. In 2004, director Gavin

each one touches the hundreds of

O’Connor made the landmark event

letters posted on the wall. The letters

into a movie called ​Miracle​.

signify the amount of importance the

Concurrently, the 2011 documentary

game has on the citizens of the United

Jiro Dreams of Sushi ​illustrated the life

States. As a result, when the

of gifted, 86 year old sushi chef Jiro

Americans win, it demonstrates their

Ono. As a result, fictional movies

accomplishment of success. However,

allow directors to illustrate more

the movie falsifies this moment and

creativity in demonstrating success,

fails to maintain a realistic

but non-fictional movies provide a

consistency, but the game allowed for

sense of reality and attainability.

equivalent happiness and patriotism

First, the 1980 Olympics meant much more to the Soviets and Americans due to the Cold War. For

to proliferate throughout the United States as depicted in the film.

Similarly, food critics regard

example, the opening credits of the

Jiro Ono as the world’s greatest sushi

film display much of the tragedies

chef. Mainly, the filmmakers

and problems occurring during the

accomplish the portrayal of success

Cold War era. As the movie

through the juxtaposition of his

progresses, the American hockey

restaurant of only ten guests with his

team displays its importance to the

success. During one instance, Jiro

country during an unfortunate time

massages an octopus for 40 minutes

time. Due to the circumstance, the

displaying his excessive dedication to

game took on a whole new meaning

creating the best sushi. Concurrently,

due to its significance of determining

his extreme commitment proves

superiority. Similar to the space race,

detrimental as Jiro lost valuable time

both countries intended to prove

with his family, but Jiro redeems

their dominance. The result of the

himself through passing his skills on

game sparked hope in the American

to his sons. Further, Jiro himself states

people and displayed the power of

the key to success lies in dedication to

democracy and capitalism. Further,

a craft that one can love. To an

towards the climax of the movie,

outsider, it appears Jiro overworks 4

himself, but he enjoys working everyday. Additionally, despite the hefty price, he does not care about money, but rather to push the boundaries of sushi.

Overall, ​Miracle ​successfully

influences optimistic individuals in times of crisis to display the importance of selflessness and perseverance. Meanwhile, ​Jiro Dreams of Sushi ​demonstrates to

entrepreneurs failing to achieve success the importance of dedication and enjoyment in business in order to achieve success . In sum, I would give Jiro Dreams of Sushi ​an A+ in its

depiction of success while ​Miracle garners an A.

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Running experts widely consider Eliud Kipchoge the best marathoner of the 21st century. As technology and running innovation has evolved, Kipchoge has pushed barriers as well. The Kenyan born star won gold in 2016 at Rio and his fastest time, according to the IAAF, ranks third all time at 2:03:05 (“Senior

Outdoor Marathon”). The 33 year old from Kenya began as a track star, but progressed toward road running and marathons in 2012. Overall, Kipchoge epitomizes success through Nike’s Breaking2 project and his own personal life.

On May 6, 2017 at 5:45am Kipchoge walks to the start line in Italy for an attempt to break the last remaining barrier in running - the two hour marathon. The Nike 6

assembled Breaking2 project placed some of the best marathoners in ideal 54 degree weather and perfect altitude. Kipchoge led the pack, but fell short of breaking two hours at 2:00:25 (Caesar). Therefore, although he ran the fastest marathon ever recorded, he failed in his intended goal. Additionally, critics argue the marathon fails to count for anything due to its illegal use of pacers, but the project nonetheless provided more hope and assurance in the possibility of a 2 hour marathon. To this day, despite failure in ideal conditions, Kipchoge asserts that he will break the 2 hour marathon barrier one day (Caesar). As a result, what appeared as a failure, demonstrates more successful qualities. The run put Kipchoge within milliseconds pace of a 2 hour marathon and got him one step closer to his ultimate goal. His desire for perfection displays his own necessity to achieve the best, but Kipchoge still smiled after the attempt and remained happy with his effort.

In his case, giving 100 percent effort and accepting the results constitutes success.

Despite all of his accomplishments, Kipchoge remains content with simplicity and maintains happiness as running provides sufficient success. Kipchoge stated in an interview the importance of staying humble (Dennehy). The runner rarely becomes enthralled in his own success and never seems to portray a strong ego. His ability to thrive and win in such an environment proves his main source

of legitimate success. Further, “running has given me so much,” Kipchoge stated in an interview with the IAAF (Landells). He elaborates explaining that running gives him a source of happiness.

Therefore, Kipchoge never runs for the money or fame, but instead to provide himself with fulfillment. In the same interview, Kipchoge demonstrates that he could not imagine a life without running.

Although impossible to gain success on a large scale without acquiring large sums of money and fame, these consequences only come secondary to Kipchoge.

Overall, Eliud Kipchoge displays the ideal interpretation of success. Kipchoge displays the importance of finding identity and graciousness in competition. In sum, careers in athletics and fitness allow for success as they permit enjoyment in their occupation.

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Dear Duncan, Currently, as a junior, I started

Further, researchers project a 13% increase in jobs over the next decade

my college process and looked at a

(“Registered Nurses”). As a result, I

wide variety of universities. I have yet

recommend high school students

to decide what major and career path I

consider a nursing career while

wish to follow. I want to find

selecting colleges in order to provide

something that will allow me to find

self fulfillment in their careers and

success in the professional and

valuable charity opportunities.

personal world. Can you please provide

The ability of nurses to help

your recommendation on the best

others and witness the value of life

major and career?

makes it one of the most fulfilling jobs.

Sincerely,

For example, nurses consistently note

Tony Spagoni

their jobs as nurses transform from

careers into passions (Knotts).

Dear Tony,

Hospitals provide workers with

Lots of high school students

experiences that they directly affected

have the same predicament. I would

allowing for direct returns in terms of

recommend going to a liberal arts

satisfaction. As a result, nurses, in

university as it provides you with a

addition to doctors, feel a sense of

wide variety of opportunities, but I

achievement in their work. However, a

believe nursing provides the greatest

nurse’s salary fails to accurately

success in terms of career fields.

compensate them for the amount of

Nurses median pay totals around

work they do, but the patient

$70,000 annually (“Registered

interaction provides more value in

Nurses”). Comparatively, their doctor

terms of success due to the feeling of

counterparts make around $130,000

fulfillment.

more (“Physicians and Surgeons”).

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Further, nursing degrees provide professionals with a variety of opportunities outside of hospitals such as charity work. For instance, nurses in hospitals often endure long hours and brutal requirements leading to unfortunate environments (Paris and Terhaar). However, charity work provides more freedom in the professional world while allowing for even greater returns on their invested time. Further, opportunities abroad allow for discovery and creativity, while providing valuable services to people around the world. For instance, the World Health Organization of the United Nations requires nurses to work in a variety of places to provide accessible healthcare to those in need.

Overall, I write to Tony in order encourage you to pursue a career in nursing due to its fulfillment advantages. Further, I write to all young adolescents concerned about their future occupation to inform them of the importance of happiness in their career. All in all, I believe if you could choose any job, elect to enter the nursing field to increase your overall enjoyment in your career and job.

Sincerely, Duncan Taber 9

The American Dream plays an integral role in success throughout the United States, but societal obstacle often prevent some individual from obtaining their goals. In this case, the American Dream signifies the idea that equality within the United States allows all citizens to achieve their goals. The American Dream began in the 19th century as increasing amount of immigrants fled to the United States due to democracy and freedom. However, societal restrictions cripple women and races such as muslims and mexicans from achieving success. Overall, the American Dream ideally provides equal opportunity, but gender bias denies women from true success and the prevalence of racism

severely limits mexicans and muslims.

Social constructs within the United States prevent minorities from achieving success. For instance, Richard Alba notes legal status and discriminatory actions prevent mexican americans from pursuit of the American Dream (Alba). Often times, these barriers result in dissatisfied and unfair lives. Although Mexicans immigrate to the United States illegally on occasion, this accounts for only 24% of immigrants (Lopez and Bialik). Similarly, muslims experience discrimination equal to that of mexican americans. For instance, a recent Pew Research survey found around half noted difficulty in living as a muslim in America. However, a large majority 10

noted that muslims can thrive through hard work (“U.S. Muslims Concerned”). Therefore, America provides muslims with opportunities, but it requires them to work harder than others. Further, success remains attainable and the overall American Dream permits Muslims to find success. However, the survey also noted Muslims remained proud to call themselves American, but United States society and government fails to uphold the Constitution and equality for all people and therefore cultures needs to change.

Furthermore, Gender inequality perpetuates throughout the United States and continues to increase due to LGBTQ+ discrimination. For example, Aly Raisman of the United States achieved theoretical success on the highest stage, but actions by men hindered her obtaining true success.

The actions of Larry Nassar and United States gymnastic officials prevented hundreds of women from achieving happiness in what they loved. Additionally, the wage gap between genders severely limits the opportunities available to women.

John Haltiwanger notes that women do not make nearly enough on average to achieve the American Dream. Money, although not the major factor of success, still permits citizens to achieve goals and remain

happy. Further, 100 years have not passed since the 19th amendment permitted women the right to vote illustrating the infancy of women achieving equality.

Consequently, American legislators should take action in order to enable achievement of success. Furthermore, male business leaders must provide equal wages and provide suitable environments for women to work.

Thus, reformation must occur within the United States in order for the entire population to attain the ability of realizing the American Dream and general success.

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Works Cited Alba, Richard. “Mexican Americans and the American Dream.” ​Perspectives on Politics​, vol. 4, no. 2, June 2016, pp. 289-96, www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/3688267.pdf?refreqid=excelsior%3Acb295ede2bb7e01f8df96b 3b6e7d44c9.

Caesar, Ed. “The Epic Untold Story of Nike’s (Almost) Perfect Marathon.” ​Wired​, 29 June 2017, www.wired.com/story/nike-breaking2-marathon-eliud-kipchoge/.

Dennehy, Cathal. “The Simple Life of One of the World’s Best Marathoners.” ​Runner’s World​, Hearst Communications, 19 Apr. 2016, www.runnersworld.com/elite-runners/the-simple-life-of-one-of-the-worlds-best-marathon ers.

Gelb, David. ​Jiro Ono in “Jiro Dreams of Sushi.”​ 2013. ​PBS​, www.pbs.org/independentlens/films/jiro-dreams-of-sushi/.

Haltiwanger, John. “Here’s How Women Are Being Denied The American Dream.” ​Elite Daily​, 1 June 2016, www.elitedaily.com/elite/heres-women-denied-american-dream/1509740.

Jiro Dreams of Sushi​. Directed by David Gelb, Magnolia Pictures, 2011.

Knotts, Brooke. “I Am a Critical Care Nurse.” ​Critical Care Nurse​, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, 2010, ccn.aacnjournals.org/content/30/3/84.full.

Landells, Steve. “Eliud Kipchoge: I Love Running Because….” ​IAAF​, 8 Feb. 2018, www.iaaf.org/news/series/eliud-kipchoge-running.

Lopez, Gustavo, and Kristen Bialik. “Key findings about U.S. immigrants.” ​Pew Research Center​.

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Miracle​. Directed by Gavin O’Connor, Disney, 2004.

Paris, Lisa Groff, and Mary Terhaar. “Using Maslow’s Pyramid and the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators™ to Attain a Healthier Work Environment.” ​Online Journal of Issues in Nursing​, vol. 16, no. 1, 7 Dec. 2010, ojin.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/ANAMarketplace/ANAPeriodicals/OJIN/Ta bleofContents/Vol-16-2011/No1-Jan-2011/Articles-Previous-Topics/Maslow-and-NDNQ I-to-Assess-and-Improve-Work-Environment.html.

“Physicians and Surgeons.” ​Bureau of Labor Statistics​, United States Department of Labor, 13 Apr. 2018, www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physicians-and-surgeons.htm.

“Registered Nurses.” ​Bureau of Labor Statistics​, United States Department of Labor, 13 Apr. 2018, www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm.

“Senior Outdoor Marathon Men All Time Top List.” ​IAAF​, 2018, www.iaaf.org/records/all-time-toplists/road-running/marathon/outdoor/men/senior.

The U.S. hockey team pounces on goalie Jim Craig after a 4-3 victory against the Soviets in the 1980 Olympics. 1980. ​USA Today​, www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2018/02/08/remember-when-team-usa-defeatssoviet-union-miracle-ice/1052092001/.

“U.S. Muslims Concerned About Their Place in Society, but Continue to Believe in the American Dream.” ​Pew Research Center​, 26 July 2017, www.pewforum.org/2017/07/26/findings-from-pew-research-centers-2017-survey-of-usmuslims/.

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Wigglesworth, Kirsty. ​Eliud Kipchoge, shown here winning the 2015 London Marathon, came 24 seconds short of running a marathon in under 2 hours.​ 6 May 2017, www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2017/05/06/two-hour-marathon-eliud-kipchog e-record-time/101362626/.

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A junior at Chagrin Falls High School in Cleveland, Ohio, Duncan Taber looks to graduate in 2019 and proceed to further education in college. Only 17 years of age, Taber has experienced success while still maintaining the ability to do what he loves. Growing up, he loved to challenge himself. Always one of the smaller kids, his disadvantage forced him to engage himself and set higher standards. As a squirt hockey player, he first encountered true success.

During tryouts, coaches deemed not skilled enough for the A-Team and they instead placed him on the lower squad. Instead of dwelling on the “failure”, he went on to lead his peers on the B-Team and gain more enjoyment out of playing than if he played on the higher team. As a result, he learned success rarely means achieving the highest level of anything, but rather locating the balance between achievement and happiness.

Now, the 2017 AP Scholar and multiple time honor roll student has achieved success in the classroom while still pursuing interests both inside and outside the classroom. Taber has earned many accolades in his cross country career including 2016 Second Team CVC and three year letterman.

Although his 2017 season looked like his best yet, an ankle injury in the postseason

prevented him from achieving his goal of regional qualifier. Despite this, he experience his most successful yet as he set a new personal record and created long lasting bonds with teammates. Set to lead as the Senior captain, he will utilize his own knowledge to inspire his teammates not only to achieve running success, but utilize cross-country as a means of social and future success.

Formerly a varsity hockey player, Concussions forced Taber to quit in 2017 which encouraged his research into concussions in the youth.

Taber remains an adamant fan of hockey despite his career ending and loves Cleveland sports while living with his parents in Moreland Hills, Ohio. The youngest of two, his brother Will attends Boston College in Newton, Massachusetts. Family has always held the utmost importance in Taber’s life. Constantly striving to achieve success, bringing happiness into his family’s life always holds the most importance. His father graduated from Cornell University’s Johnson School of Business leading to a wide achievement of goals and maintenance of a happy family.

Meanwhile, the two Taber brothers grew up very close and became closest friends. Now 20 years old, Will provides needed guidance to his younger brother to help model his life after. He gives a strong impression to all those around him leading to Duncan attempting to follow a similar path.

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