Natalie McFadden Luck and Lineage: e Pursuit of Success Victoria Poworoznek ree Bones are Needed to Succeed:

ly in uence my curiosity into researching history. My family would provide the means to do this exploration as they would persevere through the hardships of the plains, becoming well versed in literacy that I use every day whenever I look at a document, book, or piece of history to learn from. ese in uences have all come to shape my ability to nd opportunity, joy, and happiness from history, bringing me the success that I am forever grateful for.

Gladwell establishes how success can come from all avenues of life, with each successful individual nding their success through the preparation of multiple in uences. In uences such as generation, personality, culture, and family have all played a role in my success in history, as they have for many other individual’s successes. In our society, one’s successes can be sensationalized as such a monumental achievement, making their success seem so naturally self-driven; however, behind every successful individual is the in uences of others who have made them who they are. In many ways, we are all outliers, with the in uences and actions of others bringing us all our own success.

46

Luck and Lineage: e Pursuit of Success

Natalie McFadden

Even though success is subjective, a common way for all to characterize the term is through an accomplishment or excelling at a particular task. Whether success means doing exceptionally well in school, being a top athlete, or just making it to the end of the day, it requires passion, rigor, luck, and being in the right place at the right time. Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell identi es countless prosperous individuals and the contributing factors that made them successful. Elements such as American culture, persistent attitude and personality, and a supportive family not only have in uenced these individuals, but have aided me in my academic endeavors.

A signi cant factor in success are the opportunities provided to you, or in other words being in the right place at the right time; however, taking the “special opportunity” to “work really hard” and “seize it” are other components, which are all a part of someone’s personality. For instance, Bill Gates had the privilege to attend Lakeside School, which was within walking distance of the University of Washington, supporting his path to success. Gates took his chance to walk to the University of Washington and practice programming to reach the ten thou-

47

sand hour threshold needed to be a master in his eld. In my case, I had an “extraordinary opportunit[y]” to work with graduate students at Cornell Agritech summer of 2021, which was an incredible learning experience. is opportunity was laid in front of me, but I didn’t have to take it. As a result of my ambitious and spirited personality, I applied for the job and saw into another world. I learned to appreciate hard work and I feel as though I can incorporate lessons I learned from working there into my education. When I look through media and books, I become temporarily anchored in many di erent topics that catch my eye. is curiosity and creativity has led me to take up the harmonica, research particular subjects, read, learn the R programming language, and complete random activities, pushing myself out of my own comfort zone. Curiosity and creativity have positively in uenced my school work and projects because they force me to interrogate my own understanding in class. Overall, my personality in uences the chances I have of success, as it can positively impact outlook and capability to accomplish greatness.

Attaining success can be shaped considerably by the community and family that surrounds them. Gladwell introduces Lewis Terman’s “Termites,” which are intellectually gifted individuals that were tracked in terms of achievement, health, and relations, pointing out that the di erentiating factor between them was their “family background”. Growing up around an encouraging and generous family has made me who I am. ey taught me the importance of small acts of kindness by paying for the person behind them in the drive-through or opening the door for a stranger. ey enlightened me with dedication and persistence, as they took the time out of their day to help me with homework or take me to practice. Not only have my parents supported me, but they have also fueled my curiosity and creativity by lling the house with books and puzzles. Furthermore, Gladwell notes how we have our own “distinct personal-

48

ities,” but are handed down “tendencies and re exes” from our ancestors that are integral for our success. Gladwell highlights that “lessons” the “garment workers” brought home with them turned out to be “critical” for getting ahead. My grandfather grew up during the Great Depression and witnessed, rst hand, the struggle of living at that time. His family lost their home due to bank foreclosure, because of a lack of work. His family were Irish immigrants who appreciated education profoundly. His inspiring story of tenacity a ected me considerably, as he rose to construct his own business, which continues to thrive, as well as raise a family. His lessons resonate with me inside and outside of school, encouraging me to leave no stone unturned in school, whether I am completing homework, taking a test, or even playing my instrument for the school band.

While it is di cult to de ne, American culture contains a mixture of norms, values, and lifestyles from di ering regions. When di erent cultures combine, they create a new way of life that encompasses equality, progress and change, as well as education, and competition. Such qualities fuelled me to be the best that I can be academically and socially, therefore helping me to be successful. Gladwell emphasizes “power distance” when illustrating the communication struggles of an airplane that failed to land because of the cultures of people in a cockpit. Individuals in the cockpit didn’t speak up to the pilot about an issue concerning their landing because of their culture, which had a high power distance. ey felt intimidated and didn’t think of their pilot as an equal. My “American-ness” taught me to be the opposite, encouraging me to speak up when I’m confused or ask questions during class. Consequently, I will be content in my knowledge and whereabouts in my academic progress. While America is status-obsessed and has a long way to go with social acceptability, communicative ability is undoubtedly a skill that thrives, which constantly supports my goals and achievements in the classroom.

49

Gladwell mentions that being born in a certain generation can have advantages or disadvantages depending on the historical events that occur in that period. Gladwell illustrates this argument by introducing software programmers born in the 1950s, entrepreneurs born in the 1830s, and the Termites born before 1911. Software programmers succeeded because they hit an adequate age when the rst computers came out in the 1970s. Entrepreneurs born in the 1930s were at the right age when the 1970s came around, when industrial manufacturing, Wall Street, and railroads emerged. e Termites born before 1911 were “unlucky” as they graduated college when job opportunities were scarce because of the Great Depression and World War I. Demographic luck a ected my generation, as our “place in history presents us with” advanced technology, such as computers and smartphones, where the internet has exposed us to a vast amount of resources. Having access to the internet gave me the chance to do research for academic endeavors, communicate with teachers at the click of a button, and be on top of my work. Generations before could not have conceived the extensive amount of knowledge available to us at our ngertips throughout our teenage years. Our generation will be extremely computer-literate, opening up novel opportunities to di erent jobs and pushing technology advances even further. Another generational advantage is that we grew up when a change was occurring, as the rst black president, Barack Obama, was elected into o ce and same-sex marriage was legalized, giving many the “sense of possibility necessary for success”. Being surrounded by diversity and inclusion cultivates a workplace that is lled with di ering perspectives, which has promoted my aptness to more understanding and reduce bias. When these components integrate into our knowledge and community, people are more accepting, comfortable, and open, creating progress. When change occurs right in front of our eyes, there is a better chance that we will move forward with

50

that change and conduct it ourselves in the future in the real world and school system.

In Outliers, Gladwell emphasizes that personality, family, culture, and generation form us into who we are and who we destine to be; such elements will either propel us to success or diminish our chances of being accomplished. Personally, the world that surrounds me, my relations to others, my beliefs have curated a path to success for the classroom. In life, there is no single solution to success, nevertheless, our best shot is to seize opportunities, have a determined mind, keep our creativity in check, and hope we are in the right place at the right time.

51