What is success?

On Tuesday Sammy (my youngest daughter) started Cosmetology School in Louisville, KY.  I am proud of the decision she made because she made it on her own with a lot of thought involved.  Judy and I tried to bring our children up to make their own decisions by evaluating the positives and negatives of each one they make and I think that they try to do that as much as possible.  I pray for success in her new adventure and I think she will definitely put her mind to the task at hand and do a great job.

This journey that she is on has made me reflect more on what the meaning of success is.  I had many people ask me how I felt about this change in career paths (She was going to be an English Teacher) and often was asked if I was disappointed in her, some even indicating that I should be concerned about her success.  It came to light that some people seemed to think that she can't be successful being a person who cuts hair and knows something about skin care.  So it made me wonder, how were they putting a value on success?  I do want my children to be successful, but it never occurred to me to that the career choice they made had anything to do with success.  I think of success as being happy with who you are, being appreciative of what you have and (I believe) a strong belief in God.  I am blessed to know many people in all kinds of roles and in varied economic situations.  I see happy, sad and lost people in all of the faces of these individuals. 

We (or at least most of us!) need our haircut.  So why would this even be a bad career?  Is it because we live in a society that has decided that a masters degree is needed to do just about everything?  Where $200,000.00 in debt is OK before you even start a job?  Or is there just a stigma associated with someone who cuts hair.  I don't really know.

So Sammy, good luck in your new journey and in case anyone wants to know.  I am proud of you and just want you to be happy.  I think with happiness comes success.

Peace be to all of you!

Greg Longtin