Success Culture---Where's it come from, Why's it so important?

A chain of questions regarding almost any academic decision in a students life will result in one of two outcomes: Either they will end up following the line or reasoning that ends in Money and see that as self-explanatory, or they will answer the question about financial success---Why? This is where most students are stumped.

Even though most of us casually claim to believe that money won't actually buy us happiness, our actions seem to say otherwise. But I refuse to believe that in their hearts kids are outright materialists. And I'm sure you'll all agree with me. Money is not the motivating factor, even though it seems to be the pinnacle of success.

Instead, kids and their parents feel the need to find a safe and comfortable niche. Having a post-secondary education almost ensures a respectable identity in our culture. The facts are there; there is a difference in earnings between college and high-school graduates. It's a matter of class and fear.

Parents want the best for their kids. They want them to grow up and have a comfortable life. Kids don't want to let down their parents, and they're afraid of what their society would think of them if they didn't follow the designated path.

Most kids don't know what truly makes them happy. They don't spend much time thinking about it. They look to things like good-grades, high-paying/high-status jobs, money, vacations and sensuous comforts as the keys to the good life. This pains me, because I know it won't get them there.

There needs to be a more consistent dialogue on all fronts questioning what success means. Kids shouldn't be allowed to grow up thinking that if they get into the school of their dreams they will be happy. They waste their early lives in hopes that their later lives will reap the rewards, but all too often they only find pain and emptiness.

Challenging a culture can be tough, but in this case all it requires is a dialogue. Talk to anyone and everyone about success. Be persistent. Help them see the truth.

--Bharps. Junior. BHS