How One Great Teacher Changed the Way I See Success

Growing up, I always thought success meant getting straight A’s, winning awards, doing everything “right.” You know — the kind of stuff that looks good on paper.

But one teacher completely changed how I see it.

She wasn’t the easiest teacher. She pushed us — hard. But it wasn’t about being perfect. She actually didn’t care if you were the smartest kid in the room.

What mattered to her was effort.

Showing up.

Trying again even when it was frustrating.

Not giving up when something didn’t come naturally.

She used to say, “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” And honestly? That stuck with me way more than anything from the textbook.

Because of her, I stopped looking at success like it was some finish line you crossed.

I started thinking of it as the little choices you make when no one’s watching — staying a little later, asking better questions, caring enough to actually grow, not just perform.

And the crazy part is, once I focused on that… the “success” part kind of took care of itself.

I still think about her when things get tough — when school, work, or life feels overwhelming.

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about showing up and doing the work.

That’s real success to me now — and it’s something I’ll carry with me no matter where I go.