Many of them wrote the typical, car, house, job, kids, family, money. But some students wrote being happy, alive, healthy, rid of bad habits, not being homeless, and travel. I asked them to write about this perspective because I was curious how they would see themselves at my age.
I think when I was their age- I dreamt of the same things. But now that I am older, everything that I had "planned" or hoped for isn't the position I am in today. I am satisfied with where I am today, although some things I expected to do at this point didn't happen (yet). What's nice is that along this journey I know I am confident in my own skin. I have contributed to this world by educating students. I enjoy my job. I maintain my health as much as possible. And keep important relationships between family and close friends intact. As I get older, all the material things seem irrelevant to me. It would be nice to have, but I have defined my own success without material things that can be taken away. Overall, at the age of 30, I am happy. And I hope that my students find happiness at this age as well, and be open to change their perspective from material things to growth in their own character.