What makes someone a success?

“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.                  This is to have succeeded.”  –Ralph Waldo Emerson

My definition of personal success comes particularly from my last 8 years.  After completing two years at a college in Boston as a Psychology major and in the middle of a successful equestrian sponsorship,  I suffered a sudden and unexplained seizure and stroke at 23 years old. I have since battled with severe speech problems, and it has taken me several years to regain my ability to speak without difficulty. 

Despite many people’s doubts that I could do it, I decided to return to school at 26 years old and complete my Psychology degree. Not only did I graduate one full semester early from Cazenovia College in upstate New York with a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology, but I
graduated with honors, being one of five students out of hundreds to win the “Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.”  While enrolled, I also worked at a Children’s House, volunteered at a church consignment shop, and tutored a third grader through my college’s Literacy Program in Math, Science and Reading.  I was also a member of the Psychology Club and Human Services Club, promoted the Multiple Sclerosis Society and helped with the Deruyter Dress Project that sends local area girls to prom,
despite their economic circumstances. At the same time, I was cast as a character on the new hit show “Jersey Couture” on Oxygen, and was able to further promote the U.S. Beauties Pageant through my local title as Miss Madison County before winning the title of Miss East Coast U.S. Beauties.   

It was not an easy task or decision to leave my sponsorship, return to college from 26 to 28 years old and complete my degree, while juggling the demands of my extracurricular activities, but it was surely worth it.  While so many people were supportive of my decision to move 1500
miles away from home and finish school, many people did not believe that I was capable, and I hope (I believe!) I exceeded their expectations.  I intend to use my degree to further my education, pursue a PhD. and become a children’s Clinical Psychologist.  With my
title, I hope to help as many children as possible in not only bettering their circumstances, but promoting healthy body-images as well as promoting drug/alcohol-free lifestyles, and helping young ladies to realize that they are beautiful without objectifying their bodies.  I personally believe that I may use my success story of determination to change the lives of others, by helping them to see
that success is self-driven, and that anything is possible with hard work, love for oneself and others, values and a positive attitude.

Jennifer's College Graduation - 2010

Newspaper Article's

http://www.examiner.com/x-33721-Syracuse-Bars-Examiner~y2010m5d31-Jennifer-Reid-a-local-success-story?cid=email-this-article

http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2010/06/cazenovia_resident_overcomes_s.html