I feel that so far, I've taken some steps in my life to give me what I hope is a pretty decent shot at success. I have pretty good grades, I’m involved, I’m even spending my last real summer break at an internship instead of the beach. But lately, I’ve started to wonder if I’m doing it all wrong. I’ve always known that happiness doesn’t come from money. Money provides opportunities and security, sure, but having money isn't the core ingredient for a good life. I’ve always wondered why society puts such an emphasis on pinning us against one another in the seemingly endless competition to see who can make the most. Could it be that our focus is off, tossing what's really important aside? I’ve realized that our society might just have this whole measure of success thing completely wrong. Above all else, I'm trying to live my life happy.

We can say we are going to live differently, not determine our worth by financial gain. But, the truth is that "adult" life starts to get in the way. Ten years from now I want to be able to consider myself successful, not just because my career is coming along nicely, or because I'm wealthy, but because I am happy with the person I am and the life I’ve made. Instead of measuring personal success with dollars, I want to measure mine in promises I keep. I want to make promises to myself that I know will keep me happy. These are promises that will make me truly successful, because they are everything I need.

Travel. I want the world. I want to always have a trip I’m working toward and never let myself feel like I’ve seen enough. Travel is expensive, and maybe I won’t make it to Europe the day after I toss my cap, but I have my whole life to make it there and I’m happy with that. I don’t need a huge house and fancy things, I need a travel fund, which I will invest in experiences. I want to see nature, not just cities. I want to see it all.

Let loose. I don't care if I look stupid, if it means I'm having fun. I want to dance when I can. I want to marry someone who will dance with me. I want to sing in the car even if the cars next to me can see. I never want to stop the little things that make me happy just because I'm getting older.

Love love. I refuse to live without romance. I want to be in love fifty years after my wedding day, as much as I will be on the day I get engaged. I promise to cherish any future relationship so that I have someone to enjoy life with. All of the other things get a whole lot better with someone by your side.

Make new friends. I want to have a group that I can invite to a BBQ. I want to be friends with the parents of my future children and have a sense of community. I never want to feel like I don’t have people that I can call anymore. People grow up, and move away, and I’m sure it will feel weird to get close to new people when I’m forty, but I believe people need other people in order to be happy. I don’t care if it means I have to join a book club, I’m promising that I will do it for myself. As long as you’re alive you should be surrounded by laughter and support.

Don't disappear. I want to promise I will call and catch up with my now best friends. No matter where I end up, they have helped me become the person I am. I want to know that even though we don’t talk every day, I have a group of people who know I’ll still be there for them.

Don't settle. If I want a promotion, I will work for a promotion. If I want to lose ten pounds, hell, I'll go and lose fifteen (maybe). Too many people give up on themselves because they get comfortable. There are always ways to push yourself to be better and I hope I never forget that.

Learn. I want to read as often as I can. I want to find out something new about the world every day. My curiosity is relentless and I promise myself not to let that eagerness to learn fade away. If I think that being the old person in a college class will better myself, then I will be that old person, sitting front row.

Make time for God. I’m not the most religious person, but I wish I would be better. Growing up I went to church every Sunday and now I try go every now and then, when I can. But I never want to feel unfamiliar with God.

Keep family first. This is a promise I know I will never break. Family is everything and all I do will be for them. But I want to make sure that, at every stage of my life, family stays a main part of it. I want to talk as much as I can and feel close to them no matter where I am.

Be kind. Service refreshes my outlook on life. I want mission trips to be a part of my contribution back to the world for all it has given me. I want my future children to believe in helping others however they can. I promise to smile as much as I can and always remember how fortunate I am.

For as long as I’m still breathing, I’m not “too old.” I want to always remember that every day is a new day. I want to push myself to take risks and have new adventures. I may not know my exact plans for post graduation, but there are certain things I believe are important along the path, no matter the destination.