What is success? This is a term that we will be discussing all semester as we explore different arguments, perspectives, experiences, and theories on what success is and what a successful life looks like. This term, in and of itself, is an abstract term, meaning that it can have very different interpretations depending on who you ask (similar to love, loyalty, and family). Your job for this first paper is to write a definition essay that defines the term success, drawing from your own experiences and outside source material to construct this definition. Remember that this is NOT a narrative about a time when you were successful but an argument about what success is and how we understand it. Your definition of success which will be your thesis should be applicable to everyone. If your thesis seems only applicable to yourself, this is an indicator that your focus is too narrow. For example, DONT do this: I believe that my ability to learn from failure is what made me successful. DO this instead: Success is possible when a person is able to turn their failures into learning experiences to grow and try again. This thesis can apply to anyone. It can cover various contexts, roles, and experiences. Here are some additional guidelines for this paper: USING SOURCE MATERIAL: You should use at least three outside sources in your paper. This can include any materials used in class and any independent research you do. The library databases are great for finding source materials, and I recommend those first and foremost: Opposing Viewpoints, Proquest, Academic Search Premiere, and the Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection are fantastic places to look for source materials. You CAN use Google, but any sources there MUST be reputable; do not use blogs, .org websites, or any page where you cannot find information about the author and his/her credentials. Prove that your sources are credible by giving us details about them; when you quote or paraphrase them, explain why we should listen to them. For example: Basketball legend and six time NBA champion, Michael Jordan notes the importance of learning from failure when he said, I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed. THESIS:?Your paper needs a thesis, which will take the form of your definition of success. Place this thesis at the end of your introduction as a way to set up your argument, which is essentially your definition of success. Remember that this thesis should not focus on three successful roles, nor should it be a story about a time when you succeeded at something. You should phrase your definition generally, meaning that it can be applied to anyone. You may consider a pronged thesis where you focus on three specific aspects and list them in your thesis statement. For example: Success is possible when a person leads their life with integrity, motivation to accomplish their goals, and the ability to adapt.
