Redefining My Top 1%

LinkedIn, a hub of advice and aspiration, often fixates on the pursuit of the top 1%, leaving us inundated with dos and don'ts. In this cluster, I've found myself questioning the authenticity of my voice—genuine comments shared, at times reconsidered and even deleted. Why? Because, like many, I've been conditioned to measure success against a narrow and exclusive few.

I'm not here sharing stories of making my first million anything. Like countless others, I grapple with making ends meet. And just like you, my dreams are deeply personal, mine to pursue without expecting others to invest in them. I own them, wholly and unapologetically.

Although I made the move away from school buildings, I engage in discussions about education's persistent brokenness. These conversations aren't novel; they've persisted through time, spoken when I began teaching over 15 years ago, and date back to when my mom began. I am aware that I lack the financial means for the massive transformative change needed, but what I don't lack—is an abundance of experience and unwavering empathy.

The cycle of wild success stories of the few led me to contemplate: What if we shifted focus? What if the true essence of the top 1% lies within individuals driven by genuine concern, valuing connections over the relentless pursuit of wealth?

As I redefine success this year, I aspire to be part of that 1%—not in monetary terms, but as someone who firmly believes in the people overlooked and advocates for answers to concerns. What if being the 0.01% means simply doing the next right thing each day?

I want to be surrounded by individuals who envision potential where others don't, and who offer support where it's lacking. It's becoming increasingly clear, the future workforce, it seems, already expresses a desire for more than profits—they crave environments valuing people over the bottom line.

The 1% or even the 0.1% might be statistically elusive but will embody values rooted in empathy and genuine connection, that's where you'll find me—and hopefully, where you'll choose to stand too.