When we allow our life to be ‘interrupted’ it is truly when greatness and awesome, eye-opening moments are able to occur, shine through and come to existence. Interruptions are what make life rich and teach us.
I have been grateful for the interruptions on my life path, that I least expected, as they have brought some of the richest connection, experiences and ‘success’ into my life. I am grateful for having a path unlike any I could have expected…and each day I wake up with the goal, hope and drive to continue to become a better version of myself – for me, my family and amazing circle, and everyone I am able to share a smile with and give back to along the way.
I came across an excerpt I wrote for law school…my ‘personal statement’ (of sorts)…over 15 years ago. My grandfather has, and will always be, a model for me. Not because he did life ‘correct’ but because he did life how best worked for him and how he thought to make it the richest possible. As I read my words I had written as a incredibly young woman, I had to smile…because while the exact goals have changed, or never come true, the most important factors that have brought me ‘success’ in life ring true to this day…
Never stop learning. Educate yourself daily.
Make a difference. Give back. Leave a footprint.
Integrity and striving for excellence never steer you wrong.
I will say that I have softened on other factors…like wanting to be perfect (ha!) and measuring results in the same fashion I do…and I have invited grace and calm into my life in ways I never knew possible. At the end of the day…when I am in my 90s…giving advice back to others…I want to be the worldly, educated, passionate soul that can tell the story of why inviting interruptions to life brings you all the truly amazing moments…
The goal is…you have to be willing to be disrupted, embrace uncertainty and fear, and trust and have the hope that there is a plan…and the amazing gift of life will show it to you if you are so willing…
Here’s to my Grandpa…who has never stopped learning, loving and giving…and his words and grace will stay with me forever…so today, I share “Grandpa’s Measure of Success” written over 15 years ago…by a young Meghan Hambacher living in Boulder, CO.
Grandpa’s Measure of Success
“Education begets education.” My Grandfather, one of my best friends and mentors, shared that with me a few years ago. I had graduated college, and taken off to Australia, to live for the next year. His thought was embedded in an email we had written to each other, regarding future plans and life ambitions. We were debating success, questioning whether where I was and what I was pursuing was worth the sweat and tears. The question I posed, “What am I doing? I’m at a place where I’m having the time of my life traveling the world, but am I getting any closer to reaching my goal of being successful in life? I’m at a standstill, unsure of the next door to open and pursue.” The reply was stated simply. “Education,” my Grandfather said, “is the answer to starting down any path of success.”
My Grandfather was the first Hambacher to go to college and graduate. He worked during the day, school at night, while raising a family. Five years later he received his Chemistry degree. My father would be the third Hambacher to follow the path of education (his sister the second), receiving his Masters in Structural Engineering. Today, as I sit at a crossroads in my life, deciding which path to take, I reflect on my influences, struggles, triumphs, and why I want to devote myself to the study of law. There are few people that influence me in the way my Grandfather has, and there are few fields of study that intrigue me the way law has throughout my life. At this crossroads, studying law is the path I have chosen.
When I was five and asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would answer, “A Lawyer.” This was bolstered later in my childhood and teen years, through a ten year personal battle. At age nine, my parents announced they were getting a divorce. Lawyers, money, court, moving countless times, having my life constantly watched under a microscope. My world swirled around the divorce, always at the forefront of every thought. The divorce taught me countless lessons, a few of which I remind myself of daily. Have Faith – it will work out; the importance of Trust, Integrity, and Character; and that Love is a beautiful thing, but not a fairytale. It was through the trials and tribulations of watching the divorce unfold, in and out of the court room, that my piqued my interest in law. I was exposed to the legal system and began to understand that the system is intended for the greater good, but in some instances could fail to protect families’ best interests. I vowed that if I ever became a lawyer, I would be an advocate for the system, helping deserving individuals fight for justice.
Through this struggle, I immersed myself in music, to try to make the hurt disappear. It was playing the piano which made sense to my mind and heart. At age fourteen I entered High School, and doors began to open for me, because of my passion for music. The exceptional music program at Fairview High School, led by two brilliant and inspirational conductors, engaged my passion and focus for success. My senior year, I was accepted into the elite Jazz Choir – an assembly of 36 individuals, who arrived before dawn, to sing for six hours everyday. We each strived for excellence, but found true success as a group. The opportunity taught me that to rise above my peers required leadership, focus, hard work and perseverance. I carry that experience, and integrity, with me in everything I do.
As a young professional woman I strive for excellence and perfection everyday. I lead and teach, always thirsting to learn more. I thrive in stress and chaos, and enjoy challenges that include the unknown. I fight for what I believe to be right, never shy to share my thoughts and be heard. I’ve worked in various professions, quickly learning the ins and outs of each business. For me, success is measured in results. I’ve gained fulfillment by increasing profits, creating more efficient operating systems, and at times, putting a simple smile on an angry client’s face to make them a regular customer. It’s my drive to make a difference, to seize all opportunities, which position me a stride ahead of the competition.
We all measure success differently. My grandfather measures success by how educated one is and how an individual uses their knowledge to achieve their goals and better mankind. It is after hearing the stories of him living around the world to set up companies, remaining married to my Grandmother for over 50 years, raising two amazing children, and still having time to share his love and advice with every person he meets, which makes me believe that this mantra is worth pursuing
