Success

Lachie Dickson

After having over 30 hours of traveling this last week, it has left me with plenty of time to reflect on what a crazy week it was in Kolkata. One thing sprung to mind quite quickly for me as we left the City. Success. What does success really mean? The contrast between "success" at home compared to that of Kolkata.

Success is a word we are often told to strive for. We are told try and be the best, win the most. Leading us to develop our bodies and mind, striving to be better than those around us. In the grand scheme of things, what does that really mean? Kolkata taught me that human connection, family and friends could be signally the greatest form of success. The people we visited from Freeset, Future Hope and The Jungle Crows all displayed the same characteristics. That success for them was living and being with people. 

Kolkata has outlined that as much as trying to be the best at your chosen activity is important. Being with friends, family and living a fulfilling life is success in itself. They find happiness in the simple things. Playing rugby with The Crows or helping the kids do their homework at Future Hope lit up the their eyes with excitement. These experiences have given me a greater appreciation for the time I get to spend with family and friends, and make me realise how lucky we are to live in NZ. 

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