Now that you have read a chapter of the book, steer class discussions by asking your students the following. Not all will be applicable to each section, so pick and choose depending on the story in question.

Did the interviewee have a clear goal in their teens?

What initial steps did the interviewee take towards achieving these goals?

How effective were they?

To what extent did the people around them help guide the interviewee along?

What kinds of obstacles did the interviewee face as they were pursuing their goals?

Was the interviewee ever confused about where they wanted to go and what they wanted to do?

If so, what helped them achieve greater clarity?

Do you admire the interviewee?

What major lessons did the interviewee learn along the way?

What lessons have you personally taken from the interviewee’s story?

Do you believe the interviewee has really been “successful” according to your own personal definition?