Kitty Holmes: What does success mean?

Columnist Kitty Holmes, who is following her farming dream in New Zealand.

Is our education system failing the younger generations of today?

Has it already failed so many who won't get a second chance?

Let's go back to where this story begins. Between 10 and 18 we are thrown through the emotional and physical mill and it is no wonder these years are such a massive definition of who we become as a person. Amidst a whirlwind of crushes, education and social grouping we struggle on and are constantly asked what we would like to do for a career.

Some know from day one, and I cannot tell you how much I envied them. People who knew what subjects they wanted to take and what job they would do and most importantly, what university they would go to.

I went through various stages - engineer, plumber, stable hand, soldier. My career test told me to be a diver which came as a surprise and not something I really wanted to do. What a waste those tests were for me. Because through all of high school there was one word on our teachers' lips - University. It was drilled into us. Get the best scores, go to the best uni and you'll get the best job and that will make you happy and successful.
What a load of rubbish.

I think for some people, many of whom include my friends, are suited to university and do very well. But what about those of us who know that endless book study will do us no good?

Why are we still trying to force generations of young people to think success is defined by the salary you earn and the job you hold? Why not encourage young people to do things which give them options? Don't just slot them into a category of academic and non-academic.

At 18, my friends and I went our separate ways. I was the only one who left the UK for New Zealand, everyone else went to university. We all have our own versions of success but I feel it is important that I show people there is more than one way to become successful.

At 18 I travelled to the other side of the world. I connected with people from all over the world. I learned to be independent, manage money and my time well and studied for a year in a field I knew nothing about.

Now I have a good job, I live in a cottage of my own, I have five wonderful dogs, the labrador of my childhood dreams and a man who makes me happier than I have ever been.

I would deem that a success - and I didn't study at university.