Interview with Cynthia Kocialski

I’d like to introduce you to Cynthia Kocialski – she has written an educational self development non-fiction book for teens that talks about strategies on how to be successful in life. An invaluable resource to anyone who is contemplating a career, and is seeking some sound, straightforward advice on navigating the working world.

This interview will tell you the motivation behind the book and explain why Cynthia Kocialski started writing.

The title of your book what does it mean?

Being a success isn’t about what you learn in school. At best, school opens the first door for you to land your first job. That’s it! It doesn’t make you successful. How many people ask their doctors if they can see their transcripts from medical school? Did your cardiologist really get an ‘A’ in Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Organ Systems? Success is what you learn outside the classroom and then apply to your future profession. Grades in school are not indicative of success. I see too many people who think it’s all about grades – our youths are encouraged to study hard and study all day long – but that’s not the path to success. There’s more to it. This is why just average students and those with non-academic talents can succeed.

How does your book target youth?

The book is full of colorful illustrations, examples and anecdotes that relate to misconceptions that we are taught during our school years. Some of the topics that youth can relate to are the following:
Does practice really make perfect?
Do good things come to those who wait?
Does winning actually matter?
How the average student can be highly successful.
How the game changes after the diploma.

How does the book benefit the reader?

This book will help anyone realize their goals, avoid common pitfalls, and lay the groundwork through the secondary talents, skills, and mind-set necessary for optimal success.

Why did you write Out of the Classroom Lessons in Success?

In today’s global, hypercompetitive marketplace, the rules for success have changed dramatically. Inspired by the experiences with my own daughters in school and my work with start-up companies and entrepreneurs, I realized that many young adults graduate completely unaware of a new playing field that no one has bothered to tell them about—and that is not always predicated by superior grades or talents.

What age group would enjoy reading Out of the Classroom Lessons in Success?

I think that young adults planning their career path, teens planning their future and parents.