Just because one breathes doesn’t mean he is alive.

And that is where goals can help. While most teenagers probably aren’t creating a "bucket list" of goals they want to accomplish before they die, goals are nonetheless, important.

Four people, at different points in their lives shared their goals.

Sophomore Laura Kwapiszewski represents the current high school student, and 2010 Shores graduate Olivia Smith represents the college-age individual.

Spanish teacher Susan Potter represents the established working person, and Peter Koryzno, New York’s Cortland University’s sports information director and uncle of junior Emily Grevel, represents the almost-ready-to-retire person.

Both Kwapiszewski and Smith have goals involving school and careers. Kwapiszewski said she hopes to study archaeology after high school while Smith is currently studying at Michigan State University.

"I have the same goals as I did in high school, which are to maintain good grades and finish college for a career in optometry," Smith said. "I’ve worked hard to get here, and I am happy I made it."

Likewise, Kwapiszewski said she hopes to live a fulfilling life with a successful career.

"My mom took my sister and I to Arizona; we learned about everything involving fossils and bones. It fascinated me," Kwapiszewski said. "Archaeology is just something that’s cool to me. My mom has always taken my sister and me places to learn about it."

In contrast, Ms. Potter’s goals reflect a healthy life with friends and family.

"I want to live to be 108," Ms. Potter said. "My goal is to live a long, happy life. My family is important to me."

Likewise, Koryzno’s goals involve spending time with family.

"My immediate goal is to move back to the Midwest to spend time with my family – something I have been able to do only during the holidays for the past three decades," Koryzno said. "You can lose everything in your life – employment, wealth, material possessions – but your family will always be a part of you."

Many high school students get caught up in the past without ever focusing on goals for the future.

Looking back, both Koryzno and Ms. Potter agreed their goals have changed since their high school days.

"Right now, my main focus is my family; in high school, though, I was a lot more materialistic," Ms. Potter said. "My goal was to go to college. I was expected to go and succeed."

Koryzno said in high school his focus was on becoming a successful writer.

"While I still love to write and always will, quality time with my family is my top priority now," Koryzno said. "Every adult was a student once and shared goals that all students possess. But as one ages, one refines his or her goals on a variety of factors (such as) getting married and having a family, a persons job, health, and financial situation."

Korzyno said goals are important for success in life and a person’s most important goal should be to want happiness.

"Dream big, and great things will happen. Don’t let anyone ever tell you that you are not able to achieve your goals," Koryzno said. "Picture yourself achieving your goal, and the road to reaching it becomes easier and no longer unattainable. Just as important, be sure to enjoy the journey in between."

With all the craziness in our lives today, what is there to keep us on track?

"Focus on your goals and work hard to achieve them," Smith said. "Hard work always pays off."