The purpose of this study is to develop a definition of success by constructing a portrait of successful young adults with emotional disabilities. Nine young adults with emotional disabilities were interviewed individually after graduating from high school. The research questions that guided the study centered on the young adults' postsecondary schooling, employment, living arrangements, and leisure activities, specifically looking at how they were attaining their personal goals when growing as adults. Success for these young adults with emotional disabilities was revealed by the interview conversations in which they each talked about their progress regarding each of the four categories of success. Each young adult had goals and plans to attain their goals. Conversation about their past high school experiences revealed their individual understanding of their personal learning needs. Their collective experiences revealed the importance they placed on their jobs and, interestingly, how each person's job directly related to his or her personal ambition. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]