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Student Life

Just Say YES!

Find the hidden opportunities that are presented each and everyday!

Chyna Lynner
Jul 19, 2016
University of North Dakota
13
Just Say YES!
ocrainbasketball.com

Sometimes I wonder how many hidden opportunities are hiding out there. What have I missed because I haven’t given something a chance? What have I missed because I allowed fear to get in the way? Who didn’t I meet because I allowed my own misconceptions to pop into my head?

What have I missed because I haven’t said yes?

I am not entirely sure what I have missed. But I do know what I haven’t missed because honestly, the past couple of years have been years that I have really gotten to grow as a person thanks to the many times that I have said yes and found hidden opportunities I would not have found before.

I wouldn’t say I had some crazy revelation and then decided to start saying yes. They say that your twenties are years that immense amounts of growth take place, and I think that is something that I have noticed and I have decided to embrace: saying yes and allowing the hidden opportunities to come with it.

Thanks to saying yes the past couple of years:

  • I have gotten to study abroad.
  • I have been able to attend several professional development workshops (that will help me when I am applying for teaching jobs and actually teaching)
  • I have been able to volunteer with many different organizations and events that have both challenged me and helped me to see things I may not have seen before.
  • I have been able to attend conferences that will help me with my future occupation

With all of this, I have felt nervous and scared, I have wondered how things would work out, I have felt like I could be working or doing other things.

However, I pushed past that and allowed whatever was to come my way come. I did not realize how greatly saying yes to opportunities and taking the time to learn and expand my horizons was helping me as a person.

I have met new people, I have made many new friends, I have been pushed out of my bubble, I have been challenged, I have learned about other cultures, I have been exposed to new opportunities, and I have also been able to discover what my passions truly are. I have expanded my thinking and overall, I have been able to create a better version of myself.

From now on, I will not allow fear or any other misconceptions get in the way. As Wayne Gretzky once said, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take!”

Stop missing your shots, and start taking chances. The outcome will be worthwhile.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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