People always say that things happen for a reason, that there is a perfect time and place for everything. If something is meant to be, then it will be.

I've never been one to so easily believe what other people tell me.

Perhaps it's true that things happen for a reason. We're thrown into tough situations to become stronger. We're given gifts to appreciate the wonder and happiness that life can bring us.

However, there is never, ever a perfect time or place for anything to happen. It is mathematically and scientifically improbable in the equation of our lives.

I believe that opportunities present themselves at inopportune times.

Job offers, bucket list items, relationships—when have these parts of your life ever presented themselves at the perfect time? It feels like the universe is out to have the last laugh, as everyone gets only one chance to fulfill a dream, to find their perfect success story. I have personally battled the age-old fight against time. For several years, I let myself fall victim to its intimidation. I hardly took any opportunities that could have furthered my individual growth because I did not believe it was the right time. Too often, I would never be presented with the same opportunity again.

So I made a decision.

A mountain range of regret gradually formed from one missed opportunity after another, and I tried to bury this mountain with the excuse of "I don't have enough time," or "It's just not the right moment." When I realized these excuses for what they were, I decided from that day forward, I would never allow myself to miss an opportunity to do something that I possibly may never get to do again.

This frame of thought has changed my life and allowed me to see opportunities for what they really are. I started to disregard the external conditions, because I may never have the time to do anything that I love if I kept allowing time to hold me back. This frame of thought has allowed me the wonderful experiences that I have today: being on a varsity team in high school, being a distinguished graduate, job experience, and even writing articles for Odyssey.

So next time an opportunity presents itself, and there is the chance you may never get the same opportunity again, take the risk. You never know the wonder and happiness that could be in store for you if you did.