Opportunity

Chloe, New York, Ninth Grader

“When you reach an obstacle, turn it into an opportunity. You have the choice. You can overcome and be a winner, or you can allow it to overcome you, and be a loser. It is far better to be exhausted from success than to be rested from failure.” Obstacles are just opportunities waiting to be discovered. The opportunity is hiding behind the cover of the obstacle. Don’t get scared away by the obstacle, overcome and let the opportunity out.

I agree with this quote for a couple of reasons. One of them being I’ve experienced it myself. Sometimes experiencing it yourself is better than just hearing or watching stories about it. You’ve been through it; you know how it feels and how to deal with it firsthand. Ever since I was young I’ve struggled with many things and sometimes I’ve thought about giving up, but when you give up that’s basically admitting failure. Like the quote says, “It is far better to be exhausted from success than to be rested from failure.” I would have been disappointed in myself if I had given up and quit. Now you might be thinking, why turn it into an opportunity if there is still a chance you could fail? It’s easier just to give up! Well, if you did fail in the end you would know that you gave it your all and did the best you could. You can’t succeed when all you are worried about is failing. You have to prove to not only those around you, but yourself, that you are better than that and you can do it. If you do turn your obstacle into an opportunity, not only have you proved to yourself that you are strong enough but you proved to all of those around you who believed you couldn’t do it. It also just makes you feel accomplished, proud, and happy. If you choose to give up, if you choose failure, you have proved everyone around you right. It makes you feel disappointed, sad, and sometimes angry. You make yourself believe you aren’t capable, when in reality you are.

Another reason I agree with this quote is because that’s what I have been taught throughout my life. Not only have I heard it from my parents, but from my coaches and other important adults in my life. Obviously those adults have heard it from their elders and have found it to work and be helpful throughout life. These quotes and their importance don’t just come out of nowhere. Thus they have been passed down through generations. If it keeps getting told, then obviously people have found it to be helpful and encouraging. The people I have heard it from are people I have a lot of trust in, and it has proved to work for both them and me. Maybe you’re thinking, just because those people have said it and it worked for them doesn’t mean it will work for everyone. Well you are right, but I think it’s worth a try and most people have found that they can push through. You can do anything you put your mind to. If you choose to be too close-minded to even try, it could be something that works and you will never know if it was possible. You will be left wondering for the rest of your life. The positive outcome would be that it works and you can feel the rush of joy and accomplishment.

In conclusion, the better choice is overcoming your obstacle. Not only will those around you be surprised but you’ll feel better. Life is all about taking chances and making the best of things. The opportunity is just waiting to be discovered. So make it happen. Turn that obstacle into an opportunity.