Taking chances and embracing the opportunities as they come

It might seem difficult to forge our own, unique path. It seems like we have to make big decision after big decision, but in reality, that often is not the case. Rather, it is often about taking opportunities as they come, because at the right time, the right opportunity will arise, one that triggers countless more.

Over the summer, I had the opportunity to travel to Germany for an exchange run by SAGSE, alongside 15 other Year 11 and 12 students from across Australia. In these twoand-a-bit months, I had the highest of highs and went on an adventure that I can’t begin to describe.

I came to understand the German way of life, from their breakfasts of fresh bread topped with cheese, meats, or spreads, to the warmth of the Christmas markets. And I connected with the other Australians in our several days together, in the midst of experiences that varied greatly, yet were fundamentally identical.

The experience blew me away, yet it came from a single decision I made, to embark on such an adventure. In fact, one could argue that it is the culmination of choosing to study German way back in Year 5. But in taking this single opportunity, it allowed so many more to arise.

It’s often impossible to foresee eventual outcomes and so we’re required to take a risk, unsure of whether it will pay off or not. And the only way to ensure that something amazing will come about, is to take opportunities when they arise.

Because one thing’s for certain – good outcomes can only come if we take that first risk.

It’s interesting to think that my pathway at Trinity and the experiences I’ve had can be reduced to a series of small choices – each of which have either blossomed into something amazing or simply had little effect on me long term. The decisions aren’t always as big as going to Europe for 3 months. But it’s almost guaranteed that one decision, one day, will lead somewhere unbelievable. And it’s this that excites me this year.

I don’t have the whole year meticulously planned out. It’s impossible to, because we can’t forecast what will arise. But I’ll take the chances I get, confident that something, somewhere, sometime, will precipitate the rest of my own, unique journey, both at Trinity and beyond.