Opportunity

I think that this is so important that I plan to copy this written segment and paste it to the other categories of my Blog.
I have been stressing this word:  opportunity in my teaching as well, this past semester in particular.  In my view, opportunity presents itself at all times, in every moment.  I think we tend to make choices at every moment about what direction we want to take and how we want to spend our current time.  I tend to work well with dedicating my time towards achieving various projects.  When opportunity arises and directs my attention towards something of value that will allow me achieve my goals, I make a choice to take advantage of that opportunity.  For example, in my teaching, I share with my students that the moment they enter the classroom space, they are given an opportunity to use the available time to improve their musical skills and understanding.  Many students, however, choose to socialize with their friends and thus give up the opportunity to learn and develop something in music.  The students know what they have to do - to arrange their space, assemble instruments, get materials ready, begin their warm-up, work their plan!  However, many, if not all, need to be reminded by me that they should take advantage of the opportunity and begin their routine.  They choose to wait for me as I am busy doing my thing, getting ready for class, doing my duties as I wait for my students to get ready for the various activities I have arranged for them to experience.
Opportunities do not only occur in my teaching.  Opportunities occur in my life, in my career as an accordionist.  Florinda has often shared her concern with me when I would discuss with her the many projects I would like to involve myself with; I would often say to her:  "This is a great opportunity for me".  Florinda would question why I need such challenges or projects, to create more work for myself and take away family time.  I have always maintained that each opportunity helps to grow other opportunities and leads to additional opportunities in manly new ways, in areas that we may not have even thought about.
I remember entering my daughter in the Kiwanis Music festival to sing solos.  Sometimes, I would accompany her and other times I would hire an accompanist.  Florinda would be so upset with my pushing for our daughter to sing in these competitions.  At any rate, because Sarah participated in the Kiwanis Music festival, she was discovered by an audience person attending the festival seeking a young singer.  Sarah was then invited to sing on a Christmas TV program and paid for it!  This is what I mean by "opportunity".  You need to create opportunities for yourself, generate projects and create some initiative.  Then, who knows what other opportunities will present themselves.  Then, of course, you need to see these other opportunities through and not simply disregard them because they seem unimportant, or perhaps unusual, or perhaps too time-consuming.  I agree that one must exercise caution in making the right decision, because sometimes, an occasional opportunity is too good to be true - right?
I truly believe that as I reflect about my life, I have enjoyed some amazing experiences because I took the risk and made the best of every opportunity presented before me.  Every moment is full of opportunities to build your life with amazing experiences.  Often times, I suppose we tend to get lazy and would rather let the opportunity slip away, believing that another similar opportunity will present itself again.  I do not subscribe to this way of thinking.  I believe one must be prepared to follow through with where the opportunity will take them as opposed to waiting for the most opportune moment to take the next step.  You see, not every opportunity will provide a repeat for when you think you are ready.  Be ready at all times!