It is quite interesting what comes to mind when you think of the meaning behind the word “opportunity.”
Opportunity is what you make of it. It can be found in abundance.
“There is no security on this earth; there is only opportunity,” the late U.S. Army Gen. Douglas McArthur said.
We all know that “opportunity knocks” and opportunity comes to those who wait,” as the sayings go.
What do we make of our opportunities?
Hopefully, we recover from our lost opportunities and learn from those we missed.
In my nearly 12 years at the university, I marvel at opportunities that have come my way and grimace at ones I have let slip away.
There have been opportunities to grow in the duties I perform for the Office of News and Media Relations.
I hope that my media-relations skills and writing continue to improve daily. There have been opportunities to travel and earn new skills and technology, including photography.
I stand in awe of some of the wonderful people I have met through the years: I wrote about Cliff Gillespie before he became sick and passed away, the late Charles Wolfe, a folklorist and noted country music historian, became a family friend. Both men left their mark on those with whom they came in contact with on a daily basis.
In recent years, working with Cliff Ricketts, who is experimenting with alternative fuels, and Charles Perry, who has created a gas-saving retro-fitted motor kit, I have learned a lot. Others like Judith Iriarte-Gross, who has been important figure in the emphasis on studying science, technology, enginerring and math, have enriched my life.
On Wednesday, two special opportunities came my way.
In a telephone interview, I visited with Em T. Ghianni, whom I hope to meet in person soon.
He was presented the Joe Nunley Award Saturday at the Salute to Armed Services ceremonies in honor of Veterans Day activities before the football game against North Texas.
What a wonderful, precious 90-year-old man. For nearly 40 minutes, we exchanged dialogue about our families, pets, his military career and more.
The second opportunity I had recenlty was completing the annual Tennessee Board of Regents Employee Charitable Giving Campaign pledge form.
I once again will provide a small monthly monetary support to Healing Hands Health Center Inc. in my hometown of Bristol, Tenn., and to the Murfreesboro Salvation Army, which I have proudly served on the volunteer board for about five years.
I had also wanted to support Samaritan’s Purse, based in Boone, N.C., or a local Special Olympics organization, but neither was listed among the many options.
So, I chose the Rutherford County Emergency Food Bank.
Just before noon, a few minutes after making my pledges, I scanned the news.
I discovered a story titled: “Food banks see shortage as stimulus drops off.”
A glance of the story revealed the right choice had been made.
Things — and opportunities — happen for a reason.
Fellow university employees and faculty members, you will be blessed to take advantage of similar opportunities. |
Email
Print
Digg
Facebook
StumbleUpon
Google
Yahoo!