COMMENTARY >> Chance or choice?

By Master Sgt. Joel Sparta
314th Maintenance Operation Squadron, interim first sergeant

People say all the time, “life is short, make the most of it,” and it's easy to agree with that adage. Unfortunately, most people don’t take advantage of the opportunities afforded to them. I see many people every day who have a wide array of decisions they would like to make but are unsure of the outcome or too worried to take the chance.

It’s human nature to want to feel safe and secure. We do the same things with our careers as we do with our lives. It’s easy to take the path of least resistance. Many times we are faced with decisions that have us standing at a crossroad. Looking down that road is scary as sometimes we don’t know what is at the end.

On the other hand, I have seen decisions made for people, when they least expected it. For example: a set of orders, or an unplanned career change. Decisions you had decided not to make before because you were reluctant are now unobtainable or out of question.

I challenge everyone with this: don’t be afraid to take chances in life. Don’t be afraid to look down that road and make the tough decision. If you have always wanted to go to Europe, work the orders. If you have been meaning to go to school, get it started. If you want another stripe, go out and get it.

Education is paramount, information is key. There is an enormous amount available to you as a military member. The opportunities are endless! Don’t wait to take a chance and make a change. As someone once told me, destiny is not a matter of chance, but a matter of choice. Always make the most of your career and your life.