Opportunity abounds all around us. Let's work this new year to see it, while we decide to take it and use it. Opportunity defines our lives in so many ways. People in all walks of life, throughout history, make life changing choices based on Opportunity.
The discussion of this important idea, it history and implementation in education will be a major focus of my 2009 professional development discussions. My most important Opportunity of 2008 was the creation of my Professional Learning Network, and my Personal Learning Network. These wonderful people have been the embodiment of my greatest Opportunity in many years, and I thank them for their knowledge, collaboration, collegiality, friendship and improved Opportunities.
What does Opportunity mean to you?
For song writer, Pete Murray, Opportunity presents a fine canvas to write a song of powerful feelings.
For General George Washington, America's first president, Opportunity was the result of making himself available to accept it. It is widely known that learning about soldiering was an opportunity that his brother provided through fencing lessons and instructions in arms, his service in the French & Indian War and Viriginia militia. As a standing colonel in the Virginia militia, Continental Congress representative George Washington presented himself at the meeting wearing his military uniform. He took his experiences to continue opportunities to serve, and he was nominated by John Adams to be the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. He took Opportunity and used it for the benefit of our country.For author, Malcolm Gladwell, Opportunity is the core of his new book on success, Outliers. You can listen to Charlie Rose interviewing Malcolm Gladwell about his latest book and the ideas that support it.
Welcome to the new year. "Opportunity is what you make of it!"
7 comments:
Thanks for the post. I sometimes accept opportunities that take me out of my comfort zone so that I can develop as a person and as a teacher. I think I use opportunites as challenges at times.
Grace, accepting opportunities to grow outside our comfort zone helps us adapt and grow over the years. I am so glad you mentioned the CHALLENGE aspect of Opportunity.
That growth outside our comfort zone is a valuable lesson that I hope all our students will learn through our acceptance of their attempts, successful or not, to engage in various opportunities.
I like the Greek myth of Kairos (opportunity), bald, with a lock hanging on his forehead. If you don't grab him when he's coming, no way to grab him when he's gone.
http://www.theoi.com/Daimon/Kairos.html
Gabriella, unbelievably, I don't remember Kairos, so I am very glad to know his myth.
I imagine the Kairos myth would explain the Minoan murals with bald headed young men w/long front lock.
Your comment was a great opportunity for me. You always have a unique perspective, experience or knowledge that fills out missing pieces in my prior knowledge. Thanks!
Kia ora Samccoy
A Happy New Year to you. Thanks for this post.
"Opportunity is what you make of it".
I listened to Benjamin Zander talk about opportunity last year. His words are inspiring.
All the best for 2009.
Catchya later
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