President's Perspective: Big risks tend to pay off

Many people in this world say you can't have success without taking chances and taking risks. I consider myself someone who will try anything once, but I need all of the information. I need to analyze the pros and cons, ask questions, ensure that the decision I make is the right one for me, and frankly, see if my Mommy and Daddy think it is ok.

I am not sure if I would consider myself a big risk-taker. Many people who know me are probably rolling their eyes in disagreement because I am constantly trying new things and I guess “taking chances,” but they never see that I have fully researched a situation, and I never take on something that I cannot control the outcome. Big pet peeve of mine? Not being in control of my own situation. (Wow, bet I turned off about every guy in the school with that “control” statement. It's the truth though.) But recent events are possibly opening my eyes that maybe taking more risks is a good way to start living life.

There was this guy I went on a few dates with a while back. We were friends first, and whenever we went to Subway, he would always complain because I got the same thing every time. I never understood what the problem was. I know exactly what I want, I can look forward to it (knowing there won't be some sort of gross surprise in it), and I am never disappointed in my selection. So once I decided to try something different. Well quelle surprise, it sucked. I was so angry, and as a student, there goes $6 wasted on a sub that got maybe four bites of out it. So back I went, to my regular sub order. But there are lots of people over the years that have made comments about these types of situations so it has started to make me think.

I guess in life in general, I usually do things by the book. I know, I am that person you work with who loves “rules.” I know what is expected of me, how I am to act and interact with people, what consequences are of situations, and how good it feels to accomplish something. As much as I think “outside the box,” rarely do I personally venture outside of the box to see what is waiting there. Also, I was always taught to be honest, and because of that I have become brutally honest. But at the same time, I am not afraid to say what I think, because if I can't be honest with someone, how can I expect the same in return? Plus, if it's an opinion, it's yours and you must own it.

This past weekend, I took a chance on someone (often when I do this, I get let down because I expect too much, which isn't fair at all). Against all better judgment, and my inner voice saying “Something new? Are you sure? You know you will just regret it later!” I took a chance of trying this new opportunity and showing off an area of my life and things that interest me that I don't usually have the opportunity to show off. I am passionate about my interests and my work. And this person took it in stride. There were questions asked, much laughter, and a lot of appreciation for something that is “just mine.” It made me feel that someone thought what I was interested in was really neat. And cool. And fun. Rarely am I the neat, cool, fun person!

Once again, I write my article with a smile on my face. I took a chance on someone and it was definitely the right decision. People like that put my faith back in others, and make me want to venture outside of my thought process and to throw out my rule book. As much as I doubt that will ever completely happen, it was taking that chance that made me think maybe I need to let my guard down and realize that not everything will ever be done by the book.