We live in a land of opportunity, not of entitlement.

Success is for the ones who step through the door of opportunity. Hold on to your dream, fight for it, and make it become reality. I've recently started on this journey, and so far, I'm winning.

I have been going through the long and tiring process of finding my first proper full-time job. I had to go through a series of CV/applicant sifts, phone interviews, psychometric tests and of course the dreaded final interview. After first applying for the position in the first week of May, I finally got the phone call, to offer me the position that I had been working so hard to attain. Opportunities are always around, in life you have to go searching from time to time, as they aren't offered to you on a silver platter. I've learnt that, when other aspects in your life may be going awry or just not as you had hoped, opportunity comes in other aspects to take your mind off of it. Life is such a clichee, it really is like a rollercoaster with all of it's ups and downs, you just have to buckle yourself in and enjoy the ride, however terrifying it may be at times.

I am the type of person that will work myself to breaking point, in order to make something of myself. I am a very determined individual, and I put my all into everything I do. I honestly think that I am a prime example for those struggling to find the motivation to carry on. I have worked hard throughout school, sixth form and various part-time jobs/volunteering in order to give myself decent building blocks in life. I've had setbacks over the years, but I've battled through them all. I'm still here determined as ever and it's paid off! Of course I have days where the pessimism takes over me - but who doesn't?!

Life is what you make of it, you need to grab it with both hands. You're only given one lifetime, so spend it wisely! You don't want to live with regrets, and you want to make all of your dreams a reality, afterall, we really do live in a land of opportunity, and not of entitlement. If you live life expecting everything to just fall into place on it's own, you won't get very far. Take life into your own hands and MAKE that opportunity a reality. Be positive, be determined, and most of all - follow your dreams!