1. Sample Essay 4
Opportunities don’t come around often. They appear only once or twice in our lives, in rare moments. Therefore, it’s crucial to seize those fleeting moments and turn them into something valuable for ourselves.
Opportunity represents a favorable condition, a moment when the right circumstances converge, enabling us to capitalize on them and create success. Opportunities bring us hope and faith in our ability to achieve our goals. They give us the strength and motivation to overcome life’s challenges and obstacles. Sometimes, opportunities are not just created by others or by external circumstances but are also things we must create for ourselves. Once we recognize an opportunity, it’s important to act swiftly and cleverly to make the most of it. When we have an opportunity in hand, we must cherish and value it, as they are rare and don’t come around again. When we take advantage of the opportunity at our disposal, no matter how difficult or challenging the path may be, we will overcome it and reach success.
For example, we can look at the victory of the August Revolution, when the Party and Government seized a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gain independence and establish the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. We can also recall the triumphs of Vietnam’s national football team against Thailand and Indonesia, when players like Công Vinh and Minh Tuấn seized the chances created by their teammates, scoring golden goals that brought immense joy and pride to millions of Vietnamese hearts. However, there are still many people who fail to recognize or seize the opportunities life offers them. As a result, they sink into the darkness of failure.
Life is full of unexpected changes. But sometimes, those surprises can be the opportunities that lead us to success. Therefore, we must discard feelings of insecurity and believe that countless opportunities exist – we may just not have recognized them yet. In life, there are people who miss opportunities, but not those who never had any. Opportunities are available to everyone, but how we seize them determines the quality of our lives... A business owner in the U.S. who became a millionaire humorously shared his success story: “I studied the market, found what jobs people were seeking, then I chose something that very few people pursued. That’s how I succeeded. I realized my passion was… cleaning other people’s waste.” His success stemmed from knowing how to seize an opportunity that might only come once in a lifetime. Currently, many students graduate with degrees, but still struggle to find jobs, often working in unrelated fields. So why didn’t they make different choices from the beginning? Did you know that when you pursue your passion, you might miss out on other opportunities? The key is to assess your true abilities. Life is fair – everyone is given the same opportunities. Whether or not you succeed depends on your ability to seize them when they arise.
Remember, while you’re searching for opportunities, it might be right beside you. Keep an open mind, be willing to learn, stay persistent, and success will surely come.

2. Sample Essay 5
Sometimes when reflecting on the past, we all have regrets. One of the most common regrets in life is missing out on opportunities. As La Beaumelle wisely stated, “Only those who miss opportunities exist, there are no people without opportunities.” Indeed, opportunities are available to all of us, at all times and in all places. The challenge lies in recognizing and seizing them. Right here, right now, each of us has the chance to live, work, love others, give, and receive—but how many of us truly understand and appreciate these opportunities to the fullest?
Moreover, the Latin proverb from O.S. Mac Den says, “Don’t wait for a convenient opportunity, create one.” From the wisdom of thinkers like La Beaumelle and O.S. Mac Den, these timeless words remind us that opportunities don’t just appear, they are often something we need to create. We, the generations that follow, have the privilege of learning from such wisdom and striving to create better opportunities for ourselves.
These two quotes from La Beaumelle and O.S. Mac Den, while coming from different places and people, convey the same powerful truth: opportunities always exist. Some may seem like mere strokes of luck, while others are the direct result of our own efforts. I once read, “You must reach for the sky, because even if you don’t become the sun, you’ll still be among the stars.” This highlights that we must pursue our dreams and ambitions, creating opportunities to turn the impossible into possible, to turn dreams into reality, rather than waiting for some “perfect moment” to arrive. The topic of luck and opportunity is a frequent subject of debate among speakers. In his book *Outliers: The Story of Success*, Malcolm Gladwell explores this concept. He emphasizes that success often isn’t about inherent talent alone but about the opportunities that are available. Gladwell points out that there are many strong oak trees that never grow because they lacked the right environment and luck. Likewise, many individuals with great potential never achieve success for similar reasons. His research shows that “success is more like a gift, and the exceptional ones are those who were given opportunities…” Yet, they also needed to be strong enough, both mentally and physically, to seize those opportunities when they appeared. Gladwell stresses that opportunities are often right in front of us, but they don’t always appear in obvious ways. They require searching, striving, and recognizing them for what they are. Whether we succeed or fail in pursuing our dreams is less important than the fact that we’ve created opportunities for ourselves. The first opportunity, however, is often the chance to prove ourselves, something that is clearly visible to others. From Bill Gates and Bill Joy to The Beatles, Gladwell traces the unique opportunities and lucky breaks that helped them succeed.
Master Tran Van Khe once said, “No one chooses the circumstances they’re born into, and no one escapes life's storms. When life pushes you into adversity, it might just be giving you the opportunity to grow stronger.” Opportunities surround us, even in adversity. I remember a story about a kind-hearted farmer who noticed a large rock blocking the road. Despite seeing many wealthy and polite people pass by and complain, none of them tried to move the rock. After much effort, the farmer succeeded in removing it and discovered a large bag of money hidden underneath. It turned out to be a gift from the king, who had disguised himself to test the people. The farmer earned the money because he understood something others did not: every obstacle hides an opportunity.
Yet, “Some people are afraid to take a step for fear of falling. But if they’re afraid of falling and don’t move, what’s the difference from having already fallen?” There was a young man who lacked confidence in his appearance and abilities. He always withdrew into his shell, never stepping forward to express his love for a woman. She eventually married someone else, unaware that she had been waiting for him all along. This missed opportunity was a reminder that the greatest gift we can give each other is the chance to hope and wait. Sadly, the young man didn’t create an opportunity for himself and let it slip away. Nevertheless, we all make mistakes in life. The key is to remember that when one door closes, others open. And these new doors lead to better things—new opportunities. As La Beaumelle said, “Only those who miss opportunities exist, there are no people without opportunities,” and this optimistic message reminds us to fully utilize the opportunities we have in life. The way we seize those opportunities directly shapes how we experience life—whether with success, happiness, and fulfillment. So, “The measure of life is not in how long it lasts, but in how we use it.” Let’s not miss any opportunities! Take a moment to reflect—have you truly made the most of the opportunities you’ve been given?
“The Magic Stones” is a story about missed opportunities. A young man dreamed of finding a magical stone that could turn other metals into gold, a story he had read in a book at the library. Excited by his discovery, he searched the sea every day. Over time, he became impatient. The stones he picked up were either cold or hot, but he never paid much attention to them, discarding them into the sea. Then one day, he picked up a warm stone unlike any he had found before. But having become so accustomed to throwing them away, he discarded this one as well. This story illustrates how missed opportunities—like those stones—are discarded due to impatience and a fading belief in success. The moral is clear: every effort counts, and each one could be an opportunity waiting to be seized. Life is full of opportunities, but they are not always delivered in the way we expect. That’s why we must create our own opportunities! “Light a candle, don’t just sit in the dark complaining.”

3. Reference Example 6
We live in an era full of challenges. However, every challenge is an opportunity for us to break through and surpass ourselves. The ability to seize golden opportunities has become a major focus, not only for individuals but also for social organizations, business corporations, and even entire nations.
When we talk about golden opportunities, we are referring to highly favorable conditions or moments that arise in the course of a specific activity. These moments serve as key catalysts for extraordinary success—provided we are able to seize them. A golden opportunity typically involves a perfect alignment of ‘timing, place, and people,’ as the ancients used to say (these words can be interpreted differently depending on the situation, but the symbolism remains clear).
Although the existence of golden opportunities is objective, not everyone is able to recognize, capture, and utilize them. To spot them, one must have a sharp eye, refined judgment, and—most importantly—a proactive spirit. What one person sees as a golden opportunity might not seem the same to another. This is especially true for those engaged in the same task or activity, as golden opportunities are tied to specific actions, not all activities in life.
Recognizing a golden opportunity is hard, but utilizing it is even harder. To do so, one must be fully prepared, with the highest degree of initiative. A slight delay, hesitation, or indecisiveness can cause the moment to pass, leaving nothing but regret. This leads to a stagnant process, with no hope of a breakthrough. In such cases, all that remains is self-blame for not acting in time.
For individuals, preparing to recognize and seize golden opportunities involves continuous effort—especially in building up knowledge and skills, and more importantly, the ability to adapt and address any situation that arises. Outdated knowledge or skills that are not aligned with current practices often create barriers, making it difficult to seize golden opportunities. These are the best chances that come unexpectedly and fleetingly. There are many other skills to prepare for, such as communication, negotiation, teamwork, and information management. Without these, today’s individuals are at risk of falling behind in the journey of life.
On a national or societal level, missing out on golden opportunities can have serious consequences and be harshly judged by history. In today’s fierce and competitive environment, falling behind can mean permanent setback. This is why we urgently need wise, insightful leaders who can recognize opportunities and trust in the vast potential of the nation, using favorable conditions to help the country rise and thrive.

4. Reference Example 7
Don't wait for opportunities to come to you; be flexible and proactive in creating and seizing opportunities. Life is too short to sit and ponder luck, especially when the passion and energy of others are spreading boundlessly. They embrace challenges, creating opportunities for themselves, not shying away from failure to eventually achieve success. With an energetic spirit, they reach for new opportunities in the vibrant days of youth.
With an abundance of never-ending energy, they draw opportunities for themselves, making their youth more meaningful and profound. Remember, opportunities are created by you, and youth is the perfect time to make that happen.
A successful person never passively waits for opportunities to arrive; instead, they actively seek them out. They embrace novelty, desiring to channel their youthful energy in the pursuit of new opportunities, even knowing the path will be tough and filled with obstacles.
Therefore, to achieve success, you need to be dynamic, adaptable, and proactive in both thinking and action. Learn to identify societal needs, diligently explore, and research practical issues that align with your dreams, aspirations, and goals. Creating your own opportunities is a testament to your leadership qualities and self-confidence, preparing you to face the challenges ahead.
It's not just about seeking opportunities; it's also a process of accumulating knowledge, professional expertise, and useful life skills for personal growth.
If you wish to stand out in the job market, recruiters will choose candidates who show enthusiasm, a thirst for learning, and relentless effort to create their own opportunities, ensuring they remain strong on their chosen paths. To stand on your own feet, these qualities are essential.
Remind yourself that the opportunities you create are within your control, and you must strive to conquer them. No matter how skilled you are, with a top degree and numerous accolades, if you don't proactively seek internships or jobs, you will still remain unemployed. There are always opportunities that fit your abilities; allow yourself to create them. The best opportunities will come your way as long as you're patient enough to search for them.
Every time you create an opportunity for yourself, you're challenging your own limits. This is how you grow, become stronger, and gain confidence. By learning to create and seize opportunities, you're testing your resilience — an essential trait for success.
Everyone knows that youth is the most beautiful time, full of unspoken yet intense aspirations. It's a golden period of life to create, grasp, and realize opportunities. Youth is the dream-filled time for those with open minds, eager to learn, innovate, and create. It’s the perfect stage to create the best opportunities.
Don’t let go of the precious right to be proactive and creative — the right to create your own opportunities. Youth and opportunities are intertwined. If you cherish your youth, understand its true value, and appreciate it, you will also learn to value your opportunities.
During youth, you’re always eager to challenge yourself with new things. You want adventure, exploration, and to go to uncharted territories. You wish to express yourself through creative designs that reflect your personal touch, inspired by your delicate perceptions.
Even if you just want a stable job to support your family, it’s not enough to dream without taking action. Otherwise, you’ll remain trapped in the world of imagination without an escape.
Many have regretted wasting time, youth, and the opportunities they missed because of indifference and neglect toward their own potential.
For all the beautiful dreams, whether grand or humble, you must create opportunities for yourself. These opportunities are the ticket to reaching your dreams and goals, no matter how hidden they might seem.
You may succeed or fail, but don’t worry because youth always provides you with the chance to try again. As long as you’re young, opportunities are there, and the most important thing is to actively seek them out and make the most of them in your own way.
Life is full of opportunities to choose from, and how skillfully you create and utilize them is a lesson in personal judgment and perspective.

5. Reference Example 8
Opportunity is a favorable circumstance, a timely chance to accomplish something you've long desired. The number of opportunities varies: there are many, or perhaps few; but the key is in seizing those opportunities when they arise. To seize an opportunity means not to let it slip through your fingers, but to act decisively to achieve success.
Opportunity is the intersection of luck and thorough preparation. Opportunities may come to many, but not everyone is able to grasp them. When opportunities pass by unnoticed, it's as though they never existed. Seizing even a single opportunity can not only bring success but can also open doors to even more opportunities. Opportunity doesn’t knock twice, and whether you succeed or fail depends on your ability to seize the moment. This ability is what determines your future.
Sometimes opportunities are crystal clear and easy to spot, but other times, they appear subtly and unexpectedly. Therefore, we can't just wait idly for them to come; we must create opportunities for ourselves. Be proactive in making your own opportunities and be ready to seize them when they arise, putting in your full effort. This is the key to success.
Where there are challenges, there are also opportunities. The bigger the challenge, the greater the opportunity. The ability to rise after falling is crucial. Stay confident and persistent. As long as you have belief, your willpower will carry you to success. If you don’t give up, there is always a chance. The greatest failure is in quitting.
Understanding where opportunities come from and the importance of seizing them, as well as creating opportunities for yourself and others, is essential. The best way to create opportunities is by being dedicated, constantly learning, and practicing. “What matters is not how many opportunities you have, but whether you are able to seize them.”
Many opportunities slip away simply because people fail to recognize them or are waiting for a better one to come along. Grab the opportunity while it’s there. Life itself is an ongoing opportunity. Once an opportunity passes, it won’t come back. The people who go the furthest are often those who act swiftly and embrace challenges.

6. Reference Example 9
Most people who fail often complain that they didn’t get the opportunities others had, that they didn’t receive help, or that the right moment just never came. However, at the core, these are just excuses from those who fail, blaming fate. A successful person never waits passively for opportunities to come to them, instead, they actively seek them out.
Don’t wait for opportunities to knock, be flexible and learn to create and seize them because opportunities are made by you.
Be ready to face challenges in order to create opportunities for yourself. Don’t hesitate to fail because that’s the path to eventual success. Let’s chase our desires, seeking new opportunities in the vibrant energy of youth.
Every time you create an opportunity for yourself, you’re challenging your own limits. This is how you grow, become stronger, and gain confidence. When you create opportunities and seize them, you’re testing your resilience and sharpening your inner strength.
To seize an opportunity, you need sharp judgment and the ability to act decisively. It has nothing to do with your degree or knowledge.
Opportunities come only once. If you don’t grab them, you may never succeed. Never be complacent or wait for luck to come.
In life, opportunities often appear unexpectedly. If you spend your time complaining and letting them slip by, you will fail. To succeed, you must make the most of every opportunity. Never underestimate anything, as everything that happens has its own reason and value.
When an opportunity arises, seize it quickly, even if it’s just a fragile thread. Opportunities are the same for everyone, the real question is whether you’re ready to grab them.
No one will hand you a good opportunity. If you don’t actively seek out opportunities, you will forever remain a failure.
Life doesn’t wait for anyone, and opportunities only come once. Don’t just exist—live with purpose.
Success is not for those who don’t face challenges. Every hardship opens doors for us to grow and transform into the exceptional individuals we know we can be.
Creating opportunities for yourself is a sign of leadership, showcasing the qualities of a successful person. It’s about having the confidence and strength to face the challenges ahead.
Life is fair, and opportunities are given to everyone equally. They might not always be obvious at first, they might come as a surprise, but whether you succeed depends on your ability to embrace those surprises.
There are always opportunities suited to your abilities, so allow yourself to create them. Great opportunities will come if you have the patience and perseverance to seek them out.
Successful people know that having ability alone is not enough—they must also seize opportunities. Opportunities come only a few times in life, and if missed, they may never return. When you look back, all that may remain is aging and an empty soul.
When an opportunity comes, don’t ignore it. If you let it pass, finding a better one will be very hard. Be bold—if this time doesn’t work out, at least you’ve gained life experience. Even if you fail, don’t give up. Successful people never let failure defeat them.
Some call it luck, but those who know how to make use of opportunities and create their own chances will always have an advantage over those who just blame fate. There’s a saying, “If opportunity doesn’t knock at your door, it means your house has no door—create one!” So, create your own opportunities.
Give yourself a chance, don’t close the door to your own opportunities. You know that when you shut a door, no matter what others do, it’s impossible to open it. Only you decide your future. Don’t be afraid of life’s storms or worry about your mistakes and failures.

7. Reference Example 10
Seizing opportunities is the key to moving faster, achieving personal goals, and succeeding in life. However, not everyone knows how to grab the right opportunities when they come.
Opportunity is often viewed as a state of mind and emotion that leads to a series of actions creating the desired results. Since opportunities exist only in our thoughts, they can feel vague, and each person may perceive them differently. Some people believe that opportunities are simply lucky occurrences that create favorable conditions for reaching goals more easily. This perspective is not entirely wrong.
Opportunities don’t usually come when things are going smoothly. In fact, they tend to appear when you're facing challenges and adversity. It’s in these moments that opportunity can provide the motivation to overcome obstacles—if you know how to recognize it. Often, people miss these chances, even when they’re right in front of them.
Many people think they were simply born unlucky, but the truth is, opportunity is something you create. Opportunities are everywhere. The real question is whether you can take the initiative to grasp them and use them for growth.
There’s a saying that you can never get back three things in life: time, words, and opportunities. Therefore, opportunities are incredibly important in life. If you miss them, you’ll regret it deeply and never be able to recover them. Especially when you're young, they help you accomplish your goals and move forward in your career. Moreover, those who know how to grab opportunities will find themselves happier and living a more joyful life. You will always feel confident and fortunate, no matter the field, whether it’s relationships or work. While success depends on your own efforts, opportunities provide the fuel that drives you forward. Life will always come with difficulties, frustrations, and exhaustion. However, if you stay positive, when the storm passes, good fortune will follow. This is the hope that helps you persist and achieve your dreams.
Opportunities don’t just appear unless you actively seize them. To succeed and reach your desired goals, you need to know how to grab opportunities when they come. No matter what field you work in, dedication is key to success. The ultimate goal of work is to create value for others. When you give, you are sure to receive good things in return. Always be prepared to face challenges. Life is not all roses; it’s full of hurdles that you need to overcome. If you always think life is easy, you’ll find yourself discouraged and disappointed when difficulties arise. So, always prepare a backup plan and a mindset ready to face challenges. Facing problems head-on and solving them is the key to success.
You don’t live alone—there’s a community, friends, and family around you. So, always help others in their time of need. Life is governed by cause and effect, and when you help others, you’ll find that you’ll need their help in the future.
If you have excessive pride, you won’t be able to accept honest feedback about yourself. This will prevent you from changing and improving, causing you to miss future opportunities. Learn to filter information and use it to become a better version of yourself each day.

8. Reference Example 1
Opportunities don’t come to us frequently, and when they do, they appear in brief moments. Therefore, it’s crucial for us to seize these opportunities and turn them into something meaningful for ourselves.
Opportunity is a set of favorable conditions and the right timing that enables us to take action and achieve success. It provides us with the hope and belief needed to reach our goals. Opportunities give us the strength and motivation to overcome life’s challenges. However, opportunities are not always handed to us by others or by time; sometimes, we need to create them ourselves. When we realize that an opportunity is before us, we must stay proactive and make the most of it to overcome challenges. Once we have an opportunity in hand, we must cherish it, as opportunities are scarce and do not repeat. When we make the most of the opportunities we have, no matter how tough the journey may be, we will ultimately succeed.
For instance, we can look at the success of the August Revolution, where the Party and State seized a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gain independence and establish the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Or, consider the victories of Vietnam’s national football team against Thailand and Indonesia, where players like Công Vinh and Minh Tuấn seized the opportunities created by their teammates to score goals that brought immense joy and pride to millions of Vietnamese hearts. However, many people fail to recognize or seize the opportunities that life offers them, leading them to fall into the darkness of failure.
Life often brings unexpected changes, but sometimes, those surprises are the very opportunities that lead us to success. So, discard your doubts, and believe that countless opportunities await you. In life, there are no people without opportunities, only those who miss them. Opportunities come to everyone, but how we seize them determines the quality of our lives. Take the example of a company owner in the U.S. who became a millionaire by cleaning septic tanks. He humorously shared his success by saying, “I studied the market, analyzed jobs that people were seeking, and then chose a job that few people wanted to do. That’s how I became successful—I found a passion for cleaning other people’s waste.” The reason for his success is that he seized a rare opportunity. Meanwhile, thousands of graduates with advanced degrees struggle to find jobs, despite having the qualifications. Why didn’t they choose a different path from the start? You see, when you follow your passion, you may miss out on other opportunities. The key is to assess your true potential. Nature is fair—it offers everyone equal opportunities.
These opportunities might not be immediately obvious to you, and they may come as surprises. Whether or not you succeed depends on your ability to recognize these surprises. Remember, while you’re searching for opportunities, they might be right next to you. Strive to grab unexpected events that could change your life. With continuous learning, a positive attitude, and unwavering perseverance, success will surely follow.

9. Reference Example 2
Seizing opportunities in life not only helps you progress faster towards your goals, but also demonstrates your commitment and determination to pursue your dreams and ideals.
So, what exactly is an opportunity? Opportunity is an abstract concept—it's not something we can touch, see, or hear, but rather a product of our thoughts and perceptions. In simple terms, an opportunity is a shortcut that helps us move faster toward our goals, whether that be career, wealth, or recognition.
In today’s world, full of challenges and obstacles, seizing and creating opportunities during youth is crucial. If young people can answer the question of how to create opportunities and what steps to take to bring them about, success will come to them sooner rather than later.
No matter who you are, your family background, your current job, or the state of your life, it’s important to constantly seek out opportunities. This is an essential truth that you must always keep in mind as you enter life. While you can’t choose where you are born, you can choose the life you desire, no matter how big or small, through your efforts and by seizing the right opportunities.
It has been said that there are three things in life you can never get back once you lose them: time, words, and opportunities. This shows just how critical these things are in our lives. Once they’re gone, they’re gone forever. For young people, opportunities are especially precious, as they bring us closer to our ideal future.
Seizing opportunities at the right time allows you to reach your destination faster, more smoothly, and more successfully. It affirms that your youthful efforts are worthwhile. Seizing opportunities also helps us realize that opportunities are not handed to us easily—they require preparation, effort, and even creating them for ourselves, without waiting for anyone else to do so.
Grabbing opportunities isn’t just about achieving success, but also about giving more meaning to life, finding happiness, and seeing the fairness in life. Opportunities are available to many, but few know how to seize them at the right moment. There are many examples of seizing opportunities in today’s world that can inspire you to keep striving. Youth must fully understand the essence of opportunity and continue working towards achieving it.
Opportunities are intangible—they can’t be touched or seen, but they can certainly be felt and embraced. Opportunities are essential for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or religion. This is especially true for young people, as understanding and seizing opportunities is crucial for achieving their goals faster.
Sometimes, luck plays a part in finding opportunities! But do you know that luck doesn’t come by chance? Luck appears as the result of hard work and perseverance. Whether in love, marriage, family, or career, you must continually improve, expand your knowledge, and learn each day to bring you closer to your goals.
There will be moments of hardship, pressure, exhaustion, despair, and loneliness, but don’t shy away from them. Stand up and face these challenges head-on. Then, one day, when the storm passes, you’ll realize that opportunities have come your way. They’ll feel like a new beginning, a glimmer of hope that helps you rise, take confident steps, and achieve success in the way you’ve always dreamed. This is why opportunities are not just about sitting and daydreaming—they are about relentless striving in every moment. Opportunities bring success, and through that success, you will appreciate not just your effort, but your admiration for yourself.

10. Reference Example 3
In life, seizing opportunities is one of the key factors that lead to personal success.
In reality, the valuable opportunities for learning and working are often available to everyone, and it’s our responsibility to recognize and seize those opportunities. In the past, if military leaders had been able to seize the right opportunities and timing, they could have led their forces to victory; in business, entrepreneurs who know how to seize the right moment can make their ventures soar. Similarly, in life, if we know how to grasp the right opportunities, we can achieve remarkable success in our personal journey.
Seizing opportunities in life is akin to securing stepping stones that propel us forward. Everyone desires success, and therefore, being able to seize opportunities is an essential part of that journey. Grabbing the right opportunities, combined with the knowledge and preparation we’ve already put in place, is everything we need to be ready for our careers and personal growth.
Opportunities are inevitable, they are the starting point for each person’s career path. Not seizing opportunities is equivalent to losing and wasting one’s time. However, in order to seize these opportunities, we must be prepared in advance so that we are always ready when the right moment comes.
