We often hear the saying, “Opportunity comes to those who are prepared.” But what does it really mean to be “prepared?” Does it mean having a high GPA, diverse experiences, or a well-structured life plan?
During my time at POSTECH, I realized that there are countless paths in life. Watching people seize opportunities in different ways, I often asked myself: How do I prepare myself to be someone who can seize opportunities?
One day, I came across a sentence that struck me deeply: “The more you wander the more land becomes yours.” At that moment, I realized that my time spent feeling lost was not wasted—it was part of carving out my own path. Opportunity does not come solely from perfect preparation but from acting.
When I first entered POSTECH, I attended the 2024 Freshman Orientation, where I heard that Tech Review was a group “for those who take on challenges.” I knew nothing about tech startups, but those words stuck with me. Out of curiosity, I applied, hoping to learn something valuable. That decision led me to become a Tech Review manager, where I encountered more opportunities than I had imagined.
While planning TechTalk, a tech entrepreneurship seminar, I met professors and startup founders. They all emphasized that entrepreneurship is not about perfect plans but about constant trial and error. Instead of starting with flawless ideas or detailed strategies, they experimented, adjusted their paths, and encountered unexpected opportunities along the way. Hearing their stories, I realized that wandering was proof that I was exploring new paths, and only through the process of searching did opportunities become visible.
This journey led me to CES, where I not only helped manage Tech Review’s program but also sought deeper insights on how to make the most of the experience. My curiosity led me to share my learnings, which opened the door to becoming a Naver CES Creator.
As a CES Creator, I did more than report on the event. I studied the meaning behind the technologies encountered. Why were these innovations significant? What makes them so special? Sharing these insights helped both others and myself. That was when I realized that opportunity is not just about taking on challenges; embracing them fully with dedication and sincerity.
I’ve accepted that I may not be the most efficient person. I often take longer than others to complete tasks, struggling through more complex processes. But looking back, I see that none of that time was wasted. Giving my full effort transforms challenges into meaningful experiences. Seizing opportunities is not just about receiving them, it is about how we shape them and the mindset we bring to the process. That, I believe, is the true meaning of “The more you wander, the more land becomes yours.”
Sometimes, we question whether we are on the right path. Our efforts seem fruitless, making us wonder if our struggles have any meaning. But looking back, we realize that every step—every moment of uncertainty—was part of creating our unique path. Opportunity does not come only to those who are perfectly prepared. Instead, it finds those who take steps forward, even with uncertainty. And in the end, how we approach these opportunities determines the depth of our growth. I am still in the process of finding my own way. But if there is one thing I now believe, it is this: Wandering does not mean being stuck. Even when the path is unclear, we are moving forward, little by little. I hope this article serves as a small source of encouragement for those reflecting on their journey.
