Opportunities and taking an active role in history (Free write)

For this free write I wanted to share my experience about my participation on President Obama's immigration policy. Through my work with some community organizations, last year I had the opportunity to participate on one of the many advisory boards put together by the White House regarding immigration reform. I had the opportunity to travel to DC and share my story with those that were putting together the policy that President Obama was to announce later.
I specifically advocated for the immigration rights of veterans and their families. Many people do not know that not all veterans are citizens and that many of them have family members such as spouses, parent, and siblings go through deportation proceedings. Even less know is the fact that since 1996 many legal resident veterans are themselves getting deported. Due to our advocacy effort President Obama added his "parole in place" policy for veterans and their families to the immigration executive order.
However, what I really want to focus on for this post is the subject of opportunities. More specifically not being afraid to take on opportunities when they present themselves to you. I first met the organization I traveled to DC with at an event our organization hosted at ASU Downtown Campus. When the director of the organization approached me to tell me that he had enjoyed our event we struck up a conversation. He knew I was a veteran and said he was planning a trip to DC in two days to do an advocacy event on behalf of veterans and asked if I was interested in going. Looking back on it now, I really think he was expecting me to say no because of the short notice. However, much to his surprise I said yes. I did my best in two days to prepare for the event because I knew we were going to be talking to various Congressmen and their staff. On a side note, I have also for years been taking advantage out of every opportunity I have had to do public speaking, for those that have had me in class you know that I am always the one to speak up. Well, I do this not because I am a great orator but because I know that public speaking is a valued skill set and one that I need practice in. Fortunately, the director thought I did a good job and we have collaborated on several different projects.
As I look back on this experience now I realize that had I not taken advantage of the first opportunity when it presented itself to me, I would not have had the other opportunities that have presented themselves to me. Due to my work with this organization I have been able to meet various civil rights leaders, high ranking public officials, and leaders of industry, which has lead to my participation in truly historic events in Arizona and nationwide. So please do not be afraid to take on new opportunities because they often lead to bigger and greater things, but do prepare yourself as best you can for them to ensure that you make a good impression.