Chapter 1: The Role of Chance in Our Lives

As an old saying goes, "His Majesty Chance" often wields significant influence over our lives. Who among us hasn't felt that certain events unfolded as if by magic, with little to no effort on our part? Whether we attribute it to divine intervention or mere luck, one thing is certain: not everything is dictated by human will, and perhaps that’s for the best. Many of the pivotal moments in my life were serendipitous, leading me to a fulfilling present.

I was raised in a family of performers, taking my first steps on stage as a child. My early life revolved around theater; I would rush home from school to do homework in my mother's dressing room and spend countless hours in the audience during my father's rehearsals. I still vividly recall sitting on the potty at five years old, declaring to my mother that I would be an actress—there was no other option in my mind! However, everything changed when, at the end of ninth grade, a unique opportunity arrived at my mathematics classroom.

It was a woman from the admissions committee of a local university, promoting their full-time and part-time programs. She proposed that I could start my first year while still in grades 10 and 11, allowing me to skip directly to the second year upon graduation. My classmates showed little interest, but I felt an undeniable urge to pursue this path.

My perspective shifted dramatically. I quickly recognized that I couldn't just be an actress; I was merely adept at portraying "heroines," a skill that didn’t require extraordinary talent. When assigned to play an elderly villain in a school production, I felt a wave of dread. How could I possibly perform such a role? I realized I'd rather direct than follow orders from a director. Thus, I enrolled in a part-time psychology program, envisioning a future in directing.

Two years flew by, and there I was, a second-year psychology student—doing well, and only four years left until graduation. While my peers engaged in robust academic activities, I was busy starting a family. My journey into "adult life" had begun, yet I still managed to graduate successfully. The relief of no longer having to sit through lectures, study, or take exams was immense. I remember my mother saying at my graduation, “Finally, your studies are over. Now you can focus on your family and your true passions.” Little did she know, my passion turned out to be… studying.

Despite not excelling in university research during my studies, the university rector encouraged me to apply for graduate school. A part of me—perhaps the same urge that drew me to psychology in the ninth grade—agreed.

I enrolled but struggled with my chosen research topic, which felt dull and unengaging. After two years of hardship, fortune smiled upon me. My husband became interested in eco-villages, and we explored various communities, eventually landing in “Orion,” a group of foster families in the Kaluga region. We loved it and made the move. Rather than abandon my graduate studies, I shifted my focus, found a new advisor, and began a project on the socialization of orphans within foster families. Writing about something so relevant to my life transformed my experience!

My life took another positive turn. I feel incredibly fortunate to have found a place where my dreams can flourish, allowing me to blend the seemingly incompatible aspects of my life. I now have a large family consisting of three biological and four adopted children. I am both an actress and a director, creating and performing plays with my children. Thanks to serendipity, I passionately wrote and defended my dissertation.

Reflecting on my journey, if someone had told me at five or even in ninth grade that I would become a scholar, I wouldn’t have believed it. Even now, I grapple with the title of a science candidate and its significance. However, I have learned one vital lesson: resisting fate is futile. Embracing opportunities is crucial to traversing your unique path. If I encounter obstacles, I remember I have a choice: to advance or to pivot. I often recall the wise saying, “Of two evils, always choose the one that leads to knowledge.”

Chapter 2: Embracing New Opportunities

In this video, Matthew McConaughey reflects on pivotal moments in his life and career, emphasizing the importance of seizing opportunities.

Terrence Howard discusses his unconventional views and experiences in the entertainment industry, showcasing the unpredictable nature of life.