He had seen similar announcements before.
Usually, he ignored them.
This time, he read the details.
The training would require additional study.
It would mean adjusting parts of his weekly routine.
Completing the program would not guarantee a promotion.
But it offered a realistic way to strengthen his qualifications.
Carlos took the information home.
That evening, after Mateo went to bed, he showed it to Elena.
"What do you think?" he asked.
She read through the description.
"I think you should consider it."
Carlos hesitated.
"It might be too much."
"Maybe," Elena replied. "But you've wanted an opportunity like this for years."
"What if I try and nothing comes of it?"
Elena thought for a moment.
"Then you'll still have learned something."
Carlos smiled.
It was a simple answer.
But it helped him see the decision differently.
He had been so afraid of failing to improve his circumstances that he had sometimes avoided trying.
