Chance and choice: the reality of luck

By Mira Reddy April 2, 2025

Initially confident in their biology test, a student approaches the final question with growing anxiety. Panicked, they mentally recite the steps of photosynthesis—but uncertainty lingers, reinforcing their lack of an answer. Without a logical solution, they send a silent prayer and place their trust in the letter B. To their dismay, they later discover they answered nearly every question incorrectly—aside from one they hesitated on. This moment encapsulates the uncertainty of luck, where unexpected success is driven purely by chance rather than strategy.

The concept of luck is widely perceived. According to Forbes, people use luck to explain events, shaping how they perceive and apply them. Meanwhile, statistical luck is based on the foundation of probability, the mathematical ratio of favorable outcomes to the total possibilities, rather than destiny or superstition.  For instance, earning a reward from rolling a certain number on a dice occurs purely by chance, without any external influence. Opposingly, in board games like Monopoly, success depends on strategy, tactics and knowledge, rather than random chance.

Meanwhile, the concept that luck derives from fate is categorized as either circumstantial or constitutional. Circumstantial luck refers to being in the right or wrong place at any given time, including instances like unexpectedly running into an old friend. Circumstantial luck provides recipients with unexpected opportunities and decisions where they are forced to think on their feet. On a more general level, constitutional luck involves factors beyond one’s control, like genetics determining hair texture, height, eye color and other contributions.

The novel “The Genetic Lottery: Why DNA Matters for Social Equality,” by Dr. Kathryn Paige Harden, examines the concept of luck by genetics: the “genetic lottery,” where the role of genetics shapes certain life outcomes, such as educational success or income. Harden claims that inherited traits influence social inequality, as society often disadvantages individuals who possess certain traits that are deemed unfavorable. For example, the randomization or deletions of DNA that create unwanted mutations, which occur unanticipated and simply by chance, are often viewed as unfavorable or unlucky.

“Some of my classmates are blessed with naturally long eyelashes and frequently receive compliments. This can make some individuals feel fortunate in terms of their appearances, but at the same time, others who do not possess these features may feel insecure, and blame themselves for having bad luck with something they are unable to control—creating an unhealthy standard,” Sophomore Kiley Sheaffer said.

Moreover, as adolescents undergo college admission protocols, receiving disappointing rejections is often blamed on poor luck. This scapegoat can give students an overestimated security regarding their qualifications, rigor, dedication and how they compare to the other competitive students. With fluctuating difficulty and acceptance rates over the years, college admissions adapt to the requirements of potential attendees. Thus, many applicants blame misfortune rather than addressing personal strengths and weaknesses. While there is some truth that acceptances are moderately randomized, plenty of admissions are rewarded based on merit and personal actions, not purely from luck.

“Whether in-state or out-of-state, students are required to pay tuition for their dream colleges that may differ significantly. Certain factors, such as where a student lives, are beyond their control and affect their expenses, which can be perceived as a misfortune or bad luck,” Freshman Hana Medapalli said.

Luck is unavoidable and ongoing throughout everyone’s lives and experiences, but simultaneously, several outcomes are still dictated by individuals’ personal choices and efforts. Psychology Today reports that if people account for what they can and cannot control to make beneficial internal attributions, they can expect to see positive outcomes without relying on luck.

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About the Contributors

Mira Reddy is a freshman at Leland High School, a Staff writer, and a Media team member. This is her first year in journalism. She loves to swim, spend time with family and friends, read books, eat food, and watch Netflix.