YOU CAN
"Paul! You are the dullest student that I have taught all my life. Imagine! You are in S.S.3, and this is the second session, yet you couldn't give an answer to what I asked you. It is better you get a desk job after your S.S.3 class, as I don't see you making your WAEC or being the doctor you claim you'd become. Better still, go learn a handwork. Sit down!" Mr. Jason, his class teacher remarked bluntly.
Embarrassingly, Paul took his seat, scratching his eyes.
He had been studying hard to do better, but the words of his teacher that moment demoralized him completely. He went home alone after school closed.
Languidly, he got home looking very sad and exhausted. To open his books became a problem as tears streamed down his face.
"It's time to say goodbye to school. I don't think I am good enough. If my teacher could say it to me very often, then---"
His mother had been eavesdropping from behind the door. She walked in and interpolated. "My son, you are good enough, please, don't stop working hard. This is life, you will find people say negative words to you, so that you don't realize your capability. It is left to us if we can make the words become positive. If you believe you can, then you can. Your light must shine and I am solidly behind you."
Paul stared into his mom's face, fresher tears ran down his face. He got up, ran up to her and embraced her with shut eyes. "You are the best, mom."
After a couple weeks of reading ahead of schedule, he sat for his mock examination, passed, and won the award for the most improved student.
"I am surprised, Paul. You have stepped up very well. I hope to see even a better version of you in your WAEC examination next session," his teacher said, grinning.
"Thank you, sir. Hopefully." Paul returned the smile.
Paul got home happily and saw his mom picking beans. He wore a big smile and waved his award.
A big smile formed on her face; she rose to her feet. "Oh, my God! This is lovely, my son. Please, continue working hard and make me a proud mother."
"Sure, mom." He pecked her.
The WAEC was finally over and results released. It shocked his school to see he had A's in all his papers. Paul was called up and given a national award. He was also given a scholarship to study Medicine and Surgery outside the country.
Before leaving, his teacher went to meet him at home. "Forgive me for my words, Paul. You have shocked the world, and I salute you."
"Thanks for being a ladder for me to climb up. Without you, I won't be where I am today, sir."
Victor Apata
©Vikjtaar
#ANSAChildren'sLitetatureOfTheWeekContest
