In my early school days, particularly in Primary 4 when I was about 9 years old, I mistakenly referred to my teacher as a thief without understanding the implication of my words. Interestingly, it was during this time that I began to excel academically. I initially ranked low in the class, but by the second term, I climbed to the third position, much to the surprise of some who speculated that it was due to a perceived favoritism as our teacher was my parent’s tenant.
By the end of the third term, I had secured the second position, and as we progressed to the next class, I achieved the first position. This accomplishment was significant for me as it dispelled any doubts about the authenticity of my academic performance. Prior to Primary 4, my attitude towards education was lackadaisical, with little interest in reading or studying outside of school hours.
I associated academic success with children from specific backgrounds and initially believed the top positions were reserved for them. However, my perspective changed when I discovered the joy of reading stories ahead of the class discussions. One particular story, “The Stranger in the Village,” left a lasting impression on me. When asked to define a stranger in class, I confidently equated it to a thief, only to learn the true meaning from my teacher’s explanation.
Growing up in a semi-urban area with limited exposure to educational resources like books and television, my vocabulary was restricted. It wasn’t until later in my education that I expanded my reading habits, leading to a significant improvement in my language skills and confidence.
This transformation through reading is a universal principle applicable to anyone seeking to enhance their language proficiency, writing abilities, and overall confidence. The more you read, the more you enrich your vocabulary and knowledge base, ultimately boosting your communication skills and self-assurance.