Let me share a story that illustrates just that.
As an average student all my life, I never expected to have a favorite school memory. But one day in grade 8, I experienced a pivotal moment that changed everything.
It was the day of the parent-teacher meeting, or PTM for short, and I was terrified. My father always attended these meetings to keep track of my progress, but as an average student, I dreaded them. Every teacher had a list of complaints, but one teacher, Ihsanullah Ihsan, went above and beyond to insult me in front of my father.
While he wasn’t lying, Mr. Ihsan certainly wasn’t kind. He listed my faults in front of my father, from my constant need for bathroom breaks to my incessant chatter and playful attitude in class. It was one of the worst days of my life, and I knew I had to do something to turn things around.
My father hired a math tutor for me, despite being a government employee with limited funds. The tutor charged 12,000 rupees, a hefty sum at the time. I worked hard and practiced math endlessly, with one goal in mind: to score a perfect 100% in my math exam.
After months of preparation, the day of my final math paper arrived. I remember the exam had seven or nine questions, with a choice of two. I was so determined to succeed that I used extra sheets for the first time in my life. I solved every problem with precision and scored a perfect 100%.
When my teacher saw my exam, he was astonished. He tried to deduct marks, but he couldn’t find any mistake to justify it. He said, “Beta, I am trying to find a mistake to deduct your marks, but I can’t find one anywhere.”
This moment was a turning point in my life. I realised that with hard work and determination, I could overcome my weaknesses and achieve my goals. It’s a memory that still makes me proud to this day.
Originally published in my newsletter, Umarvel, on 20 March 2023.
