Lean Alfafara, a 14-year-old student, talks about how his teacher has encouraged him to come out of his shell.
Once upon a time, there was a little boy who was very interested in writing. He wasn’t that good at first but with practice, he got a whole lot better. But alas, our hero, despite his writing prowess, was too shy to enter a single writing contest!
During 6th grade, his teacher hosted an on-the-spot-writing contest. The theme was “My Teacher, My Hero”. The top three writers would receive a prize, most likely a book. The boy said to himself “This is my chance to shine. I can do this!” He loved writing but reading was another story. He read during his free time which he enjoyed very much. This also expanded his vocabulary which gave him an edge in writing.
The time for writing came and everyone was busy. He took a deep breath and focused his thoughts on the theme. After finally deciding on a topic, he just wrote and wrote and wrote.
“Okay class, time’s up. Please pass your papers.”
In the nick of time, he wrote the last word and passed it to his teacher. After that, the entire class talked about what they wrote. Our hero hoped to win. To be finally noticed.
Days passed and it was time for the results. The teacher announced the winners from 3rd to 1st. The boy was really nervous. He always wanted to be the champion!
“Third place goes to…” The class clapped their hands. It wasn’t his name.
“For second place…” The class clapped their hands again but alas it wasn’t his name.
“First place goes to…” The moment of truth finally came. It all depended down on this very moment. He closed his eyes and gulped. He was ready for the result.
“Mr. Lean Raphael Alfafara” To his surprise, his name was called.
“Would you kindly read your article to us?” The teacher said.
He humbly walked to the front of the glass. Faced his teacher and gently grabbed the sheet of paper which held his winning article. Then he read it to the whole class. After reading, he went back to his seat and wept his sweat.
From that day onward, he participated in various writing contests. Although he couldn’t help in losing some but he gained experience and became better.
It was with the help of God, his friends, his family and his 6th Grade teacher: Mrs. Leonar. She was the one who encouraged him to write. She made him go out of his shell and share his talent with the world.
Without you, I wouldn’t be here. And for that, I thank you.