More Than a Passing Grade

--by perseverance, posted Dec 14, 2008

I was waiting outside the examination hall where my son was to take a test and the boys and girls were busy running around, discussing and debating, all while being watched by their anxious parents. There was great noise and bluster.

I noticed one boy alone with fear written all over his face. He did not interact with the other kids and he looked confused. He was making hesitant moves to mix with others, but he seemed to lack confidence. He made an impression on me. I moved towards him and smiled at him. He smiled back meekly. Then I started making a conversation with him and told him that he would do well on the exam. This put him at ease and he said that he was a top performer all along and that his parents never cared for him and did not give any support to him. I told him that education was an investment for life which could never be taken away and he got motivated and for once he lifted up his finger and said he would overcome all obstacles in life and come out successful. He then went into the hall and we lost touch.

After a few days I happened to go the same place and I spotted him again. He looked different and there was a spring in his step and he gave a broad smile and came to me and said that he had topped the class and that the few minutes with me had helped him. He thanked me for the words I had said. It was a great moment for me.

2010 Reads

Posted by perseverance
Dec 14, 2008
Comments (6)

Readers Comments

LOAS wrote: Ah! The power of words. It's just amazing how a few words can change someone's whole perspective and therefore their life! Thank you for having the awareness to see what was needed and to provide it. :)
Loas

JuneBug wrote: Just goes to show you what an impact we can make in the world by just a moment of words and caring....:}

AURELIA wrote: I've said it before and I'll say it again. We may forget the little things we do, but the people we do them for may be talking about them for the rest of the lives. Thank you for being so kind and noticing him like that. Seeing all the other parents around must have really been difficult for him. You are Wonderful ... You've made a difference. ~Aurelia :0)

makesomeonesmile wrote: I agree with both June and Aurelia. The small moments we care mean so much to others. Thanks for sharing!

molly273 wrote: A few words of confidence were what he needed. It was kind of you to have the insight and reach out to this boy. He might very well make a positive difference in this world!

cabbage wrote: You are an angel---thank you for taking the time to make a difference to this boy.
It means the world.
Thanks for reminding all of us what a few words can do.

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