FROM HUMILIATION TO HOPE

Life is full of challenges but each challenges is an opportunity to growth. Each chapter of our lives has a lesson in it. In some chapters of my life i have been humiliated. That's why sometimes i say Humiliation is my name not only the world humiliated me but even the universe has humiliated me. My life has been full of broken dreams, broken promises and shed tears but please know that I am not a quitter i will keep moving forward no matter what. I was born a motivater. Every chapter of my life is full of motivation and encouragement. Someone gave me the name intelligence bacause of intelligent mind. And i come from a world full of poverty but that doesn't mean i am broken instead it made me strong and resilient. I want to share my experiences and knowledge with the world, so that others can learn and grow just as i have. In my life i have lived and learned that not all of us will be powerful, rich, educated or famous. Some of us had to suffer in order to tell a story to those who come after us. Even though our circumstances may be different we can still share our experiences and wisdom so that the future generations can learn from us. I was seven years old when i started to feel different from other kids at school. I felt like i was always odd one out, and they would make fun of me for being different. I tired to ignore their comments, but it was hard not to take them to heart. I had a condition that made me prone to fainting spells, and they called me names, and i felt like there was something wrong with me. I started to feel like I will never fit in or be accepted. But one day i met a teacher who understood what i was going through. She told me that my condition wasn't something to be ashamed of, and she helped me to see that i was a valuable person, even if i was different from other kids. She said you are special and unique person. The journey you are on is an important part of life. Many people experience similar things and you not alone. She helped me understand that even though things were difficult, i could get through this difficult time and come out stronger on the other side. Since that day she bacame my pillar of strength, my best friend, and my dairy, because i was able to open up to her. Even though other teachers referred me as a crazy child. She never listened to them. She would say, " you are clever and pretty in all aspects of the way". Even I was sick she never called me names. She understood my condition and motivated me. She was my inspiration. Whenever i fell or get sick, she was always there for me. I loved school, but because of my illness, i had to stay home for a month. the smell of a chalk and a paper greeted me as i entered school building each morning. Iove the taste of my lunch in a cafeteria and the sound of a laughter in the hallways. But because of my illness the doctor said i must stay home for a month. While others went to school i stayed home. But i persevered. I felt sad and disappointed when i had to stay home. I missed my teacher. But i was determined to get better and return to school as soon as possible. I missed my teacher, Mrs Jones. She was always kind and patient with me, even when i was struggling with my school work. She made me feel like i could accomplish anything, and i was grate ful to have her as my teacher. But i had no friends at school, so staying at home was especially lonely. At home my grandmother was taking care of me. She made sure i had healthy meal and plenty of rest. But she was also worried about me constantly, and i could tell it was taking a toll on her. I wanted to make her proud amd get well soon as possible. During my time at home, reading and writing were a balm for my soul. I devoured books, letting my imagination transport me to faraway places and fantastical worlds. My favorite class have been English, where i had learned to express my self through writing and speech. But now, all i had was a blank journal with a silent house, and my audience was my self. Each night i lay awake in my bed, listening to the sounds settling around me. The darkness felt heavy and oppressive, and i felt alone and misunderstood. But when i put pen to paper something magical happened. I longed to return to school to see my teacher again. imagined walking into the classroom and giving a speech that would move my classmates into tears. I wanted to tell them how their words had stung, how their cruelty had cut me into the core. I wanted to share my pain and make them see how much they had hurt me. I wanted them to know that i am still the same person they once known but now i carried a wound that would never fully heal. Finally the day came when i was well enough to return to school. I walked through the doors, nervous and uncertain. But then i saw my teachers face and i knew every thing would be okay. I tooked a deep breath and i began to share my story. As i stood the, i was surprised to see that some of my classmates were happy to see me. I greeted them and say hello fellow classmates. I started by saying i thought we were a team but with your cruel words and actions, i felt like an outcast. I am telling you because you have been mistreating me since day one of school, calling me names and saying that i am sick. When i fainted no one reached out to help me. I just lay there feeling helpless, until a teacher rushed over to help me. As i lay there helpless, i wondered if i was going to die right the on the floor, surrounded by you guys my classmates, you guys didn't care about me. To this day i still wake up in a cold sweat, hunted by memory of that day. I am speaking up now because no one have to feel the way i did that day, and no one should have to go through the pain and loneliness that i experienced. What i want, more than anything is for everyone in this class to treat each other with kindness and compassion. I want everyone to know that they are not alone and there's always someone who cares about them. After my speech, i sat down and felt a sense of relief wash over me. I felt lighter knowing that i shared my story and that my classmates were listening with opening hearts. I felt a little bit better, that i had let go some of the pain and loneliness that i had been carrying. The weight of my loneliness began to fade, and i started to feel a glimmer of hope. After my speech a girl in my class, sarah, came over and sat next to me she said i am so glad you shared that with us. In that moment, i felt like i truly belonged like i was part of something bigger than my self. For the first time, i felt truly seen and heard. I felt like i had a voice, and that my voice mattered. From that day on, sarah and i have been sisters. We shared everything with each other, and our friendship became even more stronger. When i started to attend classes i noticed that the other kids were more respectful and attentive. They seemed to understand that i was still the same person, even though i had medical condition. Slowly but surely, i began to feel confident and more like my old self. I felt like i was emerging from a dark place, and i could see the light at the end of the tunnel. My teachers not only treated me with more respect and understanding, but they also gave me extra support and assistance. They made sure that I had everything i needed to succeed in school. I learned that even the darkest moments can lead to the brightest outcomes, and that every experience can be a lesson if we are open to learning. Sarah and i did our best in school, and our goals was to be in the top ten in all of our classes. Sarah was kind and clever and she had a bueatiful singing voice. She was always there for me, and i was always there for her. We never judged each other, even when my health issues started to became more frequent and i spent more time at the hospital. We helped each other through the good times and the bad. We were sisters, and our bond was unbreakable. As we did well in our academics, we also loved sports with our whole hearts. Even though i had health issues, i still played soccer. I was a star player and my teachers praised me, i was a girl, but i was the 'king of sports' as my classmates said. I even had numerous medals from different sports. Volleyball was my favorite, and i never thought i could play so good at it. Sarah and i were the best, both in academics and sports. We were a team and we were there for each other through the good times and the bad. Even when our life was difficult, we never gave up on goals. We always pushed each other to better, and we never stopped learning and growing. No matter what happened we knew that we could count on each other. But then something happened that tested our firendship. It was something neither of us could predicted and changed everything. It was a normal day and we were walking to school together. Suddenly, we heard a loud voice and saw a car speeding towards us. We tired to get out of the way, but we couldn't. The next thing we knew, we were both lying on the ground, injured and in pain. The car had hit us, we were both badly hurt. We taken to the hospital, and we both had to stay there for long time. We were both scared and in a lot of pain, but we never lost hope. We knew that we would get through this. Even though we were in pain, we never stopped thinking about each other. We spent our time in the hospital talking and laughing even though it was hard. We knew that we needed each other. We made each other promise that we would never give up no matter what happened. We knew we were stronger together than we were apart. And even though we were scared we knew that we would get through this because we had each other. After long time in the hospital, we were finally able to go home. We both weak and sore but we were alive and we were together. The first thing we did when we got home was to hug each other, We were so grateful to be alive and to have each other in the weeks and months that followed, we both got stronger and stronger. We never stopped supporting each other and helping each other heal. And even though we had been through something terrible, we knew that we were better off because of it. We stronger as individuals, and we were stronger together. After the accident, we both realized that our friendship was something special. We had been through terrible together and we come out stronger on the other side. We were more open and honest with each other than ever before and we knew that always count on each other. Our friendship had gone through the ultimate test, and it had come out stronger than ever. We knew that we were the for each other, no matter what. We were truly best friends, and we knew that we would always have each other's backs. The accident taught us both more valuable lessons. We learned that life is fragile and precious, and that we should never take it for granted. We also learned that true friendship is about being there for each other through tick and thin. Most importantly, we learned that life is about more than just surviving - its about living and loving. The accident changed us, but it also made us better people. We were grateful for the second chance we had been given, and we vowed to make the most of it. After six months after the accident, we were doing well and our friendship was stronger than ever. However we faced a new challenge our families were struggling financially. My friend's parents had divorced, and she was having hardtime paying her school fees. We decided to start selling fruits to earn some money and help her with her school fees. Selling fruits helped us earn some pocket money, so we were able to buy some things we needed for school. We were so grateful for the opportunity to sell fruits and we worked hard to make our business a success. And when we got to matric my school needed a school president, my school chose me. At first i didn't want to take on the role of school president. It felt like too big of a responsibility, and i was afraid i wouldn't be able to do a good job. But then i realized that some of my class mates felt unheard and unrepresented. They needed someone to speak up for them and make sure their voices were heard i decided to take on the role of school president, not for myself, but for my classmates. I wanted to be the advocate and to help them. One of the people i helped was Anna. Anna was having a difficult time adjusting to school and the schoolwork. She was struggling in her classes and she felt like she didn't fit in. But then, because of the changes i implemented, she was able to get the help she needed and she started to feel like she belonged. She even made some new friends and her grades started to improve. Anna had a dark brown eyes and brown hair that felt in waves past her shoulders. She was tall and stood out in the crowd. She had a freckle in her nose and a scar on her cheek. What was most striking about Anna, however was her confidence. She held her head high and walked with the sense of purpose. She was admired by everyone at school, not only for her bueaty, but for her inner strength and resilience. As anna walked by us in the school yard, She complimented me on my kindness and generosity. Just as i was about to respond, Kaytee came over and told me that the principal was looking for me. I had to leave my lunch unfinished and rush over to the principal office. As i ran i wondered what i had done wrong. As i enter the office, the principal greets me with a smile. She asked me to sit down. She said i have exciting news to share with you. However before i announce them to the whole school, i wanted to tell you first. In addition, we will be rewarding students who have done well in their academics. Next week, we will also be holding a talent show where everyone can showcase their talents. There will be panel judges from a local talent agency. The principal continues "i would like you to announce a meeting and announce all this to students. And i am counting on you to always be a strong leader and a role model for the other students." the principal finishes speaking i was filled with a mix of excitement and feeling nervousness. I left the office feeling mixed emotions. After that i head to the student council room to prepare for the meeting while i was done preparing i told my best friend to tell every student to come to the council room there's a meeting. As every thing was set and done i rushed to the toliet and when i come back every student was the as i walk down the hall, i noticed other students looking at me curiously. I was feeling a bit nervous about the meeting. Now it was time for me to announce the news and i stood the and started by greeting them and i said this year is going to be an amazing one. We are going to have some opportunities to learn and grow together. And once again i am so excited and thankful that you guys chose me as your student president, and i promise to do everything i can to make this the best year yet. The students begin to cheer and clap and i felt the surge of energy and excitement. Our first excitement will be the academic reward ceremony. This will be a chance to recognize and celebrate the hard work and achievements. It will be by recognizing students in all grades and subjects, so that there will be something for everyone to be proud of. The students seem Eagar to hear more and i felt their anticipation. In addition to the academic awards ceremony, we will also be holding a talent show. This will be an opportunity for students to showcase their unique skills and abilities. Whether you are a singer, a dancer, a comedian, or a magician this is your chance to shine. The students started buzzing with excitement and i felt their energy in the room. "in order to make this year a success we need to work together as a team. I know that we can achieve great things if we put our minds to it. So, let's all make a commitment to work hard and support each other this year. Together we can make this the best year yet! " The students nod in agreements and start to chant my name. I felt a sense of pride as and joy as i look out at the sea of eager faces. " Before i go, i want to say one last thing : thank you. Thank you for listening, for being excited. I am so honored to be your student president, and i can't wait to see what we will accomplish to this year. Now, let's go the and make this the best year ever! " i smiled as the students filed out of the room. I fet hopeful and excited for the year ahead. I tooked a deep breath and let it slowly. The meeting is over, and a new chapter has begun. As i head back to the classroom, i reflected on the meeting. I am proud of my self speaking in front of the students and for inspiring them to do their best. But i also felt a bit overwhelmed by the responsibility that lies ahead. I know it won't be easy, but i determined to make this year a success. As i walk i noticed a familiar faces in the crowd. It was my friend sarah. I rushed over to my friend and gave her a big hug. "Thank you for everything" i said " You have been such a great friend to me, and i wouldn't be here with you". Sarah smiled and said " Don't mention it. I am just happy to see you doing so well. I knew you could do it".we both stand the for a moment, enjoying the comfort of each other's company. Suddenly the bell rings, signaling the start of our last period. Me and sarah sprint down the hall, and our laughter echoing off the walls. I am grateful for this moment of levity before our next class. As i reach the history class classroom, i can already hear the teachers stern voice inside . I tooked a deep breath and prepare to face whatever comes next. I opened the door and the teacher was no where to be found! I looked around in confusion, and then i noticed a note in a chalk board that says "i am rushing to a meeting mrs marry will take over today please respect her". Me and sarah looked at each other with wide eyes. Mrs marry is the nicest teacher in the school, and she always supported me and my classmates. I knew this class period was going to be a breeze! Me and sarah tooked our seats and waited for Mrs. Marry to arrive. After a few minutes, i heard the door open and see Mrs. Marry smiling face. Mrs. Marry lighten up when she saw me and Sarah. "Oh, it's so good to see you two!" She said " i am so glad i get to be your teacher for the day. Let's make it a great class, shall we? Me and sarah exchanged exciting glances, and the rest of the class seemed equally thrilled. Mrs. Marry begins the lesson with a lively discussion, and everyone was engaged and interested. It was the best history class i have ever had! When the bell rings, me and sarah reluctantly pack up our things. We couldn't wait to go home after a long day at school. As we wait for the bus, i talked about the day's events and laugh about the silly things that happened. Suddenly, i noticed a commotion down the street. A group of people standing on the sidewalk pointing and shouting. I curiosity gets the best of me, and sarah walked down the street to see what's going on. As i get closer, i saw that the commotion is from a small cafe. I heard the owner of the cafe shouting and agrueing with someone inside. Me and sarah exchanged a look of a concern, and then i heard a loud crash inside the cafe. With out thinking twice me and sarah rushed inside the cafe. The owner was standing in the middle of the room, looking shocked and upset. The person the owner was arguing with is no way to be seen. Suddenly i heard a faint whimpering coming from the back of the cafe. Me and sarah walked through the sound, and we saw a small puppy cowering in the corner. The puppy looked scared and lonely, and i can't help but feel sorry for it. Me and sarah looked at each other, and we knew what we had to do. I reached to the puppy and gently picked it up. It was shaking and whimpering, but it didn't try to run away. Me and sarah tooked the puppy outside, and it stopped shaking as soon it felt the warm of the sunshine on its fur. I saw that the puppy was young and golden retriever, and it has bueatiful fluffy coat. I couldn't help but smile as i looked the puppy's big, brown eyes. As me and sarah approached the bus stop we saw the bus pulling up. I climbed on board, and the puppy sat on my lap, looking around curiously. I sat down next to the window and watch the world go by. I felt a sense of calm and contentment as the bus takes us home. The puppy fallen asleep in my lap, and i felt like everything is right in the world. When the driver finally reached the bus stop, me and sarah said goodbye to the bus driver and get off the bus. Me and sarah walked through the front door my parents greeted us with big smiles. They were surprised to the see the puppy in my arms, and they asked where we found it. We explained the situation, and my parents offered to let us keep the puppy. Me and sarah looked at each other nod, knowing that we found the perfect home for the puppy. The puppy starting bounding around the house, exploring it's new home with excitement. We named that puppy brave. Me and sarah played with brave all afternoon, and it was the best day we have had in a long time. As the sun sets, we watched brave fall asleep on my bed. And i knew that this it the start of bueatiful friendship. Me and sarah were filled with anticipation and excitement about the upcoming academic ceremony. As i chat, i can't help but wonder if i will be rewarded for all my hard work. We both started talking about all the possibilities - maybe i will win an award, or maybe i will be rewarded in a certain way. The possibilities are endless! Me and sarah felt a sense of joy and hope as we dream about the future. As me and sarah drifted off to sleep, i felt a sense of peace and contentment. I knew that, no matter what happened we had each other and brave. We had no idea what the next day may bring, but we were ready to face with courage and determination. The next morning, i woke up to the sound of birds singing outside my window. As i stretch and yawn i heard a familiar voice says "Good morning, sleepyhead" it's Sarah, and she's smiling brightly. I smiled back and said good morning to you too! "Me and sarah woke up and prepared for school. Even though we were nervous about the academic ceremony, i aslo feel excited and proud of all my hard work. As we eat breakfast, i talked with sarah about what might happen at the ceremony. We both felt butterflies in our stomuch, but i am ready to face what ever comes my way. When it finally time to head to school, i tooked a deep breath and grab my backpack. We finally arrived at school. And our first class of the day was Afrikaans class. When we arrived at Afrikaans class, we noticed that the teacher was not present".We sat down in the classroom, munda mentioned that the teacher would not be present because she was helping prepare for the academic ceremony taking place the next day. Me and sarah decided to take advantage of the unexpected free time by stepping outside and enjoying some fresh air. Me and sarah even decided to go buy lunch, we bought casu marzu, so while me and sarah were munching on casu marzu we were busy watching soccer match. Suddenly one of the players trips and falls, landing hard on the ground. As the players gather around their injured teammate, the school nurse came over running to see what's going on. She takes a look at the boy and says she needs to go to the sick room. As she helps him up, she asked if anyone can escorts them to the sick room. Me and sarah were relieved that the nurse will help him, get better. The bell rings, signaling the end of the period me and sarah are eager to get home and see brave. The principal said we must all go home as there wasn't anything else to do at school. We were happy to leave and see brave, and we walked out of the gate and waited at the bus stop. The bus came sarah and i got in, ready to go home. When we got home my granny mother stated that Sarah's mother is really sick. So sarah decided to go back home to take care of her mother i offered to go with sarah and brave to her house. Sarah looked at me with a grateful smile and said " Thank you You didn't have to". I will be fine "she said but because i am stubborn i didn't listen to what she said i packed and tooked brave then we all headed to her home. Finally the big day arrived the day of the academic ceremony, when all our hard work would be recognized and celebrated. Me and sarah were both excited and a bit nervous. Me and sarah dressed our best clothes and got ready to go to school. As we arrived at school we saw a sea of students in their best clothes, all looking nervous and excited. There was a large stage set up in the main hall, with row of chairs for the audience. The air was filled with anticipation and nervous energy me and sarah found our seats and waited for the ceremony to begin. The principal stepped onto the stage and welcomed everyone to the ceremony. She spoke about the importance of hardwork and dedication. The principal started to address the first student to receive an award. To my surprise, it was my name she called! I couldn't believe i were the first one to receive an award. I received awards in six subjects : business, history, English, Afrikaans and pure maths. I was so emotional that i started to cry. The principal hugged me and said, "You deserve it!" My classmates started to chant "Speech! Speech! Speech! I tooked a deep breath and gave a heartfelt speech about how hard i worked and how grateful i were for the recognition. Through it all the awards, the humiliation and the love of the faithful dog, me and sarah learned that true friendship can overcome anything. It's not about awards or accolades , but about being there for each other through tick and thin. I also learned that, even in the darkest moments, there is hope and with friendship by my side. Redemption TO BE CONTINUEDD