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When I was small, I had great difficulty in school because of Mathematics. From
Standard One to Standard Five, I often failed my Mathematics tests. Fortunately
for me, Puan Nori was my Mathematics teacher in Standard Six. I will never
forget her. I still remember the first day Puan Nori walked into my classroom.
She was tall and slim. She wore a bright green scarf on her head and a dark
green baju kurung. She looked strict and did not smile at all. After
introducing herself to the class, she announced that she was giving us a
Mathematics test. My heart leapt into my mouth.
I knew I was in trouble. As I expected, the questions were terribly hard. I did
not answer half the questions.
The next day, Puan Nori returned us the test papers. I had scored only 40 per
cent. She told me to see her after the class. For once, I
dreaded the end of the class. When I was alone with Puan Nori, she
asked me if I wanted to improve in Mathematics. I nodded miserably. To my
surprise, she took hold of my hand. She tapped once on each finger and said
these words, `I will never give up.' She told me to repeat after her as she
tapped each finger again. I looked at her and she smiled. The smile changed her
face. She looked truly beautiful. I repeated the words to her and hope filled my
heart.
After that, Puan Nori made me work hard. She coached me after school. She
gave me tons of exercises for practice. Whenever she saw that I was frustrated,
she took my hand and tapped on each finger. That would make me
grit my teeth and work harder. Gradually, I
improved. I began to pass my tests. In the end, I scored A in the final exam.
Everyone was astonished. So was I.
Puan Nori influenced me to keep trying and not to give up. This lesson has
stayed with me even now. Puan Nori showed me that if I am determined enough, I
will achieve whatever I want. Today, whenever I face difficulties, I will tap on
my fingers and remind myself that I will never give up. Thank you, Puan Nori. |
