I got a privileged to attend a national reading competition in 2013, the competition was organised by the First lady of the State. She founded "Leah Reading foundation". The place where young people are trained in reading, spelling and other areas that deals with English language, both verbal and nonverbal context.
I was in j.s.s 2 then. I used to be the most playful girl in my class and also the most quiet when a teacher is in front of me. I had a trusted friend in my class then. Her name is Joyce. We are about the same age. I got to know about the competition through her. She told me that two of the students the English teacher selected for the competition failed the test during lesson, therefore, they are not qualified, so Joyce told me to give it a try.
Sometimes, people look down on my capabilities until they see proof and I'm not ready to show off except in case it's necessary. So, I decided to join the lesson. We were trained for a few weeks along with other seven comopetitors. Part of the lesson includes, reading faster, spelling words, antonyms and synonyms. I wasn't bad in spelling and reading anyway. I enjoyed every spelling challenge. During the writing.
Finally, the set date arrived shortly. we are ready, prepared for the first examination. The examination will determine the number of participants that will attend the 5days reading competition. I was as playful as always. We left town as early as 7:a.m and arrived safely at the venue. The crowd was beyond my expectioms. That's how I got to know that the competition was for all government junior secondary school in Kwara State.
I had my little prayer before attempting any question, stirring patiently at the monitor in front of me while waiting for the Instructions to go ahead. The books I've been reading for the past few weeks are here in front of me in question format. I attempted each question with excitement. It contains about 40 questions per story jn which we must attempt only two story that we know very well.
One of the invigilator came to my side asking if I understood the instructions. However , he was surprised to see me answering the question from the second story. I'm through with the first set of questions already. Then, i noticed him going to inform others who are sitting behind. They all focus on me. Well, I don't care.
I spent 15mins out of 40mins, submitted and I took my bottle water, it was placed in front of everyone of us, i gulp it down, smiling faces all around. I dranked water like a village girl. That got everyone laughing at me. Well, I'm done with my examination. I packed my pen and Identification card( ID) and left the hall with full chest. We all left immediately the exam ended.
Few days later, during Lecture- free time in my school.Two teachers came to me beaming with joy. "T.Girl, you really make us proud", "you're a darling" they said. I don't even know what they means initially, not until Joyce came to drag me into a corner. "I went to check our results from the principal office just now. I got 70% , so I'm qualified, what about you?. She said. I don't know yet, " I answered".
The school bell ranged for break -over. We all got back into the class. Few minutes later, the principal walked in and some teachers. I was called out and Joyce too. They told the class to give us a round of applause. Then, he commended both of us. He announced our scores from the examintion and I got to know that out of the six of us, only four of us are qualified to go, and I'm in the first place, I had 100%! Wow!. Well, I know that I'm "not the sharpest tool in the shed but still useful for some jobs"
I got favourable remarks from both teachers and students, I became popular in my school from that day.
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An Interesting piece dear friend.
Thanks boss
Good one with self concept perspective. Sharp.
Thanks boss
Yes, thanks boss