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The sitting room was serene with dim lighting and open windows, letting in the cool breeze of the evening. A lady spoke lightly on the Television. Mrs Raymond sat on her favourite chair as she stared at her daughter—Rihanna, on the dining table—she kept scribbling in her notebook instead of studying hard.
The second term results were out but Rihanna as usual, had come top of her class from the bottom. Her mother looked sad and lost in thought—she had done everything humanly possible to make sure her daughter excelled in her academics. She had hired renowned private tutors for her but still, nothing changed. She lay restless on her bed that night, buried in deep thoughts, all of Nkem’s siblings always received gifts in school, for their excellent academic performances . She thought hard of what the problem could be, but could not pin point a thing.
Sweetie, are you asleep already? I wanted us to discuss something that has been bothering me.
Is it that bad that you can not wait till morning? Mr Raymond asked as he struggled to keep his eyes open.
I know you are tired and need rest, but this can not wait anymore! It is about our daughter—Rihanna.
He jumped up from the bed, what about her?
She is doing badly in school, her grades had kept dropping—I have hired private tutors but they all seem to be making no headway, some have even insinuated that her problem could be spiritual.
Spiritual problem my foot, there's nothing spiritual about it, we have not yet had a teacher who would be patient enough to carry her along.
Mr Raymond, a Manager of a bank, had a good paying job but barely had time for his family. He worked very late—but he trusted his wife to take care of things on his behalf, and of course report back to him.
I’m sorry, I thought it was a phase for our daughter and so would outgrow it sooner or later, but it keeps getting worse. I’m confused, I don't even know what to do. she looked so helpless.
Please don’t cry, I will ask around for a very good tutor, I don't care how much it's going to cost me.
Okay dear.
Mrs Raymond's heart felt lighter, hoping and praying that this would bring the much sought after solution to the problem.
Mr Israel—Rihanna's class teacher never failed to remind her of how dull she was.
In a few years from now, you will start hawking pure water while your mates become engineers, nurses, medical doctors, pharmacists. Mr Israel had once taunted her in front of the entire class, causing rippling laughter that resounded in her ears.*
She was constantly mocked by her class teacher and class mates, but the final straw was when he suggested that an award be given to her, for the most consistent dullard after one of her classmates was given an award for the third time in a row as the overall best student.
Rihanna got home, sat on the bed, wailing like a baby.
Mummy, do you also think I’m a dullard.
No, my baby! No you are not a dullard. You are starting with another home teacher by this weekend, you must sit up and prove to them that you can be the best.
Who would have thought, that these words of encouragement would bring about a turning point in Rihanna's life?
When Mr Newtown, her new teacher came, Rihanna was more than ready for him. He was known for his astoundingly simple methods of teaching and came highly recommended. His motto: No mountain of learning is insurmountable.
So gradually, Rihanna began to pick up, she who used to be so scared of learning, now found joy in it.
When the third term examinations arrived, she looked like she was born ready. She walked into the examination hall with confidence and enthusiasm. Soon the results were out, and time came for rewarding students who had performed gallantly.
The award for the overall best student for the term goes to Rihanna Raymond!
The crowd gathered was too shocked to speak—this was unbelievable! The initial surprise was followed by thunderous applauses.
Mr Israel—Rihanna's class teacher ended up eating the humble pie after the result was announced and Rihanna carted away almost all the prizes!
Each time she climbed onto the podium to receive her prize, she smiled broadly because she knew that going forward, she, Rihanna Raymond would always remain at the top.
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I always appreciate your comments and support.
Thank goodness for Rihanna's parents, they didn't taunt her like the teachers and the students, but they supported her all the way.
Love and support surely pays!
Yes, the parents were very supportive!
Thank you very much 🙏
I like how Rihanna’s parents boosted her learning lifestyle. That’s how good parents should behave and I’m happy that she got better and improved