A Turning Point
Walking past the corridor, I saw a student being punished, and I couldn’t help but be filled with nostalgia, bad memories. I too was once caught up in such an embarrassing situation, being punished and disgraced in front of my entire class just because of my “brilliant” idea which went wrong.
While I was in high school Year 10, like everyone else, I was in a celebrative mood jumping for joy, as it was the last week of school before the long school break. However, our laughter and happiness came to an abrupt halt as the form teacher of our class Mr Mann entered the classroom. The entire class groaned and became tense on seeing the stack of red report cards he was carrying. My stomach churned as I already knew that I did not excel in my exam, having failed most of my science subjects as I really detest being in a science stream class instead of arts. Reluctantly, I dragged my heavy feet to the front and took my report card when my name was called out.
” I knew it,” I said and gave out a loud sigh when I saw my far from impressive results.
Mostly were inked in red. Old fashion type of school but yes, my teacher insisted on our parent’s signature on the report card for every exam and I could smell the trouble burning awaiting me at home.
I knew I would be punished therefore, overwhelmed with fear, I came out with this “brilliant” idea which is to forge out my parent’s signature. “Everything should be fine if I play my cards right,” I said to myself. Next day came D-day, trying to stop trembling like a leaf while handing up my report card, Mr Mann glared at me. Everything was over when he twitched his eyebrows and questioned me, I was caught red handed. He firmly admonished me in front of my whole class. Drama was unfolding before me just like in TV shows. He was hell bent on making a lesson to be learnt to the entire class out of me.
“Well, do you have anything to say?” asked Mr Mann, in his mild and calm manner.
I blushed and stood sheepishly as my classmates roared in laughter merciless. Helplessly I stared at the floor fully embarrassed, with eyes filled with tears hoping it to end as soon as possible.
Yet that wasn’t the end of the horror, my parents were called and now it is a total game over for me. Well, I had to face the music. My parents are loving and kind but once in a blue moon, like a volcano, they erupt!
“You are grounded for a month!” said mother.
“Your allowance is also going to be deducted!” added father.
I’m sorry, that’s all I could afford to say while tearing up.
Looking back at this though it is just two years back, I saw how much this incident had taught me. It taught me that honesty is always the best policy no matter what happens. Putting aside my studies just because it is not something which I prefer over sports do not benefit me in anyway. Cheating does not bring nor benefit me but only brings out more trouble. I also realized that my parents always wanted what’s best for me. Giving me loads of education in terms of academic, sports, music and even computer lessons, I never knew it could be that useful in building up a strong character and confidence in me. Most importantly my future, in who I want to be and what would make them proud. The lessons I learned from this incident has enriched my life and made it much more meaningful in which I promise to strive in studies and also sports. As saying goes, it’s always never too late.
