Chin Up, Be Brave, And Onward!

As a child, have you ever been encouraged by a teacher?

Yes, I have. This was my 5th grade teacher named Ms. Oscher. She is one of my teachers who encouraged me to face the fear that I had as a student and even till now.

This was going to be my last year in elementary school, but my last year was at a different school. I was sad because I was moving to a new school site, which made me feel that I had to start all over again. I was scared and didn’t know what to do, though, my parents did encourage me to not be afraid and believe that I’ll be ok.

On the first day of school, I was scared because I came in as a new student and I was meeting new students in a new environment. My Dad helped me find my classroom and my teacher's name: Ms. Oscher.

My Dad introduced me to my new teacher and afterwards, he gave me a hug and told me to have a great day and have fun meeting the new students. I do remember Ms. Oscher having this welcoming smile.

When I came in, I found the desk where I’ll be sitting at. Ms. Oscher said, “Class, let’s get into groups and play a game.” While I was standing and looking around a girl named Mary approached and asked me, "Would you like to be in our group?" "Yes," I said with a shy smile. When I got in the group, Ms. Oscher told the class what the game was. It was a silly game, though I thought it would be an ice-breaker. She asked the students to come up with a word that is the same initial as your first name. The girls and I started to talk and the name they came up for me was “Radical Renee.” I went along and thought the name was so cool, even though I felt embarrassed. While we were waiting for the teacher to tell the students to stop, the students were looking at me like I was like them: free, happy, and joyful. I didn’t see what the girls were seeing in me. Being around my new friends, I had this feeling that they were open to help me and to saw me as I really was when I’m not afraid.

10 minutes later, Ms. Oscher said, “OK, class, let’s start introducing ourselves to everyone.” Ms. Oscher picked our group to go first to introduce ourselves. I started getting butterflies in my tummy. In my mind I said, “Yikes!” The students began to introduce themselves in the group, then when my turn came, I put my head down and started to cry, but another girl named, Emily, stepped up and introduced my name to the other classmates.

Ms. Oscher was concerned and a bit puzzled along with the students wondering why I was crying. Most of the students didn’t have a problem introducing themselves; they even were chuckling when coming up with silly names. I didn’t like it and wanted to go home right away. Instead I stayed until school got out and I made it through the first day. This reminds me that no matter where you are, there will always be people who will help people who are in need when they are afraid to overcome something in their lives.

Within a couple of months, I started to open up to my new friends a little. We swung on the swings, hung on the monkey bars, and did cart wheels in the grass area and laughed about anything. They were teaching to me to have fun and not to be too serious. The following month, during class, Ms. Oscher told the students that she wanted us to write about our families and then we’ll read our papers in front of the class. Right away, I didn’t want to read my paper in front of the class because I was sure the students would laugh at me. Although, I doubt that they would have really laughed at me. The other students had no problem reading in front of the class. I wished I was like them and was not afraid of standing in front of everyone.

However, there was an incident that happened when a boy named John, threw dirt and spit at another boy named Michael. John also wrote a mean word on the wall in the hallway. One time during class, Ms. Oscher was letting the class vote whether John should apologize to the entire school or pick up trash in the entire school. Well, again, silly me, I choose to raise my hand to vote that John should apologize to the entire school. While we we’re getting ready for recess, Ms. Oscher told me to stay with her for a few minutes because she wanted to talk to me. I was sad because I thought I did something wrong. She said to me in a tone that made me feel frightened, but in a firm tone, "I’m very surprised and disappointed in you for voting for John to apologize to everyone. I noticed in class, you’re always making excuses for not participating in class with the students or wanting to read your paper. If I were you, I would think about the choice you made, because what if that was you instead of John?” After our little talk, I went to the playground to play with my friends. I was scared to tell my parents about the talk with Ms. Oscher, but I never told them.

When I came home from school, I ate, did my chores, played with my sister, and finished my homework. Before, I went to bed, I prayed and looked at myself in the mirror and decided that I needed to get my act together. When I looked at myself in the mirror, I told myself, "I better read a paper in front of the class!" The next day was my chance to overcome this fear and take that first step.

The next day at school, Ms. Oscher did her rollcall and to make sure all the students were here. Then Ms. Oscher said that we would continue reading our papers. For some reason, Ms. Oscher called my name first and before I said or did anything, we made eye-contact and in my head, I wondered if I should read it. Something inside me made me feel relaxed and courageous. I just went up and stood in front of the class. I had my head down looking at the paper, but at least I went up and shared my paper about my family. While being in front of the class, Ms. Oscher the other students were all surprised at the courage it took for me to go up. I even got compliments and high-fives. How cool was that? Even though I felt afraid, I did it!

Growing up as a child and even as an adult, I still have those fears of introducing myself and speaking to new people. However, I realized that my new friends were supporting me and rooting for me when I wasn’t believing in myself. Whatever the situation or place you’re in, people need groups to help support each other. Instead of thinking, What If, try, Why Not? Looking back, my teacher and my new friends liked me for who I was.

All of sudden, June came around and it was close to school ending and summer vacation starting. I remembered on the last day of school, Ms. Oscher assigned a book to get the students ready for the next year. The name of the book is called Where the Red Fern Grows, by Wilson Rawls.

When she handed me my book, inside the cover she wrote a little note:

"I am so delighted and proud of you. You have come a long way since the beginning of the year.
I feel that you have reached a turning point and from here on good things will happen.
You've overcome and worked on some of your fears.
Now you'll be able to help others!
Chin up, be brave, and onward."

After reading her note, I went up to her and said, “Thank you,” and gave her a hug. I was so surprised because all this time, my teacher believed in me even though I gave up many times. She was right with me and the students all along.

Because of Ms. Oscher, I learned that even though someone is afraid of something, anyone can overcome it; you just have to believe and trust that all things are possible. Also, she taught me that your family and friends help us to be patient and to trust. Also, it’s good to laugh a lot.

As an adult, I still go through hurdles of overcoming my fears, like networking with people, introducing myself to new people, or applying for a new career.

As a reminder...

It’s the little things we do to help others overcome their fears or pain.
A smile, a gentle touch and a kind word can boost up others.
All things are possible with God when we put our trust in Him.
God loves you.
Love Him and love one another.
Be a helping hand for others to grow!

GOD BLESS.

PS-This is a little project I’ve been working (my bucket list) and kind of silly. Hope to turn this story into a children’s faith book someday and get it published. Thank you for taking the time to read my story!