My daughter Rim is an innocent, studious, calm and soft-spoken girl. She is obedient and kind, and she also a beautiful dancer. As her mother, I have always been proud of her intelligence. However, there was one weakness that worried me deeply -- Rim lacked confidence.
At school, whenever teachers asked questions and told students to raise their hands, many children eagerly participated. Rim often knew the answers, yet she kept her hand down. She was afraid of being wrong. She thought that if she made a mistake, others would think she was not a good student. Because of this fear, she stayed quiet and unnoticed, even though she was capable of so much more.
During a parent-teacher meeting, her class teacher told us, "Rim is very good in academics, but she needs to be more open and participate in class." My husband and I tried many ways to encourage her, but nothing seemed to change her hesitation.
Then one day came that changed our lives.
Before exams, the school organized quiz sessions to revise the syllabus. Since many students stayed home to prepare for the exam, the class attendance was low. One afternoon Rim came home from school and said, "Mom, I won't go to school tomorrow. I will study at home and go the day after. "
I was surprised. In the morning she had planned to attend school. Curious, I kept asking her what had happened. After giving a few excuses, she finally told me the truth: "Tomorrow most of the good students will be absent. If I go, I will have to answer the quiz questions. "
At that moment, I felt this was the opportunity I had been waiting for. I gently explained to her, " This is your chance to prove to yourself that you can do it. Don't be afraid of mistakes. Nobody is perfect. Even the top student can give a wrong answer. What matters is trying. If you know the answer, you should speak up with confidence. "
After listening to me quietly, Rim thought for a while and then said, "Okay, Mom. I will go to school tomorrow and try my best." I smiled, hugged her, and silently prayed that she would find the courage she needed.
The next day, I waited anxiously for her return. When she finally came home, I was standing at the door. She rushed to me with a bright smile and hugged me tightly. She said happily, "Mom, today I answered most of the questions, and they were all correct! My teachers were so happy. From today, I've decided I will raise my hand whenever I know an answer. "
My heart filled with joy. I could see a new confidence shining in her eyes. From that day onwards, Rim changed. She became more confident, more positive, and started participating actively in class. Watching her grow gave me immense happiness as a mother.
Through this experience, I learned that every problem has a solution. Others can support us, but we must take the first step ourselves. Nothing is impossible in life -- we only make it seem impossible because of fear. When we gather the courage to act at the right moment, we can turn our weaknesses into strengths.
Today, when I see Rim smiling with confidence, I feel proud and grateful. Her journey reminds me that a small step of bravery can change everything.