“Sana, why don’t you read this paragraph for us,” asked Miss Mehwish.

Hesitantly, Sana stood up to read the paragraph. She was hesitant as she stammered, “Em ... Emma was stand ... ing …”

The class burst into laughter.

“Sana,” interpreted Miss Mehwish, “Sana, sit down.”

Feeling embarrassed, Sana sat down and Miss Mehwish asked someone else to read it. After the class, Sana went to the library with the intention to practice reading and overcome her inability. To go to the bookshelf, she walked past some of her classmate who were already sitting there.

She heard them whispering, “What is she doing here?” asked one.

“She needs to work hard!” smirked other.

Disheartened, Sana picked a book. She settled at the far corner of the library and started reading the book. After many attempts, she found that it was not possible for her to read in a flow, she needed a lot of practice and guidance.

Aliza, one of her classmates who was observing this charade for quite some time, approached Sana and offered her help. Reluctantly, Sana agreed. So every day, whenever they got time Aliza used to tutor Sana in reading.

Soon Sana started to have a flow in her words and she gained confidence. A few weeks later, Miss Mehwish conducted a reading test. On Sana’s turn, to everyone’s shock, Sana read the paragraph without stammering or hesitation. Miss Mehwish praised Sana on her improved reading ability.

Sana thanked Aliza for helping her and realised that there are always two types of classmates: the ones who make fun of you and the ones who help you overcome your weaknesses.

Published in Dawn, Young World, January 26th, 2019