Awakening

Awakening

A new school year began, and with it, I started attending a new cram school. The school was located on the sixth floor of a building in front of the station. As I ascended in the elevator and opened the door, I could see the faces of other students waiting.

Today's subject was mathematics. Including me, there were about ten children in the class. The teacher seemed friendly and kind, but her expression was serious when posing questions.

I pondered over the first problem but couldn't answer within the time limit. The teacher called out, "Number 1, Tamihiro," referring to the student seated in front of me. He had a smug look on his face as he heard his name. He wasn't just top in mathematics but also in Japanese, science, and social studies.

The following week, in the same math class, I again failed to solve the problem. Once more, the teacher called out Tamihiro's name.

Returning home, I shut myself in my room, overwhelmed with frustration. I vowed to beat him. I stared at the textbook late into the night. From that day, my daily routine changed. I spent every moment from morning till night grappling with math problems.

Two months later, the moment arrived. I finally beat him. I silently cheered, "I did it!" while waiting for the teacher's next question.

I had changed my study method, repeatedly reading the problem statements to find hints for the solution. There was a moment when I realized, "Ah, this is what it means," while solving a particular problem.

Three months passed, and Tamihiro and I were competing for the top position in the class. This rivalry was the most fun I'd ever had in my life. Immersed in solving problems, I felt the joy of living for the first time.

I wouldn't look back anymore. Having found a new self, I resolved to only look forward and take one step at a time. I worked hard like a fish in water. The listless person I once was no longer existed.

version of September 18, 2023, 13:12:24