|
As children grow, they discover their given innate
talents that help propel them forward and shape
their future careers. These innate talents, such as
singing, drawing, sports, etc., don't require any
experience and are the basis for building up the
children's capabilities and confidence; naturally,
they get better at them very quickly.
That shaped who I am today as my second-year teacher
recognized my drawing talent and cemented my career
as an artist.
It all started when I was eight and by chance when I
drew a charcoal portrait of a known king and took it
to school to show my close classmates/friends. But
too shy to show it to everyone.
While I was on a bathroom break, a classmate took it
and showed it around. My teacher saw it, was very
impressed with its quality, and posted it above the
blackboard for all to see.
When I got back to my class, everyone started
clapping. I didn't know why. Only to discover they
were clapping for me when our teacher asked me to
stand in front of the class as she praised me and my
drawing, which was now posted above the large
blackboard.
I was embarrassed and very nervous about it as I was
terrified and conscious that on closer examination,
they would discover that I had made a big mess of
the King's ear, which I had difficulty rendering.
After the lunch break, we all noticed my drawing was
gone when we returned to our classroom.
Naturally, I thought someone had taken it. But when
our teacher returned, he told the class it was at
the principal's office without telling us why. I was
worried the whole afternoon, thinking I'll be
punished for the bad rendering of the King's ear.
At the end of the day, as the whole school, with
each class lined up in the single columns in the
courtyard for the daily end-of-the-day ritual, with
principals and teachers standing on the reviews
stand, my name was called and asked to come forward.
Normally, the daily praises and punishments were
handed out at the end of the school day before we
were allowed to go home. There were always the same
kids who were repeatedly called forward to be
reprimanded and receive corporal punishments for
misbehaving, which were common in those days. Of
course, I was never one of them.
Logically, I was scared as I immediately thought of
being punished for the bad rendering of the King's
ear. I unhurriedly inched my way forward with all
the student's heads turned my way.
To my surprise and more embarrassment, I was praised
by the principal for my drawing as he held it up for
all to see. I was given a school honor badge and
standing ovations by the whole school.
As usual, the news traveled fast in our small town.
And the best part was that the neighbors and others
congratulated and praised my father and me for days
after, making my father immensely proud. Although,
even after winning first place in many art contests
throughout my school years, he still wasn't
convinced that the art career was the best for me to
pursue. He wanted me to be a civil engineer, doctor,
or lawyer that paid better than an art teacher. It
wasn't until I enrolled in college that I switched
from engineering to art, which led to my successful
career and happier life. LOL
|
