The 21-Year-Old Dwarf Who Spent 15 Years in First Grade

It may sound unusual, but the following account is indeed true. There is a man named Joseph who has spent a staggering 15 years in the first grade, repeating it several times. He doesn't even remember his teachers anymore. While his classmates who started school with him have gone on to become medical experts, pilots, and teachers, Joseph remains in the same class. Surprisingly, one of his former classmates, who is now a teacher, ended up becoming Joseph's instructor.

The teachers at the school express concerns that Joseph's poor performance might hinder his chances of graduating. However, it begs the question of how Joseph managed to spend so many years in the same class and why he hasn't progressed. Due to his extended stay in one grade, other students often bully and taunt him, mocking him for having an empty head and joking that he will soon receive his pension due to approaching retirement age. Despite these challenges, Joseph's mother attests to his passion and enthusiasm for learning. Joseph focuses and puts in extra effort in class, but unfortunately, his efforts never yield positive results. He consistently finishes last in his class, regardless of his dedication.

Joseph, who is 21 years old but appears younger due to his dwarfism, shares his experiences. He explains that when the teacher is teaching in front of him, he often gets lost in daydreams, which hinders his ability to pay attention. Even when he manages to concentrate, these episodes of daydreaming cause him to forget what he has learned, resulting in poor performance on exams. As a result, he is never promoted to the next grade.

Joseph is constantly subjected to ridicule and bullying from his peers, who label him an old man. Even some teachers at the school join in, making jokes about his imminent retirement. These discouraging comments weigh on Joseph, making him contemplate dropping out. However, he remains determined to fulfill his promise to himself: to do whatever it takes to graduate and make his parents proud. Joseph dreams of becoming a president after completing his education, and he believes that working hard and learning about politics will pave the way for his success.

Joseph's mother shares the unique and sad tale of her second-born son. He has spent 15 years in the same grade since starting his education at the age of six. While many of his classmates have gone on to achieve remarkable accomplishments, Joseph remains behind due to a mental illness that causes him to forget everything. Teachers report that some students continuously bully and mock him, claiming he has a big, empty head. Nevertheless, Joseph remains determined, constantly putting in effort despite consistently finishing last in his class.

His mother acknowledges Joseph's dedication, passion, zeal, and hunger for knowledge, despite his struggles with mental health disorders that impair his memory retention. She supports him by ensuring all his educational needs are met, paying his fees on time, and providing necessary school supplies. Unfortunately, due to his short stature, Joseph is sometimes a target for others who playfully knock on his head and run away.

Joseph's family relies on agriculture for their livelihood, cultivating crops to make ends meet. They earn a modest income, which helps them purchase necessities such as rice and sugar.

In the face of these challenges, Joseph's determination remains unwavering. He firmly believes that no matter how slowly he progresses, as long as he doesn't give up, there is hope for a brighter future. He draws strength from the wise words, "It doesn't matter how slowly you go as long as you don't stop." Joseph embodies the spirit of perseverance, knowing that many great accomplishments in the world have been achieved by those who kept trying even when hope seemed lost.