The Moment of Shame

She is new to the western country. Although she has lived a luxurious life in Sri Lanka, the country, the climate, the food, the language spoken by the people, everything was new and different to her. Maybe if she had come from 10 years ago when she was five years old, it would not have seemed so big to her until today.

She didn't like the newly arrived country and she didn't have a chance to go back to the country she liked. So she tolerated everything and changed herself little by little. What she didn't like might turn into a favourite one day but what to do with something she doesn't know?

That is the language of that country.

Until then, the pride of being the first student in the school, who knew everything, has changed in one thing. Her father used to come to the street and the shop, so it was as if she knew some English. When she started going to university, the question arose whether she could speak English. She do know English from her back home. However, the difference between the English she has learned and the English spoken here has made it difficult for her to understand. Although she thought that she could manage somehow, one day that bitter incident that happened without her knowledge revealed to her the importance of English in that country and her inability.

There are about 300 people in that lecture hall. The lecturer was teaching the lesson like every day. As usual, she was trying to understand the English words she didn't understand by translating them on google. Suddenly, the student who was sitting next to her asked something in fluent English and she didn't know how to answer. Not once, not twice, not even three times, she didn't understand. The way the student looked at her that day was still a shame for her. I mean, it doesn't matter, she didn't understand the lesson conducted there after that. The thought that she was a fool who couldn't even understand this was piercing her mind like a spear. Even though she was in the lesson conducted by the Lecturer, her mind was blinded by shame. She did not understand the question asked by her fellow student, nor did she understand the study. She was surrounded by a sense of futility and the fear of what she was going to do next.She couldn't stop crying even though she knew that everyone was looking at her. She didn't even know why she was crying. Without any other option, she got up half way and went home.

He could not tell about her situation at home. She did not want to show her in front of her parents in such a shy and bowed mood, who always saw her as a topper in everything. She did not go to the university after lying about it for a week.

But that incident kept eroding her mind. She couldn't stay here like this. She knew for sure that even if she stayed at home, it wouldn't work. She started going to the shops alone without her father and without anyone's help. She bought English story books and started reading by herself. She translated unknown words. After writing it on the page, she started watching English movies with subtitles. She had more self-confidence than before. She felt that she could do it and she went wherever she felt ashamed. Even though she was a little nervous in her mind, she also thought that what was wrong with trying what she learnt so far. She found that each spoke in a different accent, although it seemed a little more understandable than before. Having learned so much, she became interested in learning this too, but how?

She decided that she definitely can't stay within four walls and started hanging out with four people. She started working at a chicken shop next to her house as a part time job. Everyday different people with different accents and backgrounds. She learned how to talk to someone, what tone of voice to talk to and basic manners without anyone telling her. From there, she started spreading her wings in places like Primark (Retail clothing shop), co-op (supermarket), and lidl (Supermarket). While working in each place, she learned a lot more with English such as new customers, their culture, and the customs of this country.

Now she has new friends too. Little by little she has started to have a courage. Now she can go wherever she wants and do whatever she wants without fear. Along with her courage, she forgot her motherland.

This story may be normal to see, but she has to go through and try hard to achieve it. She is a witness to the fact that if you have the determination and the support of some good people, you can achieve whatever you want, go to any country, and do whatever you want.

Don't underestimate anything. Don't be afraid that this is such a big challenge. If you understand that every obstacle in life is the starting point of success, you too can publish your own story from a website like me today.

Written By : Ammu