How Simple Encouragement Revealed My Hidden Talent

Encouraging Others: A Human Touch

Encouraging people is such a big part of being human, right? We gotta cheer on those we live with, like family, friends, and even society at large. In this little essay, I wanna talk about a hidden talent of mine and how it came to light. It's a personal story that shows just how important encouragement can be in someone’s life.

The Day I Discovered My Talent

Everyone's trying their best in life. Sometimes just a few kind words can help folks realize their efforts aren’t pointless. Plus, encouragement highlights the good stuff people do and nudges them to do more of it. So, let me tell you about this incident in my life when I realized I had some hidden talent. It also gave me a dream to polish this skill of mine.

This all happened back when I was in fifth grade. I was super shy and didn’t really have many friends outside school. One day, our school held a drawing competition for classes up to the eighth grade. The theme was the “Kargil War.” We all started brainstorming ideas for our drawings. Everyone around me was already sketching on their canvases while I was still lost in thought, trying to find the perfect way to express my feelings.

I guess I was in another world because suddenly my science teacher called out my name and snapped me back to reality. She'd been standing there watching me without me even noticing! She said, "Don’t overthink it, just put whatever comes to mind on the canvas. You’ll do great." Her words really hit home so I got cracking on my painting. Before long, the bell rang and we had to submit our work.

The Surprise Announcement

The next day during morning assembly they announced the winners of the competition in front of everyone at school. Imagine my shock when they called my name as 1st runner up! Seriously, winning second prize felt like lightning outta nowhere 'cause I hadn’t even dreamed of getting any award at all!

A Thankful Heart

Later on, I went to thank my science teacher for her encouraging words and believing in me. She said something like "A picture's worth a thousand words; your painting spoke volumes." That day made me realize I actually had some talent for painting! Now whenever I've got free time, I'm doodling or painting something new.

Sometimes I wonder if without her encouragement I'd have ever discovered this side of myself... makes ya think doesn’t it?

References

• Cohen, L., Manion, L., & Morrison, K. (2018). Research Methods in Education.
• Dweck, C.S. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success.
• Seligman, M.E.P. (2004). Authentic Happiness: Using the New Positive Psychology.
• Brophy, J.E. (1981). Teacher Praise: A Functional Analysis.
• Pinker, S. (2009). How the Mind Works.