"You should stay at home and help me on the farm if we can't send you to school, I am tired of you going a day off and on. I am certain that you will become a great farmer in the future, please bear with my son"
George was already crying his eyes out, he wished to go to school like every other child but things were difficult. His parents were peasants farmers that could barely even take care of themselves, life was pretty difficult for this young ambitious boy.
He didn't quit going to school even though he knew attending class was not sure, he would borrow books and study them alone. He worked on the farm to save up for exams, George was keen on getting educated because he didn't want to continue from the hardship his parents would leave behind for him.
He was older than his level of education but he wasn't ashamed of learning, he went on studying day and night in preparation for the exam. The exam came and George gave his best, he finished as one of the best students in the country which earned him a one-year scholarship.
He couldn't believe his eyes, he stared at the computer screen speechless while checking his results, he rushed home to break the news to his parent but they thought he was just wasting his time chasing after what was impossible.
A few months before resumption, he drafted out the things he needed, and as he was approaching his parent's room to hand it over to them, he heard voices from the back of the house.
Male voice: Don't mind him, he is just wasting his time. I just hope it doesn't get too late before he realizes that he was destined to farm.
Female voice: I wish he could get educated and free us from poverty but there is nothing we can do to support him.
Male voice: He is even too old for school, his mates are already having kids so why is he bothering himself?
Female voice: Don't say that, if he has reached this stage by himself then he is determined
The conversation went on and George returned to his room as he dragged his foot which suddenly became as heavy as rocks, his eyes were filled with tears again.
Are they really my parents? He asked as he sank into his tattered bed.
George slept while thinking about how to go about things and the next morning, he set out of the province to look for a job.
He eventually got one after wandering around the city the whole day, he was employed to offload goods from trucks and he gladly took the offer. It was stressful and he decided to stay in the city instead of going home every day, he was able to blend into the new environment quickly.
He was able to work for two months before going to school, it was a dream come true for him but all the excitement ended after he completed the first year on scholarship.
George reached out to his parents about his second year but help didn't come from there so he had to work during the holidays but it still wasn't enough. He had to drop out of school at a point in year 2, he felt like he was not destined to be educated.
He vowed never to return home and he went back to his former work, he had the faith that he was going to return to school someday.
He was relaxing after work when he picked up his boss's newspaper, he saw a publication about recruiting soldiers to tighten the nation's security, and he thought it would be great if he tried it. He met every requirement so he was picked without stress and the race became not to be killed in the war.
Due to his height and strength, he was appointed as personal security to one of the senior officers.
A big fight was approaching for border possession, there were meetings here and there, George witnessed everything because he was with his boss always. Both countries were set and waiting for who to launch the attack first, George was escorting his boss when he asked his boss if killing each other was the only way out of the problem.
The colonel told him why they needed to fight, George smiled and said, there are numerous ways we can do this without bloodshed. The colonel gave him the freedom to talk and he emphasized the need for dialogue.
A simple agreement can make both countries be at peace, they need us and we also need them so why become sworn enemies when we can have a good relationship?
The colonel thought about it critically before informing his superiors, they called a meeting and agreed on talking things out. The presidents met and after two days of closed doors meetings, they agreed on protecting the border together.
The agreement improved the relationship between the two countries, the border maintenance will be split between them which is a win-win case for both countries.
While the president was returning, he asked why they didn't think of this first. They have spent a lot in equipping themselves for war, the president eventually asked who came up with the brilliant idea, and George was summoned, the president wanted to grant one wish for him and all he could ask for was to return to school. He got a scholarship to the best university in the country and was allowed to return to the army with ranks after graduation.