Returning my thoughts to a time when I was much younger and naive, a time when mischievousness and innocence went hand in hand. When I saw the prompt, one specific habit instantly sprung to mind among my innumerable memories. The behavior that I view as unwise and childish is my constant pretense of being ill in order to avoid attending school.
When I was younger, I used to make up long stories about imagined illnesses when I woke up on Monday mornings, feeling overwhelmed by the stress of homework and the upcoming school week. To convince my parents that I was sick and wouldn't be able to go to school, I would pretend to cry, cough, clasp my hands to my stomach, and even put something in my eye. I had no idea how all of that would affect my academic career and personal development.
For some reason, I became quite proud of my ability to trick people. It was an intoxicating rush to successfully trick my parents, especially my dad, and skip the dreary school day. I would happily ignore the chances I was passing up for education and development while I spent the day relaxing and enjoying my newfound independence.
Upon reflecting on everything, I can't resist chuckling at the foolishness of my deeds. The ridiculous and hilarious lengths I would go to keep up my act were unreal. I was a master of deception, at least in my own view, capable of everything from inventing a sorrowful voice to lying in bed and shaking my body like I had a fever.
But the laughter eventually gave way to cringes as the years passed. I started to see how my choices affected my character as much as my knowledge. I was depriving myself of the chance to grow, learn, and acquire critical skills that would have influenced my future by staying away from school.
If I had the chance, I would choose a different strategy. Although not everyone has access to education, I nevertheless highly respect education. I would take advantage of any chance to broaden my horizons, push myself, and study. Rather than fleeing from school, 😂 I would have welcomed it as a space for learning, development, and community.
Years later, I started to understand the value of integrity, accountability, and tenacity. I came to understand that overcoming obstacles head-on with tenacity and fortitude is what makes life worthwhile, rather than trying to avoid them. I learned the significance of honesty and the implications of taking the easy route from those moments of pretending to be ill. I was thinking about how there are kids on the streets who wish they could have the same opportunities I had, even though I had no idea that I could be like them instead.
I am therefore overcome with conflicting feelings as I think back on those unwise, immature , and mysterious acts. There's pride in the learning that has come from those missteps, smiling at the ridiculousness of my pranks, and cringing at the opportunities lost. They act as a constant reminder that we are all fallible human beings with the capacity to grow and learn. And I'm glad that habit has outgrown me since I'm growing into my finest self.
Thanks You For Reading ❤️