On Children’s Day, I heard some kids on radio in a Spelling Bee. It brought back a memory from my experience in a spelling contest in High School.
It was Social Day; I was representing my class in a Spelling Bee Competition. I had one week to plan for it but I was so confident I would ace it without having to practice. I watched Akila and the Bee a million times, I could spell xanthosis, xylem, razzmatazz, pulchritude. It was all the lesson I needed, i thought. Jennifer tried to help me prepare but I played at every chance I got.
The day came, neighboring schools were invited. There were two reps from each class. I and Mayam represented the class. It began and I was just spelling word after word with a rather pompous attitude. While everyone was asking for definition, I didn’t bother. I thought I knew every word and with every word I spelt correctly, my confidence grew bigger. I eventually made it to the quarterfinals. There were four participants on stage now. I was really looking forward to winning.
“Spell PAEDIATRICS”. I stepped forward.
P-E-D-I-A-T-R-I-C-S, with my head up
“Wrong”, said the moderator.
It is spelt P-A-E-D-I-A-T-R-I-C-S.
The audience gasped. I realized people were actually rooting for me to win. My heart sank and as I left that stage, my biggest battle was holding back the tears in my eyes. I kept a straight face throughout that day. Mayam won the Spelling Bee Competition. It was a win for us.
That was also the day I knew there were British and American spellings, I had used the American and that’s why I lost. I understood what Pride goes before a fall meant. It’s best to stay humble.
I learnt a lesson that day.
If you have 8 hours to chop down a tree, spend 6 hours sharpening the axe. Preparation is key.
I failed to prepare, if I had, I would have known the difference.
Now, whenever I’m engaged in any activity that requires practice. I remember the day I got stung in that Spelling Bee, e pain me o. Now it’s all the motivation I need to brace up and do the work. I would do anything to never have to relive that day again.
Trust me; Paediatrics became my favourite word afterwards. I could spell that word in my sleep.
“Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.”
Alexander Graham Bell
Be prepared.
