The flight to win

Earth looks truly small from the skies. The sun was shining brightly as it reflects upon the gray and white clouds.

“Would you like something to drink, Miss Janice?”

I looked at the smiling flight attendant and replied, “A cup of orange juice, please.”
I’ve been sitting in this spot for over 8 hours and this sip of refreshing orange juice was definitely rejuvenating. This flight departed Hong Kong International Airport and it is on its way to Sydney, Australia. I’m participating in the Spelling Bee Invite.

My journey has brought me past many hurdles and what I am about to tell you, my readers, is truly personal and a difficult one. Three years ago, I could barely form a sentence correctly in English. The best student in my class was a girl who went by the name Becca. Everyone called her ‘Bully Becca’. Besides being the smartest, she was also the biggest and the meanest in class. I was on the receiving end during breaks and on the playground.

June 14, 2019 – a birthday I will never forget. We were receiving our end-of-the-year examination grades that day before the summer break began. I brought a chocolate birthday cake to school to share with my close friends. It was an exciting day for me as we were to celebrate my birthday after the school bell rings. I received my English grades during the final period and it was as expected – 61.5%, but I still passed. ‘Bully Becca’ got her perfect 100% as usual. She grabbed my paper from behind and laughed at my score. Her exact words were, “Four-Eyes Janice failed her English test, everyone. Again! How surprising! Not a very special birthday after all, huh?” Some of my classmates laughed. I started tearing up and my lips trembled in rage. One of my close friends placed her arm around my shoulders and consoled me.

I refused to celebrate my birthday that day. I walked home right after the school bell rang and cried into my pillow. After several moments, I was resolute. I told myself I am going to be the best student in English. I spent that summer holidays burying myself in my English studies and spent time speaking to my British friend. I improved by leaps and bounds.

“Ladies and gentlemen. This is your captain speaking. We will be reaching our destination in 20 minutes. Please return to your seats and prepare for landing.”

Three years later… March 2, 2021. Here I am. Proudly representing my school in a Spelling Bee Contest. I am not only the best in my class but amongst the very top in my school.