Our school year has begun and my teacher has already assigned us to read in front of the class.

Oh no! It’s my turn now. I begin to sweat and my heart starts to race. I wish I were invisible. As I start to get up, the color of my skin abandons me and fear takes over. All I can think of it’s my failure. Not again! Fear of failure has won.

Words become a whirlpool before my eyes and I realize that the words I see, I cannot recognize.

I cannot focus nor grasp the words; they escape me like water through my fingers. My classmates stare and wait for me to speak. Here we go again! I hear giggles...the familiar giggles that steal the little courage I muster whenever I have to read. The accusative stares that fuel my fear. Once again, I give up as the laughter around me envelops me completely. So I ask the teacher, “Please, let someone else read instead.”

The ringing of the bell saves me and I feel relieved. I am so glad this day is over, even though I know the worst is yet to come.

I am at home at last! As the bus drives away, I say to myself, “Why am I this way?”

I walk through the doorway and my mother asks how my day went. My eyes meet hers. I cannot hide my frustration; a pool of tears floods my face. “Why is it so hard?” I ask Mom. She consoled me as best as she could and promised that together we would find a solution.

Indeed, at H.O.P.E. Resource Centre my mother found the help I needed. They helped me overcome my fear of reading, not to mention, the new-found self-confidence and perseverance I had once lost. I found hope again and much more.

Thank you, Rosa & Patricia from H.O.P.E. Resource Centre you will always be part of my heart!