Rejected. Overlooked. Made to feel worthless. That’s how Ghazala felt—until a teacher’s few kind words changed everything. In this inspiring true story, she shares how one moment of encouragement became the spark that transformed her confidence, leading her from rejection to self-belief.
Life Lessons & Key Themes From This Story
- Rejection doesn’t define you. Others' opinions don’t shape who you truly are.
- A few kind words can change everything. Encouragement can inspire confidence and growth.
- How you see yourself matters. The right support can shift your self-belief.
- Teachers shape more than academics. Their words can unlock hidden potential.
- Hard work and belief rewrite your story. What feels like failure can lead to success.
- Kindness is strength. Words can uplift and change lives.
📍 From Pakistan: A touching story adding to our global collection of inspiring real-life narratives.
Looked down upon, degraded, rejected. That’s how I felt that day.
The moment is still vivid. It was during 7th grade, on the school’s paved road outside our classrooms. Two classes had gathered to play a game. I was excited to join, but a classmate refused to let me play on her team.
Her refusal was enough to make someone feel worthless and unwanted. Despite repeated pleading from another girl, the mean girl did not allow me to play. Back then, at eleven years of age, I did not know that someone’s opinion should not define anyone. It was a terrible moment, enough to pierce the heart.
This wasn’t the only time I felt this way. In school, at home, everywhere. I felt low, embarrassed and worthless. Wherever I went, I was chastised and blamed for things I wouldn’t even think of. I felt abysmally behind all the things and people in every way possible.
And then, life gave me a small blessing—one small encouragement that had a magical effect, bringing mammoth changes to my life.
From Rejection to a New Beginning
It happened one day in 9th grade. I accidentally scored high in an English test. My teacher’s surprise was clear, and so was the admiration in her eyes. Her encouragement was the first droplet of rain, bringing new hope and life. She appreciated my work and lifted my spirits with a pat on the cheek.
That moment had an electrifying effect on me—it was a stimulus to maintain the same pace, ushering a rethink, motivating me to put all my effort to score good in every subject.
My science teacher also played an important role. I remember the exact words: “Seeing such bright kids makes my heart fill with pleasure.”
Those words served as fuel to make me burn the midnight oil. The encouragement, kindness, and sympathy from my teachers inspired me to continue working hard.
The Power of Kind Words
I began to see things differently, and one thought stayed with me:
Kindness is not weakness.
Stars do not lose their lustre by shining,
the sun does not lose its heat by burning,
flowers do not lose their fragrance by blooming.
So is the gentle demeanor, kind words, solace to others.
Speaking politely does not mean you subdue,
neither should it be equated with weakness.
Kindness is not weakness.
Stars do not lose their lustre by shining,
The feelings associated with those good memories remind me how small words of kindness play a potent role in our lives. They can cause a complete paradigm shift. Now, it didn’t matter who belittled me, or who was rude to me, or who rejected me, I was ready to face the world with confidence.
Spreading the Message of Kind Words
Over time, writing became my way to express what I felt inside, a way to continue the legacy of my teachers, in spreading kind words. I started writing poems, reflections, and thoughts about life, faith, and the world around me. Each word is a step forward, helping me understand myself better and giving me strength.
And now, sharing my story with an international audience feels like spreading that first droplet of rain even further—reaching people beyond borders of culture, race and religion.
Just as that small encouragement changed everything for me, I hope my words will float a message to others: kindness matters, and small acts of encouragement can change a life.
Meet Ghazala Anbreen
Ghazala Anbreen lives in Pakistan and is passionate about spreading kindness, empathy, and respect in society. She believes in the power of words to uplift others and dreams of a world where humility and compassion make life better for all.
Ghazala Anbreen has published a collection of her poetry works in her book "Whispers of the Soul".
Ghazala Anbreen sees poetry as an intimate expression of the soul, a reflection of emotions woven into words.
In this collection, she captures the beauty of nature, the grace of humility, the depth of human emotions, and the fleeting moments of life that often go unnoticed.
Each poem is a world of its own, inviting the reader to pause, reflect, and immerse in the serenity of poetic expression.
Want to connect with Ghazala or read more from her?
Leave a comment below - she’d love to hear your thoughts on her story!
Aside your parents or family members, teachers are the ones who are a part of their lives, because just the parents, they see the kids everyday of the lives. Thats choosing the best school with the best teachers is always a challenge for parents.
I enjoy this story. It shows that teachers can make a huge impact on every child. I agree that rejection can never define who you are!
In some cases our teachers can have a great impact on our lives whether they are positive or negative. It’s great to hear in this instance that it was a positive one that would help to both inspire and motivate.
love to meet a fellow writer! i love your poem. that line “kindness is not weakness” is beautiful and so powerful.
This the power of what a good teacher can do not just for one person, but the world. Teachers change lives and the children living them go out and make more change.
Stories like this are why good teachers who really care about our kids are so important. I love this.
Reading your story really touched my heart! It’s amazing how a few kind of words from a teacher can change someone’s life!
What a “Beautiful”, “Encouraging” story. Kindness does matter and I wish our world would spread more of it. It can make a world of difference and play a big role in our lives. I bet your teacher’s kind words resonated with many of her students throughout their lives. Rejection can be so hard, but I agree it does not define who you are!
What an inspiring, motivating and encouraging story! Ma’am Ghazala Anbreen hit the nail on the head how to adopt an excellent methodology in teaching profession. How to make a student successful and well prepare for future endeavours and practical life? I strongly recommend the inclusion of the story in our syllabus for schools. It is a good example for teacher, student, parents and other peoples in the society. The teacher should adopt such method and technique in true letter and spirit in their professional career.
I learnt many things from this inspiring story. In Pushto language a proverb is common, “Dogs barking while the caravan moving”. We have to continue moving like Ma’am continued her journey without considering people around her looking down upon her. They says, ” Many mouths, many talks”, don’t consider other people in our daily life. Keep doing in what you have interest, satisfaction and beneficial for you. And that hard work beats talent when talent does not hard work. Nothing should derail us from our projected and dreamed plan.
Looking forward for such other inspiring and motivating story and career counselling from Ghazala Anbreen.
Thanks Ma’am for sharing with us such motivating story!