As Lisa walked down the halls at her school, people stared at her. She was getting accustomed to it. She didn’t hold it against them either. It’s not everyday one sees someone like her. “Hello Lisa. How are you today? Are you ready for the big race next weekend?” said Mr. Cuomo. This was the kindest person that Lisa had ever met. He seemed to be the only one who truly believed in her and saw past what everyone turned away from. “Hi, I’m doing fine except I had the dream again. I just wish it would come true. Especially for the huge race coming up,” replied Lisa. “If you believe in yourself, anything is possible. Just keep up the hard work and perseverance and perhaps one day you will succeed. I’ll see after school at practice,” said Mr. Cuomo encouragingly. “Okay, later,” Lisa answered back.
Practice was the same as usual. The other girls laughed at her. She could hear them snickering behind her back. It is people like these that lessen her chance in achieving her dream. It causes her to lose faith in herself. If it were not for Mr. Cuomo, she would not be able to handle it. “Great job Lisa! You were one minute faster than last week. At the rate you’re improving you will do great in the upcoming race,” said Mr. Cuomo positively.
As the race drew closer and closer, Lisa continued to improve. With help from Mr. Cuomo she had been building more and more self-confidence. However her confidence was shattered on the day before the race. During practice she was tripped by one of the other girls. Everyone laugh and made fun of poor Lisa. This tore Lisa’s spirits. She didn’t want to run anymore. ‘Why should I run if everyone laughs at me and no one believes in me?’ thought Lisa as she tears streamed down her face. She had decided not to go to the race.
The next day at school Lisa ran into Mr. Cuomo in the hallway. “Are you ready for your big race today?” asked Mr. Cuomo cheerfully. Lisa told him about what had happened and said she wasn’t going to race. Mr. Cuomo was deeply upset about this. “You can’t throw away what you have worked at for so long because of what they say. You should run this race today not for me, not to prove to the others what you can do, but for yourself. You must put what they say behind you and use it to motivate yourself to accomplish higher. I just want you do be proud of yourself.”
After considering her options, Lisa decided to go with Mr. Cuomo’s advice and to follow her heart. She was going to the race.
All the girls were lined up for this half-marathon race. Lisa heard some of the girls laughing at her but she simply smiled back at them. “On your mark, get set, GO!!” Before she knew what was happening, the race had begun. It was a grueling run; up steep hills, through thick forest paths, and along the river. All Lisa could think about was what Mr. Cuomo had said. She used this to motivate her. Thud, thud! Thud, thud! The noise of her sneakers on the ground seemed to grow louder. The pain in her side grew. It was agonizing. How could she go on? Thud, thud! Thud, thud! “Believe, believe...” murmured Lisa to herself. There it is; the finish line! Thud, thud! Thud, thud! The sounds of her shoes were just a muffle compare to the sound of the crowd. A few more steps and…yahhh! She had finally made it. She is victorious.
Instantly Lisa goes over to Mr. Cuomo to thank him. “Thank you so much, I couldn’t have done it without you,” said Lisa gratefully. “Not bad at all. I’m very proud of you. You finally finished a race. Even if you came in last place you’re number one in my books,” Mr. Cuomo said with a smile. “How’s your leg doing?” he asked. “Not bad. I finally proved everyone that can travel just as far on one real leg.”
