Can Embarrassment Be Useful - Essay Example

I never had much regard for literacy and education but that event was pivotal in making me question my ignorance and beliefs.

A turning stone

We were born and brought up in the Middle East, where Arabic was our primary native language while the ability to speak English was an add-on. I never did much effort trying to learn other languages or seek education since Arabic sufficed all my needs to communicate daily. I still can visualize that day when I met Hashim for the first time at his home 6 years back when he invited Ali for lunch and Ali tagged me along. Hashim was only 11 years old then which makes him 5 years younger than me. After getting done with our meals, we rested on the couch while Hashim connected his laptop to the internet. After signing in to Windows Live Messenger, he called out to me, ‘Hey, give me your email address so I can add you to my friends list and we can chat online sometimes’. This came as a shock for me as I wasn’t expecting him to be so fluent in English, especially at such young age, that he was capable of chatting online in this language. I still had to hear it from him once so I confirmed and received his confident reply, ‘Yes, I can speak English fluently’. Immediately I got nervous and started fretting since I knew what was coming next after this answer. Within a few seconds, Hashim asked if I was good at English and I replied in a carefree and casual manner as if it was too obvious to be asked about, ‘Of course Hashim!’

This episode soon ended and I was heading on my way back home with the continuous ringing and striking thought in my mind that Hashim is capable of communicating in English while being 5 years younger than me. Soon I was able to realize that he belongs to an extremely rich family who must have spent massive amounts of money on his education. Nevertheless, at that moment I promised myself that I shall work on my English language and soon be fluent in writing, speaking, and understanding it. To enable this, the very next day I joined a language institute to improve my English and enhanced my fluency within a few days. This was a turning stone for my life and career: I got accepted at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, one of the best reputable universities in Gulf countries. Additionally, the first year was a probation year where we had to go through extensive testing, including two English courses where the mentors were native English speakers. This also gave me an edge to get a better grip on the American as well as British English language, terminologies, and accent and distinctions between them. Due to my strong skills in the language, I was easily able to survive the first year with excellent grades.

Concluding remarks

Owing to my embarrassing moment triggered by Hashim’s question, not only did I get an aim and direction in life to be determined about, but I also became part of a prestigious educational institution, built a strong career, and have excellent communication skills in the English language as of today. This was a crucial milestone in my life that modified my beliefs and attitude toward literacy. I became more mature and responsible and developed a respect for educational concerns. Moreover, I started helping people in my vicinity to overcome their communication problems so they do not have to face similar embarrassing situations someday in their lives. Still, I meet Hashim occasionally and it only makes me giggle whenever I see his face that reminds me of that specific event. Since he isn’t aware, he always wonders and inquires about my reason for laughing. I smile and reply, ‘Nothing, but thank you!’ Often when I am laughing about some other incident, Hashim mocks me by exclaiming ‘Nothing, but thank you!’ But I never disclose this case since embarrassment might have been helpful for me but it doesn’t justify for everyone to go through such a situation before accepting their weaknesses. As the saying goes, “Embarrassment isn’t a just cause of action”. – Jodi Picoult