In 2006, I sat in a classroom, pen in hand, ready to tackle an essay-type exam on Human Development. The exam was simple: write scenarios related to the topic. But for me, it was an opportunity to let my imagination run wild. What started as a simple exam turned into something more—a story-like mini-book that flowed from my mind onto the pages of that test paper. Time ran fast, and I didn’t realize that there were only a few of us left in the classroom because I was engrossed in the stories I had written.
A few days later, when the test papers were returned, my heart skipped a beat as I saw the score. But what truly stood out was the comment my teacher had left: “You write really well, Bon.” Those five words carried more weight than any grade. They were a spark, igniting a fire within me that I didn’t even realize was there. It was a simple sentence, yet it made me believe in something I hadn’t considered before—that I had a gift for writing.
That comment motivated me to keep that fire alive. I began to write short stories, draft storylines, and dream of a future where my words could touch others. But life, as it often does, had other plans. I focused on my nursing course, prepared for the nursing board exam and failed, and after graduation, I found myself in a call center job—a far cry from the world of stories I had once envisioned. The demands of work and the realities of life slowly dimmed the spark that my teacher’s words had ignited, and for a time, I thought that part of me was gone forever.
But life is full of surprises, and sometimes, it gives us a second chance. After graduating with a second degree in Mass Communications, I found a job as a writer. It was during this period that I rediscovered something precious—my personal vault of comics, short stories, storylines, and that specific test paper from 2006 with my teacher’s comment. As I held those old papers in my hands, the spark reignited. Slowly yet surely, I returned to the literary arts, starting with a small book of short stories written in the “Am I The A-hole” (AITA) style. To my surprise and delight, it got nominated for an award.
That recognition gave me the confidence to reboot my old stories, and now, here I am, on the brink of releasing my debut novel. It’s been a journey, one that I never would have embarked on if it weren’t for a teacher who took the time to encourage a student with a simple, heartfelt comment.
Teachers have an incredible impact on their students, often in ways they may never fully realize. A single word of encouragement, a thoughtful critique, or a note of praise can leave a lasting mark on a student’s mindset. It can inspire them to pursue their passions, even when life seems to pull them in a different direction. My story is just one example of how a teacher’s words can shape a life, but I know it’s a story shared by many.
As I prepare to release my first novel, I can’t help but think back to that day in 2006. The fire that was sparked by my teacher’s comment has grown into a blaze, fueled by years of rediscovery and hard work. And for that, I am forever grateful.
To all the teachers out there, never underestimate the power of your words. You have the ability to inspire, to encourage, and to change lives. And to the students, remember that sometimes, it only takes a single spark to ignite a lifelong passion. Hold onto that spark, nurture it, and let it guide you to where you truly belong.
ʙᴏɴɴᴇ ᴀᴘᴘᴇᴛɪᴛ 