Rayan's story

As a teacher of English, I am lucky to meet all sorts of extraordinary pupils.

I remember some more than others because they have a special temper, because their story is moving, sometimes because they have trouble with their English, but they manage to improve and are so proud of themselves!

Sometimes there are deeply touching stories...

Let me tell you about a story that spans 3 years.

It's Rayan's story, a young boy in Year 7. He is very shy, doesn't talk much and is very very bad at English!

Then I have Rayan again in Year 9. He is still very shy and silent, English is still difficult for him and his marks are very very low!

In year 10, Rayan is in my class again. On the 1st day, he comes to speak to me at the end of our class and he says: "Miss, I've been watching TV series all summer and I can understand English better now!!"

I must say I'm very happy for him but I'm doubting .... Is it true? Has he improved?

And the 1st test arrives and believe me or not but yes!!! He has improved!!! It's not very good yet but it's better than at the end of Year 9!!!

I congratulate him more than any other, I encourage him to go on!!!

His English is not perfect but it's getting better!

Then, at the end of October, I ask the class to do a presentation video to send to their penfriends in England.

And here is Rayan's!

Have a look at it!

It's not perfect but he is speaking English and seems to be happy doing it!

One month later, Rayan is missing. 

1 class, 2 classes, 3 classes ...

Then, we hear that he is not fine and has been taken to hospital.

His last mark is 11/20 in written comprehension!!! I will never be able to hand it back to him.

He will be missing for a while...so I give his copy with the rest of the documents his friend is taking him.

It's serious...

After the Christmas holidays, we learn that it's very serious...

Sometimes, he comes to school to say hello... He often comes into my class!

He is wearing a hat, he is smiling, he almost looks fine.

When we leave for the school trip to Britain, he is here, on the pavement, waving goodbye to his friends and us: he had registered to come with us but realised he would not be able to do it!

He is smiling at us, but my heart is heavy...

In June, he publishes a video on his YouTube channel!

I meet him at an Highschool event and learn he will be here in September, maybe in the same class as my eldest son. 

The day before I start school again at the end of August, I hear the terrible news...

RIP Rayan, 

I will always remember you as the one who showed me that emproving your English is feasible, whatever low level you start from!!

If Rayan did it, you can do it too!

When you want something, just do what is necessary to get it!