Josefina and Her School Work [short story]

Title

Creator

Marquez, Eliza

Language

English

Source

The Young Citizen : magazine for the young people 3 (8) September 1937

236-237

Year

1937

Subject

Short stories

Rights

In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted

Fulltext

236 THE YOUNG CITIZEN September, 19.17 READING TIME FOR YOUNG FOLKS Josefina And Her School Work Miss ELISA MARQUEZ * JOSEFINA was in deep thought as she sat alone in the sala of their small house. Her books were on the table just in front of her. Her mind was so absorbed that her mother who came from the adjoining room was able to approach her without her knowledge. Seeing the condition of Josefina, the mother put her hand lightly on her daughter's shoulder and inquired, "Are you sick, Fina? Tell Mother what she ·can do for you." Josefina gave a start and buried her face in her hands. She sobbed very much. "What ails you, dear? Are you sick? It is not like my daughter to be hiding things from Mother. Come and tell me the trouble," comforted the mother. "Mother," Josefina began, "please let *Teacher, San Miguel Elementary School, Manila. me leave school. Let me just stay at home to help you." "Why, Fina?" asked the mother. "I never thought you would hate· studying." "But, Mother, I think I shall not pass the course. I feel that our work in school is really getting harder. I am afraid to fail. My classmates shall tease me," explained Josefina. "Don't get discouraged," consoled the . motlier. "You are still very young and have the time to spare. Don't be afraid to struggle. Not everybody is born intelligent but always remember that in this world, nothing is impossible. Work more, study harder, and you will find that in the long run success will be yours, too. "I do not want to struggle," revolted Josefina. "There is no use, Mother, I fhall surely fail." "Fail? To fail will not harm you. If this is the way ycu feel, I think I really should be than'.<ful of your failure in school work. I would feel it more if I see that you pass now and then fail to solve your own problems in life later." "Oh, Mother, you are cruel," protested Josefina. "Not in the least, Fina. You must understand my point. In this world there is no true gain unless you have the pain to get it. Bear in mind that the sweetest victory is that one which is gained after a hard battle is fought." S1·11rcml1er, 1937 THE YOUNG CITIZEN 237 The Spider And The Ant LORETO PARAS-SULIT A strong· wind blew a poor, tiny "Very well," agreed the spider and ant into the web of a big, black he showed the ant how to get out of his spider. web. · "Ho-ho-ho," the fat spider laughed wickedly. "Now, my busy ant, you will rest forever in my stomach." The little red ant trembled in fear. "Please, kind sir, spare me," it begged for its life. "If you can give me two ants in exchange of yourself, I will let you go," said the spider, trying to be kind for once in his life. "Yes, sir," answered the tiny ant, "If you will let me go, I shall drop a grain of sugar near your web. That will attract many ants to your home and you can pounce on all of them." "Then, what do you want me to do, Mother'!" asked Josefina who was beginning to see her mother's point. "I want you to change your mind about studying. Study more diligently and don't be afraid to struggle. If after you have struggled, still you fail, then don't give up. Try again," advised the mother. Pick out the correct answers: 1. Josefina's mother taught her to be (kind, persevering, down-hearted). 2. "There is no gain without pain" mean: (a) Sell the goods at a high price. (b) He who does not work shall not eat. ( c) Be kind to others. The ant dropped the grain of sugar near the web as he had promised. Soon many ants were gathered about the spot. 'l"he spider watched carefully for his opportunity. Then without warning it descended upon the numerous ants. Alas, for the spider! The ants suddenly swarmed over his fat black body. More and more ants came to help their brothers. The tiny ant watching near.by saw the spider being conquered. "His greed caused his death," the ant said.

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