Homeless People: A Short Story

Time flies so quickly and this is my third time that I make a speech in front of you. I talked about my dream to sing on Broadway when I was in the seventh grade. And I passionately spoke about the problem of homeless people and our activities;“Kodomo Yomawari” in the next year. But unfortunately I could not advance to the final.

You look at me and what do you think? Pretty, mood maker or bright character? Most people think I am short. I am considerably shorter than average people. Because I did not grow when I was a primary school student. I have had hormone therapy at the hospital.

I have been troubled with my height since I was a child. At first I could reach almost none of the shelves due to my height. The way to school every day from my house, takes about 30 minutes. I become tired when I carry my school bag, which is approximately 3 kilos, on my back as my body is small. When I arrive at school I sometimes I sweat even in winter and the swimming pool is too deep for me to reach the bottom. It is very tough for me. My height was mocked by many boys and girls and it was considered to be the subject of a joke and that made me sad. I am often mistaken for an elementary school student and people can’t believe their ears when I tell them I am a junior high school student.

I made a big effort to grow, but in the long run I couldn’t.

I wished many times I would grow, but out of pride I told nobody and held it inside. I pretended not to mind in front of everyone and always acted happily. But my friends sometimes say a small girl is cuter and these words were my only support at the

time.

As people called me “chibi” by elementary school students every day, I was patronized and I think now it has become a complex. Although I tried many things to improve my height, and the result is what you see before you. I had a terrible feeling if this was to continue throughout my life. No-one is the same as someone else and everyone has their own personality. “Miyuki, you have a bright and wonderful personality which delights everyone”. When I heard this, my problems didn’t seem so big after all. This became the turning point of my life.

So now I enjoy my school life every day. Like my friends, I want to hear someone’s troubles and give my help to everyone and to achieve this, I joined the student council. I also joined in many activities with the student council such as greeting incoming students every morning at the school gates, No matter how cold, wet or hot it is. I help with picking up garbage, empty cans and bottles.

Without the support of the people around us, we cannot stand alone. So I am always grateful to the people around me because I know what it is like to face my problems alone. I would like to help people in trouble and contribute to our society. I have a strong will to do good things, though I am short. Life is short.