The Secret Admirer

Words have the power to change one's life. It was an incident that took place 35 years ago that made me realize the strength of words. At that time, I had joined a coaching center for preparing for the government service examinations. I was from a poor, rural family and had struggled a lot for proper education. I was staying at a hostel in the town near the coaching center. I worked during the day and then attended evening classes at the coaching center. Then I returned to my hostel and studied all night long.

In those days, technology was not as developed as it is now. We neither had mobile phones or the internet. We came to know about our appointment to any post only when an appointment letter came our way. I was eagerly waiting for my appointment letter to the post of clerk. It did come but was too late due to postal delay. The time to report to the post was over by the time when I got the appointment letter. I had lost the chance forever. The shock gave rise to a strong urge to end my life.

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I got up from my chair and stomped out of my room to drown myself in the nearby river. As I walked out of the room, I saw a letter lying outside my room. I opened the sealed envelope and read the words scribbled on it-

"Winners never quit

And

Quitters never win.

- A Secret Admirer"

Those words healed my bruised soul and gave me a new ray of hope. I made my mind to try again rather than giving up. I joined the civil service coaching classes and put my heart and soul in preparing for the examination. My hard work paid and I became an IAS officer. That mysterious letter had changed my life forever. I owe my new life and success to those powerful words written on it. I still do wonder who the secret admirer was. I had tried to find out during my hostel days, but couldn't. I hold the letter close to my heart and read it silently to myself whenever I feel dejected.