**Diary Entry**
William woke at three in the morning, hauling rubbish through London’s streets. Thanks to his school marks, he’d earned a scholarship to university. He wanted to be an engineer—not to get rich, but to build a better life and help his family.
It wasn’t easy. To balance work and studies, he planned every minute. Up at dawn, he’d cram for an hour or two before heading out. By five, he was on the rubbish lorries, working till nine or later. Then he’d sprint home—or to public loos—to scrub off the grime. Winter left him numb; summer stuck to him like grease.
Sometimes he was late to lectures. Other times, even after washing, the stench of the bins clung to him. It wasn’t by choice. He couldn’t help it.
His classmates sneered. They edged away, muttering jokes under their breath. Some flung windows open theatrically. Others made snide remarks. No one sat beside him.
William kept his head down. Said nothing. Just opened his notebook and focused. Sometimes his hands shook from exhaustion. Sometimes his eyes threatened to shut. But he pushed through. Because he wanted more.
The tutors noticed. He answered well, participated, grasped concepts quickly. Never cheated. Never complained.
After a brutal exam, the professor strode in grim-faced. “Everyone failed,” he said. The room fell silent. Then he added, “Except William.”
Whispers erupted. Some scoffed. “Teacher’s pet,” “How’s he managing?” they hissed.
The professor turned to William. “What’s your secret?”
William hesitated, unused to the attention. “I—I study aloud,” he admitted. “Rewrite notes. Record myself and listen while working.”
Silence.
That afternoon, the professor overheard lads mocking William. He rounded on them. “You’ve no idea what hard work is. He’s out there before sunrise, hauling bins while you’re still asleep—and he *still* outperforms you. Shame on you. Learn from him.”
The jeers died. A few looked away. One mumbled an apology. Another followed. The professor sat beside William. “Don’t let them grind you down. Life’s not fair, but what you’re doing? It matters. You’re not alone.”
William barely spoke. Just smiled. Inside, he felt it—every scrap of effort was worth it.
*Lesson learned: Your worth isn’t in their eyes, but in your grit when no one’s watching. Like William. Keep going. One day, it’ll bear fruit. You’ve earned that much.*
