The Red Apple
It is often said that everyone’s life is an intricate maze of incredible stories. Some stories leave an indelible mark on our consciousness, shaping us into the people we are today.
Let me share one such story from my life—the story of the red apple—an incident that taught me a profound lesson about leadership.
I was nine years old, in the 4th grade, full of energy and enthusiasm. I excelled in academics, participated in every extracurricular activity, and eagerly helped the teachers with their tasks. A star pupil, I was naturally well-liked by all the teachers.
One day, our class teacher announced that we would be going on a picnic the following day, to the hills surrounding our small town. We were all thrilled.
The next morning, we set out for the hills on the school bus, dressed in our finest clothes and carrying picnic baskets, brimming with excitement. We sang, played games, and enjoyed ourselves immensely. Then, I noticed my teacher approaching us with a basket full of beautiful, bright red apples. She asked me to help distribute the apples to all the children. Overjoyed, I immediately picked the biggest, brightest apple for myself. However, she gently instructed me to put it back, saying that we should distribute apples to everyone else first, and only after that would I take mine. Though initially disappointed, I followed her instructions.
As I handed out apples to my friends, they happily picked the best ones and thanked me with wide smiles. At first, I felt a bit downhearted, seeing the finest apples gone. But soon, I realized that the joy of seeing my friends happy and grateful far outweighed my earlier disappointment.
After we finished distributing the apples, my teacher picked one up and handed it to me. She looked at me with a smile, and in that moment, I understood the profound lesson she was imparting about leadership.
“A true leader is someone who puts others before themselves. When you offer the best to others, you feel a deep sense of fulfilment and blessing. Leadership is about experiencing love, friendship, and camaraderie—these are the true rewards.”
This incident profoundly shaped my life, teaching me an invaluable lesson. My teacher was a true leader, and I will never forget how she conveyed something so meaningful without saying a word. I strive to emulate her example as I journey through life. I have learned that while giving away the ‘bright red apples’ is not always easy, the sense of fulfilment that follows is incredible.
Cheers!
