Two months had passed since the English Speaking Competition, but people at school still remembered Siti's speech. Some students still came up to her during recess and said things like, "Siti, your speech was so touching," or, "You were so brave on stage."
Every time, Siti would smile shyly and thank them, her cheeks turning warm. She was proud, but she never let it make her forget who she was — the same girl who had once been afraid to speak at all.
Now, she spent her days studying harder than ever, balancing school and helping out at the orphanage. Safura often said, "Siti, I can see how much you've grown. You're becoming a strong young lady."
---
One Monday morning, during assembly, the school principal, Puan Salmah, stood in front of everyone with a clipboard in her hand.
"Students," she began, "as you know, every year we select class representatives and student leaders — young people who show responsibility, kindness, and courage."
Siti listened, not really thinking much about it. Leadership had never crossed her mind before.
Puan Salmah continued, "This year, the teachers have recommended a few students who've shown great improvement and leadership spirit."
Then Miss Faridah stepped forward and smiled at the students from Siti's class. "One of our nominees," she said, "is Siti Suhaili."
The moment her name was called, Siti froze. For a second, she thought she'd misheard.
Asmawati gasped and nudged her excitedly. "Siti! That's you!"
Everyone clapped, and Siti felt her face burn. She walked slowly toward the front with shaky steps, her heart racing like a drum.
Puan Salmah handed her a badge — Assistant Class Leader — and pinned it neatly on her uniform.
"We've seen how much you've grown, Siti," she said kindly. "Leadership isn't about being the loudest. It's about having heart — and you've shown that."
Siti bowed slightly. "Thank you, teacher."
When she returned to her seat, Asmawati whispered, "See? You deserve it!"
Siti smiled, still dazed. "I just… I never thought this would happen."
---
Over the next few weeks, Siti began her new role. She helped her teacher organize class activities, reminded her classmates about homework, and made sure everyone got along.
At first, it felt strange — she wasn't used to giving directions or standing in front of the class. But slowly, it began to feel natural. She learned to listen carefully when someone had a problem, and she always tried to solve it calmly.
One day, she noticed a quiet girl sitting alone in the back of the classroom. Her name was Nadia, a new transfer student from another town. She rarely talked and always seemed nervous.
During group projects, Nadia avoided eye contact. During recess, she sat under the tree, eating her lunch alone.
Siti remembered how that felt — being the quiet one everyone overlooked.
---
The next day, Siti decided to sit beside Nadia during recess.
"Hi, can I sit here?" she asked gently.
Nadia looked surprised but nodded. "Um… sure."
They sat in silence for a while, watching other kids laugh and play.
Siti finally said, "I noticed you're new. How are you finding the school so far?"
"It's okay," Nadia said softly. "But… I don't really have any friends yet."
Siti smiled. "That's okay. It takes time. I used to be like that too."
Nadia looked at her, curious. "Really?"
"Yes," Siti nodded. "I was quiet and shy. I didn't talk to anyone much. But then, one day, I decided to try — just a little bit at a time. And now I'm really glad I did."
Nadia smiled a little. "You seem confident now."
Siti laughed softly. "I wasn't always. But I had people who believed in me — like my teacher and my friend. They helped me find my voice."
---
Over the next few weeks, Siti made an effort to include Nadia in small activities. She invited her to join study groups, games, and class projects. She made sure the other students noticed Nadia too.
At first, Nadia spoke only a few words. But slowly, her voice grew stronger.
One afternoon, Miss Faridah announced a Class Presentation Day. Each group had to present a short topic in front of everyone. Nadia looked pale when she heard it.
Siti noticed and whispered, "Don't worry. I'll help you prepare, okay?"
For days, they practiced together after class. Siti showed her how to stand tall, how to breathe, and how to speak clearly. Every time Nadia stumbled, Siti smiled and said, "That's okay. Try again."
Finally, the day came. When it was their turn, Siti gave Nadia an encouraging nod.
Nadia walked up to the front, her hands trembling slightly. But she took a breath and began to speak.
Her voice was small at first — but it didn't break. Line by line, she spoke with more confidence, her eyes glancing toward Siti every few seconds.
When she finished, the class clapped.
Siti clapped the loudest. "You did it, Nadia!" she said proudly.
Nadia grinned, a little shy but glowing with happiness. "Thank you, Siti. I couldn't have done it without you."
Siti smiled warmly. "You did it because you believed in yourself. I just reminded you that you could."
---
After class, Miss Faridah called Siti over.
"You've done a wonderful job, Siti," she said. "Helping others find their confidence — that's what true leadership means."
Siti felt her heart swell with pride. "Thank you, teacher."
As she walked home that day, the sun shone brightly above, and she could feel a lightness in her chest — the same kind of light she'd once felt after her first speech.
At the orphanage, she told Kak Safura everything.
Safura listened with a smile and said, "You see, Siti? When you grow, you give others the courage to grow too. That's how kindness spreads."
Siti nodded, her eyes bright. "I just wanted her to feel what I felt — that moment when you finally believe in yourself."
Safura reached over and hugged her gently. "That's the best gift you can give to the world."
---
That night, as she sat on her bed, Siti opened her notebook and wrote in careful handwriting:
> Confidence is not about being perfect. It's about believing you can try.
She smiled at the words. She had once been the quiet girl who hid behind silence — now she was helping others step into their own light.
And for the first time in a long while, Siti realized something beautiful: even if her parents never contacted her again, she had found her purpose — and her family — right where she was.