It is kind of hard for me to talk about my childhood experience, because it is so different from one the American children have. In Ukraine children are getting grades from the first month of study. They receive any grades they deserve, including "D" and "F".

During my first 5 years of study at school I did not really care a lot about my grades. Most of them were "C". The exceptions were Music, Art and Gym, which I liked and had "A". I did not have any inducement/stimulus to study hard. I got used to "C".

My mom wanted me to study well, so she promised me a bike if I would not get any grades lower then "B" in the next semester. I wanted to have bike so bad. I have to add that 15 years ago, the bike for a EX-USSR kid was the same as a brand new Mercedes for a US high school student now. I knew that my mom hardly would be able to buy it. But, deep in my heart, I believed I could get it.

So, I started to work really hard at school. Many teachers noticed that change in me, but some of them just got used to giving me "C" for my answers. It was not easy for me to change their stable opinion concerning my study abilities.

I still remember my algebra teacher, who liked to make fun of students. Her opinion about me was practically impossible to break. But one braking moment changed her believes that I was unable to learn math. Here is a story: It was my turn to solve near the blackboard some math problems in front of the class. I did not make any little mistake. I knew all material well. She was surprised, but she gave me "B". My classmates were all disturbed that she did not give me "A". All together they started to say to her that it was not fair, that I did not make any mistake, they all wanted to know why she did not give me "A". Our teacher did not know what to say. At last she said, that my voice did not sound confident enough for "A".

I was upset but I didn't give up. I decided to prove to her and to myself that I do know math and I can be a good student. That semester I got my points. They all were "A" and "B" except only one. But next year I did not have even one "C".

My mom did not get me a bike. She said I didn't make it, but I knew that she wanted to get me a bike. She just didn't have money for it. And I thought it was OK. But I learned how nice to be a good student. I felt the respect from my teachers and classmates, who were pleasantly surprised to find out that I was a smart and hard working kid. And it was the greatest appreciation for my work.

Sure, I learned more and I enjoyed being respectful and smart. I got more friends than I had before. They asked me for my help and a piece of advice, which meant much more than just to be an owner of the bike. My self-esteem was satisfied.

I got a bike a couple years later. The friend of mine had found a really old one on the garbage. So we washed it, repaired, glued the tires and rode it together.

I am very thankful to my mom, that she used that wish to get a bike for my betterment. I think if she had bought me one, refusing herself in some more necessary stuff like new clothes or shoes, she would have a spoiled child, who would only run the bike all the time, did not study and did not appreciate what she did.