One day, the teacher assigned tasks to the children. This was one of the most exciting activities for them in the classroom. On that day, each boy and girl was given a task that they would be responsible for for the rest of the school year. As is the case with everything, some tasks were more exciting than others, and the children were eager to get one of the best tasks.
When assigning tasks, the teacher took into consideration the students who were most responsible during the previous year. These children were the most looking forward to this day, and among them was Rita, a kind and quiet girl who had carried out the teacher’s instructions perfectly during the past year.
All the children knew that Rita was the best candidate to get the best task, which was caring for the classroom pet. However, that year there was a big surprise, as each child received one of the usual tasks, such as arranging books, preparing lessons, announcing time, cleaning the board, or caring for one of the domestic animals.
But Rita’s task was extremely different. She was given a small box containing some sand and a single ant. Despite the teacher insisting that this ant was a very special ant, Rita felt despair, and most of her female classmates felt sorry for her.
They sympathized with her and commented on the unfairness that she received this task. Even her father became extremely angry with the teacher. As a form of protest, he encouraged Rita not to care for this unimportant pet. Yet Rita, who loved her teacher very much, chose to show the teacher his mistake by doing something exceptional with that task that required little attention.
Rita said to herself: I will turn this small duty into something big. So Rita began researching everything related to her small ant, learned about the different types, and studied everything about its nature and behavior. She modified the small box to make it ideal for ants, and gave Rita’s ant the best food. She ended up caring for it to an extent more than anyone expected.
One spring day when the students were in the classroom, the door opened and a man who appeared very important entered. When the classroom teacher saw him, he rejoiced greatly and said: This is Dr. Martinez. He has come to tell us some wonderful news, doesn’t he? The doctor nodded exactly.
Today they announced the results of the competition, and this classroom was selected to accompany me this summer on a trip to the Evergreen Rainforest, where we will collect all kinds of insects. Among all the schools in this area, there is no doubt that this classroom is the best in caring for the small, sensitive ant that was given to you.
Congratulations, children. You will be wonderful helpers. That day, the classroom was filled with joy and celebration. Everyone thanked the teacher for entering them in the competition and thanked Rita for her patience and responsibility. Thus, many children learned from Rita how to be responsible even in what appear to be the smallest tasks.
Without doubt, Rita was the most joyful in this matter, especially after saying to herself many times, “I will turn this small task into something truly great.” Indeed, she succeeded and caused her classroom to win the competition.
The story is translated from the story: an insignificant task