Respect Begets Respect
By Ma. Melanie L. Padohinog
Kian is a smart boy who loves to learn almost everything. He always
excels in class the reason why his teacher adores him. He does all his best just
to make his parents proud of him. He dreams of becoming a policeman just
like his father.
One day, in school, Mrs. Pe, their English teacher, is teaching them
about “adjectives”. The whole class is enjoying their lesson. When Mrs. Pe
asked the class to give examples of adjectives, Romeo excitedly raised his hand.
He said, “Fat, Ma’am. Kian is fat. Ha!Ha!Ha!” The whole class laughed with him.
Mrs. Pe told the class, “Children, will you please excuse me? Romeo, please
come with me outside for a while.”When they are outside, Mrs. Pe said, “Romeo, do you think what you did
is good? You know, shaming someone is bad. It is not good to humiliate your
classmate. What do you think is the best thing that you will do now?”
Romeo answered, “Ma’am, I am very sorry. I did not realize that it will
hurt you and Kian. Don’t worry, Ma’am, I will ask an apology from Kian.”
“All right then, it’s okay. I’m happy that you understood that it is not
good to tease anybody. You may go to Kian now,” said Mrs. Pe with a smile.
Romeo went back inside the classroom and talked to Kian.
“I’m so sorry, Kian. I know what I did was wrong and even if you did not
say anything I feel that you were hurt. I promise I won’t do it again,” Romeo
said humbly.
“It’s okay, Romeo. I accept your apology,” Kian said happily.
To respect someone is to show consideration. It can boost the self-esteem
of another person.

1. Who are the characters in the story?
2. Where and when does the story happen?
3. Why does Ms. Pe ask Romeo to apologize to Kian?
4. What point of view is used in narrating the story?
5. If you were Kian, how would Romeo’s answer to Ms. Pe make you feel? Will
you accept his apology? Why or why not?
6. What is the over-all message of the story for students like you?