Entering inside the classroom, Sarina simply sighed in amazement.
Rather than calling it a classroom, it should be better to call it would be better to call it a small community hall.
The only difference between them would be layout which has been set brilliantly according to the number of students, inspired by the classroom of the top universities of the world.
No matter how many times Sarina looked at it, it still always left her awestruck.
Following the principal and Ms Shelly on the platform, she patiently watched as the principal deliberately cleared her throat loud to get everyone's attention.
"I have especially come here today to introduce all of you to your new classmate, Sarina Rowan, who after successfully taking the grade skipping exam have been promoted to your class from grade 5 and your new homeroom teacher, Ms Shelly."
The principal somberly announced; her words ringing like thunderstruck in everyone's ears as they all collectively looked at Sarina in shock.
Their eyes and mouth were wide open in disbelief when they realized the girl in front of them was just 10 years old but was already their classmate.
"Ok I know many of you have your doubts and find it somewhat unbelievable as well."
The principal continued to speak; many of the students unconsciously nodding their head in agreement to her words.
After all, all of them have also studied hard to get to this pint and how difficult middle school was. For a 10 years old Sarina to skip all of those grades to their class was definitely something they could accept so easily like that.
"But since the school allowed it to happen, it reflects that Sarina is truly capable and worthy to be here with you all. "
The principal confidently said as she glanced at Sarina proudly before glancing back at the students in front.
"But this is also a temporary arrangement for one month till your first mock exams. After that, if Sarina fails to get into the top 10 of the class, then she shall be demoted back to grade 5."
The principal suddenly added, surprising everyone including Sarina and Ms Shelly who were standing beside her.
But in the end, it was just a little surprise on the sudden additional information to them which they calmly accepted.
Both of them had an absolute trust and confidence that Sarina will definitely rank 1st in the coming exam.
The remaining students on the other hand felt very relieved upon hearing those words.
After all, not a single one of them believed that Sarina could get a rank in top 10 in the class of more than 300 students.
"Alright then, since I have announced everything I came here for, Ms Shelly, over to you."
The principal said before making her way out of the class.
Nodding, Ms Shelly calmly stood before the podium, signaling Sarina to take her seat at the center.
Only after Sarina settled down on her seat did Ms Shelly began to speak.
"Hello everyone. I am your new homeroom teacher, Ms Shelly. I will also be teaching you English as well. Since it's our first class today, how about all of you introduce yourself to me one by one."
Ms Shelly playfully said, trying her best to uplift their mood.
"Now who wants to go first?"
And just like that, an entire hour passed as all the students including Sarina introduced themselves one by one.
By the time the last student finished his introduction, the bell for the next class also rang.
"Very well then, students, that's all for now. We will meet again tomorrow. During this time, if any of you have any problem, you can come to me anytime. I will also be giving my number to the class monitor so that you can contact me even after class through her."
Ms Shelly sincerely exclaimed as she glanced at her first class she was going to teach before glancing at Sarina, signaling her to follow her outside.
"Sarina come out with me for a second."
As soon as Sarina and Ms Shelly left the class, the students could not longer control themselves as the entire classroom exploded into discussion.
"Who would have thought that Sarina was actually just 10 years old?"
"Exactly. She even skipped 4 grades just like that? It is even possible?"
"Humph! I don't trust it. I am sure she must be someone belonging to a rich family who had used her family connections to be here."
"I also agree. Otherwise, how is it possible for anyone to skip 4 grades just like that out of blue?"
"Guys, what's the point of discussing it now? We all will know whether she is truly capable or not in a month."
"Exactly. And even if she is somewhat capable, it is absolutely impossible for her to rank in top 10."
"True. It's not like we can do something about her. Let's just wait and see what happen in a month."
The class discussed it great enthusiasm. Some mocked while some denied, but everyone still had the same question in their mind.
'Will Sarina survive the next month.'
On the other hand, Ms Shelly led Sarina all the way to her cabin. Sitting down on her chair, she took out a few books before passing them to Sarina.
Taking those books, Sarina glanced at their titles and then at Ms Shelly in confusion.
"Ms Shelly, why are you giving me foreign language and math Olympics practice books? What am I supposed to do with this?"
Sarina doubtfully asked, unsure of Ms Shelly's intention of giving her these books.
"That is because I want you to start preparing for the upcoming competitions from today onwards itself."
Looking at Sarina's confused face, Ms Shelly explained. But Sarina's face still had the same confusion, as if silently asking for the purpose of her words.
"It's like this, from next month after your mock exams, multiple provisional, national and international competitions will start. From them, the two most famous are math Olympics and foreign language debate."
Ms Shelly elaborated in detail while pointing at the few books in her hand.
"Though these two only start after new year, I want you to start practicing for them from today onwards itself."
Ms Shelly said, finally revealing the purpose of bringing Sarina there and giving those books to her.
"I know you are academically very strong and will no doubt get the 1st rank in your exams, but it's still not enough. If you really want to excel in life, you need to have more exposure."
She continued to patiently explain, her voice soft but powerful as she tried to make Sarina understand the importance of such competitions.
"The foreign language in those books is French, which is one of the seven languages that will be used in the competition. I want you to at least have enough command over it that you can easily speak and keep your point in front with others without halting or stuttering."
She told Sarina while pointing at the two books in her hand.
"As for the other two practice books, you can start to solve them but if you feel like you are having any difficulty in solving them, you can come to me and I will arrange a math teacher for you."
Ms Shelly said, finally explaining the purpose of calling Sarina all the way here as glanced up at Sarina who had gone completely silent by now.
She also didn't disturb, waiting patiently till Sarina clear out all her thoughts.
A few minutes later, Sarina finally snapped out of reverie as she glanced at Ms Shelly in gratitude and respect. She could really feel the trust Ms Shelly had in her and her abilities.
After their previous encounter at the principal's office yesterday, Sarina had never expected Ms Shelly to act like this. To her, she was really a wonderful teacher.
"Thank you Ms Shelly. I promise I will work hard and not let you down. If I may ask, what are the other six languages used in the competition?"
Sarina somberly promised; her fighting spirit burning intensely before curiously inquiring about the other languages.
"They are English, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, German and lastly Russian. Everyone can participate in as many languages as they want and can participate again as well but not in the same language if they have won first prize in it. If not, then they can participate for the same language again."
Ms Shelly recounted them one by one for Sarina.
"Oh, and you can continue to participate in high school as well so it doesn't if you didn't win the first prize. For now, just focus on trying to learn French so that you can try to participate for two languages at the very least otherwise only English works as well for this time."
Ms Shelly exclaimed, feeling genuinely worried that Sarina might overwhelm and over work herself in order to aim for the first prize.
"I understand. Don't worry, I won't let it flood my mind. Though that also doesn't mean I will give up or not pressurize myself but also won't cross my limits."
Sarina promised, making herself very clear to her.
"That is what I expect from you as well. Also, you can comfortably work on it during my class but the other teachers won't allow it unless you truly get I the top 10 of the grade.
If you really managed to do that, they have also promised to turn a blind eye to what you do in class as long as you maintain the result.
That is all from my side. You can return back to your class. And if you face any problem, you come to me anytime.
This is my number. You can contact me directly anytime you want."
Ms Shelly told Sarina while passing her a small paper before gesturing to the door.
Bowing Sarina left the office, making her way back to the class.
Glancing at the paper in her hand, Sarina smirked and mumbled,
"Top 10, huh?..."