A Lesson from Sigiriya
By Mrs Florence Gerald, Deputy Principal, Knewton Global Schools Ipoh

Birthdays are often celebrated with family, friends, laughter and cake. Mine was a little different. To mark my 60th birthday, I travelled to Sri Lanka with some teacher friends. It was a trip filled with laughter, sightseeing and unforgettable experiences. Yet one particular day left an impression on me that I will carry for years to come.

A few days into our holiday, we arrived at Sigiriya Lion Rock, one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rising dramatically from the surrounding plains, this ancient rock fortress has stood proudly for centuries, challenging visitors from around the world to make the climb to its summit. As I looked up at the towering rock, one thought crossed my mind: What have I got myself into?

From the word go, I had second thoughts. The climb looked daunting. I have always been afraid of heights, and standing at the foot of Sigiriya, I questioned whether I should even attempt it. Part of me wanted to stay behind and simply admire its beauty from below. Yet another part of me knew that if I walked away without trying, I would always wonder, “What if I had?”

Eventually, I took the first step. The climb was more demanding than I had imagined. About a quarter of the way up, exhaustion began to set in. I wasn’t sure I had the energy or stamina to continue. Yet it wasn’t the physical effort that challenged me the most. It was the fear. I stayed close to the rock face, avoiding the side with the railing where I could see the steep drop below. I didn’t dare look down. Strong gusts of wind only added to my anxiety. The higher we climbed, the more my mind began to race. What if something happened to me? I was so far away from my family. Was I doing the right thing? Looking back, I realise it wasn’t the wind that was controlling me. It was fear. Fear has a way of filling our minds with endless “what ifs”, making us doubt ourselves before anything has even happened. For a moment, I seriously considered turning back. Then came a quiet conversation with myself.

“If I don’t try, I’ll never know. And if I turn back now, I’ll always wonder whether I could have done it.”

Those words became my resolve. Instead of worrying about how many steps were still ahead, I focused only on the next one. Then the next. Slowly, one step at a time, my determination became stronger than my fear. The climb did not suddenly become easier, but I began to believe that perhaps I could do it after all.

When I finally reached the summit, the feeling was difficult to describe. There was an overwhelming sense of relief, followed almost immediately by elation. Standing high above the breathtaking landscape, I felt as though I was on top of the world. The panoramic view was spectacular, but what filled my heart was not just the scenery. It was the quiet satisfaction of knowing that I had not allowed fear to make the decision for me.

The journey down felt very different. I was still careful, but I was no longer controlled by fear. I found myself more confident, more relaxed and quietly smiling to myself. The steps had not changed, but I had.

Looking back, I realise that climbing Sigiriya was never simply about reaching the top. It was about discovering something within myself. Sometimes the biggest obstacle isn’t age; it’s the limits we place on ourselves. Fear often convinces us that we are incapable long before we have even tried.

As teachers, we spend much of our time encouraging our students to believe in themselves, to persevere when learning becomes difficult and to step outside their comfort zones. Standing on the summit of Sigiriya, I realised I needed to listen to my own advice. Even after many years of teaching, life still has lessons to offer if we are willing to learn.

I returned home with wonderful memories of Sri Lanka, but I also came back with something far more valuable. I returned with a renewed belief in myself and a reminder that it is never too late to challenge our own limitations. We all have a Sigiriya in our lives. Mine happened to be in Sri Lanka. Yours may take a very different form. It could be a new beginning, a difficult decision, an unfamiliar challenge or a dream that has been waiting far too long. Whatever it may be, I hope you find the courage to take the first step. You may be surprised by what you discover about yourself along the way…

 

Key Vocabulary

• Iconic – Very famous and easily recognised
• Daunting – Seeming difficult, frightening or challenging
• Exhaustion – Extreme tiredness after physical or mental effort
• Stamina – The strength to continue doing something for a long time
• Anxiety – A feeling of worry, nervousness or fear
• Determination – The strong decision to keep going despite difficulties
• Summit – The highest point of a mountain or hill
• Persevere – To continue trying even when something is difficult
• Limitations – Things that stop or restrict what someone can do
• Panoramic – Showing a wide, complete view of an area or landscape

Learning English begins with the courage to try. Every word you speak is a step forward. If you never try, you will never know how far you can go. ✨

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