I grew up in a small town in India, where English was seen as the key to success. For many of us, it wasn’t just another subject in school—it was the language of opportunity. If you wanted a good job, a better life, or even respect in certain circles, you needed to know English. But in my family, we mostly spoke Hindi, and my English skills were shaky at best. My parents, both hardworking but not highly educated, always emphasized that education was our way forward.
For me, English was a hurdle I had to overcome, but it was also a door I desperately wanted to open. Here’s my story—how I went from barely speaking a word of English to becoming fluent and confident in a language that changed my life.
The Turning Point: My Father’s Words
The moment that set me on this path came when I was 16. I remember my father coming home after a long day at work. He was tired, and his shirt smelled of the dust from the factory where he labored. He sat me down and said, “Son, if you want to have a better life, you need to learn English. It’s not just a language—it’s the future. It’s your ticket out of here.”
That conversation stuck with me. I didn’t want to let my father down, and I didn’t want to spend my life struggling like he did. But there was a problem: I hated English. I didn’t understand the grammar, I found the pronunciation impossible, and I felt embarrassed every time I tried to speak.
Step 1: Starting Small with Bollywood and Cricket
At first, I didn’t know where to begin. English felt like this huge, insurmountable mountain. Then, I realized I could start with things I loved—Bollywood movies and cricket. Many Bollywood movies include English dialogues, and cricket commentary is often in English, especially during international matches.
I started by paying attention to the words commentators used during matches. Words like “boundary,” “innings,” and “partnership” became part of my vocabulary. I would mimic their accents while watching matches, even though it made my siblings laugh. But I didn’t care. It was practice.
Then I moved on to movies. I watched them with subtitles, pausing to understand phrases and idioms. One movie I’ll never forget is 3 Idiots. There’s a scene where a character tries to speak in broken English during an interview, and I saw myself in him—awkward and unsure. But the humor in that scene also reminded me not to take myself too seriously.
Step 2: The Library and My First English Book
Our town had a small library, and one day I mustered the courage to borrow my first English book: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling. It wasn’t an easy read for me, but the magical story of courage, friendship, and self-discovery resonated deeply and kept me motivated to continue learning. I carried that book everywhere, looking up words I didn’t understand in a pocket dictionary.
I also began writing in a notebook every day. At first, my entries were simple: “Today is good,” or “I study English.” Over time, they became more detailed: “Today, I watched a movie in English. It was difficult, but I understood some words.”
Step 3: Joining a Spoken English Class
One day, I saw a sign for a spoken English class in our town. I was hesitant at first because the fees were high for my family. But my father encouraged me, saying, “Invest in your education. It’s the best money we’ll ever spend.”
The class was intimidating. On the first day, the teacher asked us to introduce ourselves in English. My hands were sweaty, and my voice trembled as I stuttered, “My… name… is… Ramesh.” But the teacher smiled and said, “Good start.” That encouragement made all the difference.
The classes taught me basic grammar and conversation skills, but more importantly, they gave me the confidence to speak. I made a rule for myself: no matter how many mistakes I made, I would keep talking.
Step 4: Immersion in the Digital World
By the time I was 18, smartphones had become more affordable, and I got my first one. It opened up a whole new world of resources. I downloaded apps like Duolingo, started watching YouTube channels about English learning, and even joined Facebook groups where people practiced English.
One night, I joined an online group discussion about global warming. I remember feeling nervous as I typed out my first comment: “Global warming is danger for world.” It wasn’t perfect, but people responded kindly, correcting me without judgment.
I also discovered TED Talks, which became a daily habit. Speakers like Simon Sinek and Jay Shetty inspired me not just with their ideas but also with their eloquence. I would replay their talks, pausing to mimic their pronunciation and intonation.
Step 5: The Job Interview That Changed Everything
By the time I finished college, I felt more confident in my English, but I still had doubts. Then came the ultimate test: a job interview for a multinational company. The interview was entirely in English.
I remember sitting in the waiting room, rehearsing answers in my head. When my turn came, I was nervous but determined. The interviewer asked, “Tell me about yourself.” I took a deep breath and started, “My name is Ramesh, and I come from a small town. I believe in hard work and learning from every experience.”
To my surprise, the interview went well. I stumbled a few times but kept going. A week later, I got the call—I had been hired. That moment was life-changing. English had opened a door I never thought possible.
Lessons I Learned Along the Way
- Consistency is key. Progress doesn’t happen overnight. I practiced every day, even when it felt like I wasn’t improving.
- Mistakes are your best teachers. Every time I made a mistake, I learned something new.
- Find what motivates you. For me, it was cricket, movies, and later, the dream of a better life.
- Invest in yourself. Whether it’s a course, a book, or even a smartphone app, every little investment adds up.
- Stay humble but confident. There will always be someone who speaks better than you. Focus on your journey, not theirs.
The Bigger Picture
Today, I’m proud to say that I’m fluent in English. I’ve traveled abroad, built friendships with people from different countries, and grown professionally in ways I never imagined. But more than that, learning English taught me resilience. It showed me that no challenge is too big if you break it down into small steps.
If you’re on the path to learning English, remember: it’s not just about mastering grammar or pronunciation. It’s about building bridges—to opportunities, to connections, and to your own potential. If I could do it, so can you.
Keep going. The view from the top is worth it.
