“Why Always Me?” – The Story of the School Bell”

                            “ Sunday Stories: The Success Secrets of Extraordinary”

At Shantivan Public School, the day started and ended with a bell. Not an automatic one—but a real, old-fashioned brass bell hung in the corridor. And every week, one student was chosen to be the Bell Ringer.

It may sound like a small job, but the Bell Ringer had to arrive early, ring the bell on time for every class, and stay late after school. No skipping, no excuses.

This week, it was Soniya’s turn.

She was in Class VIII—bright, talkative, and always doodling in the margins of her notebook. When her name was announced during assembly, her first reaction was:

“Why me again? I already did it last term! Why don’t they ask the others? I have art class! I have skit practice! It’s always me!”

Even the teachers standing near by heard her complaints.

Mr. Rao, the science teacher, smiled and said,

“You know, I thought the same last week when I was asked to go for Mr. Raj's substitution Again.”

Mrs. Leela, the English teacher, chuckled,

“And I when I was told to plan the Annual Day again, I too thought it first. But soon I realised, it’s never about ‘me again’—it’s about who can be trusted again.”

Soniya didn’t reply. But their words lingered.

She still groaned a bit the next morning when she got up early. But she came. She rang the bell.

All week, she ran across corridors, reminding teachers politely, checking her watch nervously. She missed parts of her lunch and even stayed back after school once to ring the final bell when the peon was absent.

On Friday, during the last bell, something unexpected happened.

As she rang it, the Principal mam came out of her office and clapped once—slow, but meaningful.

Then the whole corridor joined in.

“What’s going on?” Soniya asked, stunned.

“This week,” said the Principal, “the school ran on time because you did your job without anyone reminding you. Do you know what that’s called, Soniya?”

“Being stuck with responsibility?” she guessed, half-joking.

“No,” the Principal smiled.
“Leadership. And leadership doesn’t wait for applause.”

That Monday, her name wasn’t on the Bell Ringer list.

But the Student Council President asked her to nominate the next Bell Ringer, because “we trust your accountability.”

Soniya looked at the brass bell with new eyes.

---

🧠 Moral for Students & Teachers:

Responsibility is not a punishment—it’s proof that someone believes in your reliability. And once you carry it with sincerity, reward follows quietly—like respect, trust, and growth.

✨ Reflection Note: Why Me… or Why Not Me?✨

Sometimes, when we are given an extra task or responsibility, our first thought is:

“Why always me?”
“This isn’t fair!”
“Others are just sitting—why should I do more?”

But pause and think:

Maybe it’s because you’re trusted.
Because you’re capable.
Because someone sees a leader in you.

Responsibility may feel tough at first, but it builds:

✔Trust  ✔ Discipline   ✔Confidence

💡So next time, instead of “Why me?” Try saying: “Why not me?”💡

💎Because responsibility always comes before reward. 💎

"If this story moved you, share it.
Comment below.
More stories coming soon."

Have feedback or a story idea? 
For collaborations or permissions-

Reach me anytime at: mmgaikwad.81@gmail.com