ইংরেজি ২য় পত্র প্রশ্ন

(2.1) The Experience of Overcoming a Phobia

A phobia is an intense and irrational fear of something that is not really dangerous. I suffered from a fear of deep water from my childhood, after I nearly drowned in a village pond at the age of seven. For years I avoided rivers, swimming pools and even boat trips. My friends enjoyed picnics by the river, while I always made excuses to stay behind. The fear made me feel weak and ashamed, and it limited my life.

The turning point came in my first year at college, when our class planned a boat trip on the Padma. I did not want to be the only one left on the shore. I spoke honestly to my teacher, who introduced me to a swimming coach. The coach did not force me. He began with simple steps: sitting at the edge of a pool, splashing water on my face, and then walking in shallow water. I practised breathing exercises to control my panic. Each small success increased my confidence. After two months I could float, and after four months I could swim a short distance.

Another important help was the support of my family and friends, who never laughed at my fear. When I finally crossed the pool alone, I felt a joy I cannot describe. Later I joined the boat trip and enjoyed it fully.

The experience taught me that fear grows when we run away from it and shrinks when we face it step by step. Overcoming my phobia gave me courage, self-respect and a belief that most limits are in the mind.