After a long, exhausting day, I stood beneath the soothing cascade of water, lost in my thoughts. The pressures of life loomed large, casting a shadow over my thoughts, and the desire to make my parents proud and ease their suffering weighed on my mind. As the water washed away the day's toil, I knew that something had to change.

With wet hair and a towel draped around my shoulders, I reached for my trusty companion, my phone. In this age, it's our window to the world, a digital portal to endless possibilities. Scrolling through the endless sea of content, I stumbled upon a competition organized by our state government, designed to discover creative talents worldwide. It was the promise of rewards that caught my eye: a staggering $5 million, a brand-new car, and a scholarship to study abroad. The word “wow” slipped from my lips, like an unexpected jackpot.

You see, the world of imagination is a realm where the most remarkable feats can be conjured effortlessly, where dreams bloom like wildflowers in spring. Here, the most beautiful and prestigious dreams are within reach, like a treasure map that promises untold riches. In my mind's eye, I lived the life of a scholar abroad, envisioning the joy in my mother's eyes, the relief in my father's heart, and the newfound confidence in my siblings. I envisioned my name echoing proudly and the means to create a brighter future for my family.

But imagination is only a starting point, a map of dreams. I was determined to turn this vision into reality, to chase it like a kite in the wind. With music, photography, and writing as some of the skills I possess, I embarked on a quest to create something truly extraordinary that would astonish our state.

My heart raced as I submitted my entry. Miraculously, I was among the 50 contestants chosen to showcase our creations. Fear gripped me momentarily, like a brief, but intense shiver down my spine every time I thought of my family's relief and the grand rewards, I found the courage to proceed, fueling my determination.

The day of reckoning arrived, with a grand finale in a vibrant event space. I stood before the judges, my voice quivering as I began an emotional song, the lyrics painting a vivid portrait of suffering and its profound impact on the world. Simultaneously, on a screen, my photographs of life's struggles flashed, emphasizing the pain that often remains hidden and illuminating the hidden treasures of our shared humanity.

Transitioning from song to spoken word, I unleashed my inner writer. With metaphor, imagery, and other literary devices, I delivered a powerful piece that dissected the root causes of suffering and suggested ways to alleviate it.

The room was moved, the judges were captivated, and the stars of my success aligned, guiding my journey to a foreign land, studying abroad. My parents now enjoy the fruits of my hard-earned rewards, with Papa no longer bearing the scorching sun, and our family's hopes blossoming.

The ripple effect of the competition didn't stop with me. A surge of innovation was ignited in our state as charity organizations sprouted, nourished by the seeds of compassion. A smile of progress replaced the tears of suffering, like a heartfelt gesture that transforms a sober room into a place of joy and hope.

The competition showed me that rewards are potent motivators, igniting the engines of change, like fuel that powers our aspirations. They are a catalyst for transformation, sparking a bonfire of progress, like a determined spark that sets a night ablaze. In a world where we often exchange effort for rewards, they serve as a reminder that motivation is not merely material but a companion on our journey, like a trusted friend who walks beside us.

But what about the rewards that surround us every day, both large and small, visible and invisible?

One night, while walking down the street, I saw an elderly man hawking a broom in the street. His eyes, though tired, shone with the wisdom that only age can give. Holding the brooms and looking like he has seen many paths, each with its story of work and perseverance.

I stopped looking at the old man and silently wiped the tears from the corners of my eyes. It wasn't the $5 million size or the fancy of a new car that impressed me at the time; it was the quiet and dignified voice of this man, who needs to be experienced.

People know that rewards come in many forms, some measured not in money but in the quiet dignity of men like him.

The old man is still selling brooms, and I can't help but admire his courage. It occurred to me then that people often value appearances and care about countless unknowns, including the truth of the gift the decision gives.

What reward did the old man receive? It's not a scholarship abroad or a new car; it's just an opportunity to support himself and his family, preserve his dignity and freedom, and find satisfaction in a fair day's work. His rewards are the satisfaction of having a purpose and making a difference in life, no matter how humble it seems.

This time there was more explanation about the old man. It makes me appreciate the rewards, big and small, visible and unseen, that we encounter every day. It reminded me that big rewards, although tempting, are not the only sign of success or motivation. The real reward is when we experience personal growth, help others, and find meaning in our actions.

The competition opened my eyes to a world full of opportunities and dreams, but the old man on the road reminded me that the most precious rewards are often right in front of us. I find my motivation in his story, something deeper than fame and fortune.

When I look back on this journey, I know that rewards are not just the prizes; they are the winds beneath our wings, pushing us towards a better future and encouraging others to join in the fun.

Rewards are much more than an opportunity; you are the path we walk, the dreams we chase, and the changes we create. Your charm keeps us alive, like a light of hope in a dark night.

In world where other achievements typically come to the fore, a dreamer's journey, supported by the promise of reward, demonstrates the power of his personal path to create long-term change for himself and others. This is a testament to the idea that rewards of all kinds provide motivation and tools to change our lives and the world.

#Cashback.