Meaning: Haile Gebrselassie, an Ethiopian long-distance runner, shared this quote, offering a glimpse into the challenges he faced during his childhood in Ethiopia. The quote reflects the perseverance and determination required to pursue education in a rural and less developed region, where natural elements such as the rainy season and the absence of infrastructure like bridges significantly impact the daily lives of the locals.

Gebrselassie's words evoke a vivid image of the struggles he and his peers encountered on their way to school. The rainy season, a time typically associated with lush landscapes and replenished water sources, presents a different reality for these students. Instead of a leisurely stroll to their first lesson, they are forced to navigate the treacherous conditions brought on by heavy rainfall. The urgency to reach school on time compels them to run quickly, highlighting the value they place on education despite the obstacles they face.

The mention of having to cross the river to get to school adds another layer of difficulty to their daily routine. While crossing a river may seem like a straightforward task in many places, the absence of a bridge complicates this seemingly simple endeavor. Gebrselassie describes the need to search for a suitable crossing point, indicating that the students had to navigate the riverbank, seeking out the safest and most accessible route. This physical exertion, combined with the time pressure of reaching school, underscores the resilience and adaptability these students develop from a young age.

The absence of a bridge not only poses a logistical challenge but also symbolizes the broader infrastructure gaps prevalent in many rural areas. Access to education is hindered by such deficiencies, as students are forced to overcome natural barriers that urban counterparts may never encounter. Gebrselassie's recollection sheds light on the disparities in resources and opportunities that exist within the educational landscape, prompting reflection on the unequal access to quality education faced by many children around the world.

Furthermore, the quote offers insight into the mindset of a young Gebrselassie and his peers. Despite the physical exertion and inconvenience of their daily journey to school, they approached this obstacle with determination and resilience. Their willingness to navigate the challenges posed by the environment demonstrates a deep commitment to learning and self-improvement. It also speaks to the value placed on education within their community, where the pursuit of knowledge is deemed worthy of overcoming significant hardships.

Gebrselassie's upbringing in such challenging circumstances likely played a formative role in shaping his character and instilling in him the qualities that would later propel his success as an athlete. The discipline, perseverance, and ability to overcome adversity that he honed during his early years undoubtedly contributed to his remarkable achievements in the world of long-distance running.

In conclusion, Haile Gebrselassie's quote provides a poignant depiction of the obstacles he and his peers faced in accessing education during the rainy season in rural Ethiopia. It serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination exhibited by individuals striving for education in challenging circumstances. Moreover, it underscores the enduring value of education and the disparities that persist in educational opportunities around the world. Gebrselassie's words offer a powerful testament to the transformative power of education and the strength of the human spirit in overcoming adversity.