Describe a new skill you learned as a child.

I learned to ride a bicycle when I was about seven. At that age, most of my friends could ride one, so I wanted to learn too. My father taught me in a quiet area near our apartment building. He held the back of the seat while I sat on the bike and tried to pedal. At first, I was nervous because I thought I would fall. My father told me to look ahead and keep moving, instead of looking down at the wheels. We practised for a few afternoons. I fell once and got a small scratch on my knee, but I was all right. After that, my father ran beside me and slowly let go of the seat. I didn't notice at first, and then I realised I was riding by myself. It was a simple skill, but I felt very happy and proud. I also felt more independent because I could ride to a nearby shop with my father. I still remember that moment clearly.

Honestly, the first new skill I remember learning was riding a bicycle. I was about seven, and most of the children I played with could already ride, so I really wanted to keep up with them. My father taught me in a quiet area beside our apartment building, where there was plenty of space and very little traffic.

He started by holding the back of the seat while I practised pedalling and steering. He also reminded me to look ahead rather than down at the wheels, which was harder than it sounds when you’re worried about falling. We went out for a few afternoons, and although I got a small scratch on my knee once, I wasn’t badly hurt. Each time, my father ran alongside me and gradually loosened his grip. One day, he let go without telling me, and I carried on riding for a few seconds before I realised I was on my own.

I felt nervous at first, but that quickly turned into excitement and pride. It was a small achievement, yet it made me feel more independent because I could ride to a nearby shop with my father instead of walking the whole way. If I hadn’t had his patience, I might have given up after that first fall. I still remember the moment I discovered I could balance by myself.