Tilly walked to school on a bright September morning. She enjoyed school. Learning was always fun for her.

Good morning, Tilly! 

Good morning, Principal Stomp!

MBJH RACE

Students, let me have your attention! Don't forget to sign up for the School Race. Today is the last day to sign up!

No way you're signing up.  A turtle like you could never win the race. You could never beat me!

Tilly was hurt by Richard's comment. Maybe she shouldn't sign up after all. But she did it anyway!

All throughout the day, all Tilly could think about was the race. Could she really win?

Tilly was motivated to beat Richard, and she was going to work hard to prepare for the race. Even if she was just a turtle, she wasn't going down without a fight.

During recess that day, she decided to practice. So, she used her time to run around the track.

Richard saw her running from a distance. He whipped around to his friends, and when she was near, he said,

She doesn't even have a chance, she's slower than my grandmother in a wheel chair.

Tilly felt defeated after hearing him say this.

When Tilly got home, she immediately told her mom about what had happened.

Mom, I don't think I should do the race anymore. 

I guess so. Thank you, Mom!

Tilly, just because you're different from him, doesn't mean you should quit. Even when things get tough, you have to keep going.

Tilly gave her mom a hug and was beginning to feel better now.

The next day when Tilly got home, she decided to get more practice and run around her neighborhood. 

Though she was sweating, she wouldn't stop. Keep pushing. Keep pushing, she kept telling herself. 

Tilly looked up as a car passed, and she was sad when she did. It was a gang of elephants who looked at her and laughed when they saw her run.

But still, she kept going!

Tilly kept progressing. The next day, she worked up the courage and ran during recess. 

But this time, it felt different. She felt like she was actually making progress! She was proud of herself.

But again, Richard had to destroy her confidence. He was that annoying rock in her shoe that she couldn't get out.

She's pathetic. No one has, or will, beat me.

Tilly sat down, pushing the comment out of her head. She remembered what her mother had said to her. 

Now class, remember the race is later this week. This will be a tough race, so make sure you are prepared.

For good measure, Tilly ran around the track once again. But this time, Richard was shocked. He didn't realize how fast she had gotten. 

Finally, the big day has come! Tilly was all anxious and excited at the same time. She was greeted when she walked onto the track. The stadium was huge!