The Young Scholars Program.

The University of Maryland's Young Scholars Program is a perfect summer camp for academically talented teenagers who want to earn college credits, pursue academic interests or discover college life at the University of Maryland. The program is challenging and rewarding. Students have the opportunity to show that they can be successful in a university environment.

The Activities

During three weeks of exploration, teens preview the university experience, study with students who share similar interests and communicate with the best teachers of the University of Maryland in a dynamic and challenging classroom environment. Students can have trips to nearby Washington, DC and enjoy movie nights and activities at the student union. Workshops and seminars featuring speakers in academic fields further enrich the learning experience.

The Courses

The Young Scholars Program offers college courses that are at the cutting edge of theory, thought and technology. Classes generally meet every day from Monday to Friday. The program is a great introduction to the University of Maryland. Participants can benefit from the University of Maryland's vast resources, including libraries, computers and instructional labs.

The Rewards

Upon program completion, teens will go home with better preparations for the college experience—both academically and socially. In addition, students earn three college credits.

The Application

The application process includes submission of the application, high school transcript and a letter of recommendation.

Ages: 14—18

Mailing address: The University of Maryland College Park

For more information, call 3014057762.

I can proudly say that last year I broke the record for the oldest person in the world to ride a roller coaster. I'm 105, but I feel younger. Even the doctor agrees I'm in good condition. I'm a bit deaf and my legs feel weak, but they are the only issue.

I rode the Twistosaurus at Flamingo Land, which spins you round quite fast. I didn't choose to go on that. I'd have preferred a really fast one that went upside down. But I was told I couldn't ride something like that, because it would affect my blood pressure and I might have some danger.

I wasn't nervous—I don't get frightened of anything. I was securely fastened, so I knew I wouldn't fall out! The roller coaster ride went on for three or four minutes, and it couldn't be a better experience. And I raised a lot of money for the Derbyshire, Leicestershire &Rutland Air Ambulance fund, which was fantastic.

People were saying I'd got a place in the Guinness World Records. Later, someone came to present me with the certificate. I had it on the wall in my living room, with another one I got a year earlier.

My record-breaking ways really began a couple of years ago, with the ice bucket challenge. It turned out that I was probably the oldest person in the world to do it, and the video was very popular. After that, I started to think about what else I could do to raise money for different charities.

I'm not sure if anyone admires all the fun I'm having. They just say I'm daft and that's about it. But I've had many good days and many exciting times. I've had a really good life. I don't think I've wasted any of it.

The idea of changing the world seems very crazy, but there are a number of small everyday things we can do to make the world better. Community centers, parks, libraries, homeless shelters, hospitals and schools are all places where students can make a difference through service.

Alisia Orosco, 10, wanted to show her love and care to the sick kids at University Children's Hospital in Texas, where her brother had been a patient. She earned money by doing part-time jobs and used it to buy different toys for the children in hospital. Now she visits three hospitals every year with bags of toys. "I hope to help as many kids as I can," Alisia says. "It makes me happy to make them smile."

High school students in a town of Washington made a difference to the lives of some needy children by building a playground at a worker's camp. They got a lot of help from a building supply store which provided free building materials for the project.

Teens in New Jersey decided to offer their help at a local soup kitchen where people with no homes can get free food. But there wasn't one. They created a one-day soup kitchen and were able to feed 60 needy people and allow them to take the rest home. Their efforts got more people to understand the great need of the poor in their community. Because of their efforts and success, a permanent soup kitchen was created with the $ 10,000 National award they received from Newman's Own.

High school students in Las Vegas helped 30 homeless adults prepare resumes during a job fair they held at the area's largest homeless shelter. At least nine of the adults later found jobs.

Most people say “yes” much more readily than “no”.

A friend is moving house this weekend and would like some help, and you agree. But, what you really wanted were a couple of quiet days relaxing at home. Or a roommate spends the entire weekends playing video games and wants to borrow your homework for “reference”. But, you've just finished it after taking a whole day to work hard. Many people say “yes” to these kinds of requests. They usually don't consider their own interests and feelings, and are often angry with themselves afterwards.

Saying “no” requires courage and considerable practice, in fact, according to psychologists. “Everyone wants to be liked,” says Gabriele Steinki, a German psychologist. “Saying ‘no’ risks losing the affection of the person asking the favor or even a job.”

In fact, refusing a request can even help to strengthen a relationship because it expresses a true feeling. But, for people used to agreeing to every request, changing can be a long and uncomfortable learning process.

Most people believe that “If I say ‘no’, I'll lose the affection of the person. But the affection is important to me.” This way of thinking can be replaced by this: “If he only likes me because I always do what suits him, then the price of his affection is too high in the long term.”

Steinki says the key is talking to the other person to find a mutual solution. “One needs to present the situation from one's own point of view, and to suggest how the situation can be dealt with to the advantage of both parties. The other person must have the feeling that his interests are being considered.” When the refusal is not accepted, Steinki advises giving the reasons calmly again until the person gets the message.

Making other people feel good feels good, and, best of all it requires little more than a generous heart. Studies show that people feel happier when they do something kind for another person, and both recipients and good deed-doers can get the benefits. It can't be a smarter idea to create this World Kindness Day.     16    

Learn a friend's language.

Picking up a bit of a friend or co-worker's first language and speaking it with them show them you care about and take an interest in their experiences. Making someone feel included and respected will feel a greater sense of belonging, an essential component of happiness.

    17    

Reaching out to someone for the first time in a long time can be an instant remedy for whatever troubles you. It's as simple as a text, a note or a FaceTime call. Let someone know you're thinking of them, even after some time apart. Studies suggest strong bonds can improve physical health, too.

Genuinely compliment someone.

A respectful comment that comes from the heart about someone's unique hairstyle, excellent performance in a concert or their great solution to a problem at work might be all it takes to improve someone's mood.     18    

Collect trash you see around your neighborhood.

Picking up trash and recyclables off the street beautifies your community and benefits the environment.     19     The environment can't clean itself, after all!

Thank the people in your life.

They are the security guard outside of your workplace, the supermarket worker you see every day, and even your mom.     20    Thank people for the things, big and small, that they do that improve your life. Gratitude is priceless.

“One person can make a difference” is one of those sayings that we teach youngsters. It is to _________ them to do something kind or _________ another person, or to dream big about how, they will change the world.

As adults, do we really believe this? Or is it a lesson just for _________ people? I am writing to tell you that _________ “one person can”, because one day one person did an act of _________ that changed my life and the lives of millions more.

Almost 15 years ago while driving across the town, I was listening to a _________ interview and heard a story of selflessness and _________ that was inspiring. A woman had _________ ten winter coats through the Thanksgiving weekend crowds to _________ them at the One Warm Coat Drive. She knew the city had many __________ people and families in need and that her __________ could make a difference between __________ and comfort for ten people that winter.

She was only one person, yet it was her __________ that made me realize that there would always be a need for   __________ coats and that more people would be able to donate if there were more drop-off __________. Now, nearly 15 years later, One Warm Coat has __________ the donation of over 4 million coats across the country. As the national founder, my heart is full and __________ knowing that we make a real __________ in the lives of thousands.

So when you set out to __________ an item (一件物品) or donate your time, perhaps you wonder “Will it really __________ ?” I can tell you that it will!