“Mom, I got into the University of Delaware!” I still remember how thrilled I was to be the first one in my family to have the opportunity to study abroad. I was so excited that I did a countdown every single day leading up to move in day at the university. However, just a few weeks after I got there, I found it very difficult to adapt to a different country, culture, and a strict curriculum.
I knew studying in a foreign university was going to be hard, but the first exam still shocked — me I got a 58%, the lowest in my life. Worse still, since my day-to-day experiences and interests were so different from the American students’, I was struggling to make friends. I felt like a complete loser and kept thinking maybe I should just give up. But then it occurred to me that I was not studying just for myself, but to live up to my family’s expectations.
Having made up my mind to push myself forward, I came up with a plan to make improvements. The plan was not only about study, but also about my eating and leisure time. I also planned weekly goals on how to make friends, such as “you will talk to someone at the dining hall, and you will not be scared!” Looking back, I find it was definitely embarrassing to plan my days like this, but I did it and made it. I was able to interact with others without looking like an outsider and even made some friends. I even began to teach others about my country, Panama. I told them about typical cultural differences between Panama and the US. It was really exciting to see them eager to learn more about my country.
Now I am a senior, confident, strong and smart. My freshman-year self is extremely proud of how far I have come. The coming graduation surely makes me sad, but I’m sure it’s not the ending, but the beginning of the many more goals I will accomplish.
4. How did the author feel after entering college?
A.Thrilled. | B.Stressed. | C.Disappointed. | D.Proud. |
5. What stopped the writer from giving up?
A.His interest in knowledge. | B.His longing for friends. |
C.His sense of responsibility. | D.His desire for a degree. |
6. How did the writer overcome the difficulties?
A.By turning to his parents. | B.By interacting with outsiders. |
C.By carrying out an overall plan. | D.By engaging in leisure activities. |
7. Which of the following best describes the writer?
A.Proud and productive. | B.Sensitive and cautious. |
C.Optimistic and warm-hearted. | D.Determined and self-motivated. |