【推荐1】I cannot remember a point in my life when I desired anything other than becoming a teacher. At the beginning of my senior year in high school, I began applying to the University of Connecticut. But what I didn’t realize was how expensive my dream was. I came from a middle-class family, and it seemed as though we’d always struggled to make ends meet.

I wasn’t the smartest person in my class, not even close; but my heart was in the right place, and I was determined. I applied for every scholarship I could get my hands on. What did I have to lose? And then my guidance counselor told me about the financial aid system. I applied, but I didn’t think I would qualify for that either.

After the holidays, my friends started receiving their acceptance letters from colleges, and I eagerly anticipated mine. Finally, a letter arrived from the University of Connecticut. Feelings of fear and joy overwhelmed me when I opened the envelope with trembling hands. I had done it! I cried for a while, feeling both extremely excited and afraid. I had been working a full-time job, but that was barely enough to pay for tuition, and it was impossible for my parents to finance my education.

Months went by before a letter from the financial aid office arrived. I opened it eagerly, but it was only a letter requesting more information to process my application. This happened over and over, and my hopes kept getting shot down. Finally, a bulky envelope arrived, the one that would determine whether I could attend college. Not only was financial aid going to help me out with my expenses, but also I won two of the scholarships I had applied for! I had actually made my dream come true.

I am now a junior at the University of Connecticut, pursuing a degree in English.

【推荐2】Although growing up in a poor family in post-war 1950s, Gloria Stewart remembers her poor but kindhearted parents always had an extra setting at their table, especially at Christmas.

The warmth of her mum and dad’s welcome for poor guests at the coldest time of the year inspired the 69-year-old grandmother to spread her own seasonal joy. “Mum and dad hadn’t even got a penny,” recalls Gloria. “But it didn’t matter. They’d never turn down any homeless one who knocked on the door.”

“When I became a mum, I tried to make the festive season as special as possible. However, I once met an old lady who was spending Christmas alone in bed. It broke my heart.”

In December 2007, Gloria hosted the first Home Alone lunch after advertising to the public and receiving donations. It took a special person with a big heart and an even bigger table to invite 87 lonely old people for Christmas. Her Home Alone event has lasted up to now.

Every Christmas, Gloria wears her most sparkly dress to serve the traditional roast to every table of her smiling, grateful guests, making time to speak to as many of them as possible. After her first lunch, Gloria was nicknamed Mrs. Christmas. And now she has written a book about her extraordinary life helping bring joy to the elderly who would normally spend Christmas alone.

She wrote in her book, “When I was a child, I had few friends and I was laughed at for being so poor. So I was determined no one else should bear the loneliness and hardship I had suffered.” Having battled cancer three times, Gloria became even more determined to make sure Christmas was not clouded by sadness.

Now the Home Alone event has grown to serving turkey lunch to over 500 happy guests. The kind lady received an award from Sheffield City Council for her efforts and was praised by former Prime Minister David Cameron.

But for Gloria, the real prize comes as she watches the smiles light up the faces of her lunch guests. She says, “There really is no greater reward. Just for a few hours they escape their loneliness and are surrounded by love.”

【推荐3】Mr. Green is a doctor, and he is usually very busy. One day, it was his son, Bill’s birthday. It was half past five in the afternoon. Bill was watching TV on the sofa when his father went back home from work.

“Hello, Dad.” Bill said to his dear father.

“Dear, happy birthday to you! I want to give a present to you. Here is fifty dollars. You can buy some books. I know you like reading.” Mr. Green said to his son.

“Thank you very much, Dad.” said Bill happily.

Then Bill went out of the house with the money. About fifteen minutes later, he went back home with nothing.

“Where are the books?” Mr. Green asked.

“I didn’t go to the bookstore. I went to Mr. Smith’s house. I gave the money to his son, Bob. He wants to buy some toys but his family is too poor.” said the boy.

Mr. Green held his son into his arms and said, “Yow are a good boy! I’m proud of you.”

【推荐2】There was ice on the road, and the doctor's car hit a tree and turned over three times. To his surprise, he was not hurt. He got out of the car and walked to the nearest house. He wanted to telephone the garage for help. The door was opened by one of his patients.

" Oh, Doctor," she said, "I have only just telephoned you. You must have a very fast car. You have got here very quickly indeed. There has been a very bad accident on the road outside. I saw it through the window. I am sure the driver will need your help."