【推荐2】The day I heard that Rainbow Bookstore was closing after 50 years of business, I was heartbroken.The bookstore, which was a landmark in the neighbourhood, was a place where anyone could drop in and read books.

When I hurried to the store, I saw that the books were already packed into boxes.I had a long chat with Casey, the store's elderly owner. Sighing deeply, he told me how it was becoming difficult to run his bookstore.Most young people preferred reading e-books on tablets and more customers were attracted by low-priced books of online stores.I tried to think of some words to comfort him, but I knew Rainbow Bookstore couldn’t stay in business much longer.

A few months later,I was back in the neighbourhood during my spring break and was surprised to see that the bookstore was still there and opened for business.Its old brick walls hadn't been decorated, but inside it was like a different world.

I was told that the community had decided to work together on a programme to save Rainbow Bookstore.The programme was led by Jennifer Oakley,a saleswoman who had grown up in the neighbourhood and who had now taken over the bookstore from Casey.Under Jennifer's leadership, the bookstore was being turned into a place for literature-loving members of the community to get together.It had a cafe selling food and there were now more community events such as book readings, poetry recitings and even jazz concerts and movie nights, where people could gather to share an experience that couldn't be downloaded online.

l also met Casey, who was looking up at readers' comments that kept popping up on the screen.“I remember readers' comments used to appear on a big board here.”I pointed at the corner.Casey smiled,“Well, as you can see, business knowledge combined with creativity has brought my old bookstore into the 21st century!I’m so pleased to see that everything I wanted to offer to the community is still here.”

【推荐1】When I was nine years old, I loved to go fishing with my dad. But the only thing that wasn’t very fun about it was that he could catch many fish while I couldn’t catch anything. I usually got pretty upset and kept asking him why. He always answered, “Son, if you want to catch a fish, you have to think like a fish.” I remember being even more upset then because, “I’m not a fish!” I didn’t know how to think like a fish. Besides, I reasoned, how could what I think influence what a fish does?

As I got a little older I began to understand what my dad really meant. So, I read some books on fish. And I even joined the local fishing club and started attending the monthly meetings. I learned that a fish is a cold-blooded animal and therefore is very sensitive to water temperature. That is why fish prefer shallow water to deep water because the former is warmer. Besides, water is usually warmer in direct sunlight than in the shade. Yet, fish don’t have any eyelids (眼皮) and the sun hurts their eyes. The more I understood fish, the more I became effective at finding and catching them.

When I grew up and entered the business world, I remember hearing my first boss say, “We all need to think like sales people.” But it didn’t completely make sense. My dad never once said, “If you want to catch a fish you need to think like a fisherman.” What he said was, “You need to think like a fish.” Years later, with great efforts to promote long-term services to people much older and richer than me, I gradually learned what we all need is to think more like customers. It is not an easy job. I will show you how in the following chapters.

【推荐2】I’m 62 now and always planned to volunteer with older people when I retired. There was such a big gap in the care and support this generation receives and I found the thought heartbreaking — no one should have to feel lonely and stuck at home.

I started volunteering three years ago. My team of volunteers have set up seven groups in our town. We host tea parties for those aged 75 and older who live on their own and regularly provide support, friendship and companionship for the most isolated (孤独的) older people in the community.

Working with my older neighbors is rewarding. To hear their stories and the hardships they have overcome is inspiring. I feel like I’m making a positive difference to the lives of older people by sharing my time with them, helping them stay active and social and making clear to them that they are valued by our community.

As an area coordinator (协调人), I also help recruit (招募) and manage volunteers, without whom the work would be impossible. So many go above and beyond what’s asked, offering time, energy and kindness, just because they care. I’ve found enthusiasm from people making the lives of our older neighbors better, and they are a constant source of inspiration for me.

I’ve met amazing people from all walks of life. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done that enriched my life. I will keep focusing on reducing loneliness and isolation among the elderly and helping them enjoy the old age they deserve.

Paris is the city of dreams. If you plan to head to Paris for a study period, then perhaps a little reality check is in order. But my experience was a romantic one.

I paved my path to Paris through an exchange program. On arrival in Paris, I was constantly reminded of the official processes I had to complete — forms to be filled in, meetings to attend, the list seemed endless.

Then the real work began. Once classes were underway, I found myself volunteering to do oral presentations and assignments first, rather than last. This method proved to be very helpful.

Once I had finished class for the week, I had an ever-increasing list of museums to visit, neighborhoods to explore, and cafes to sit in. Read books about Paris. Talk to locals and other foreigners living there. But the one thing that reading a book or talking to someone cannot do is to provide you with the experience of wandering Paris on foot. The people watching, the sounds of the city, the colors as the seasons change, they all add to the ecstasy that I experience in Paris as an exchange student.

After spending five months wandering through the charming neighborhoods, I fell in love with the atmosphere that came out from every open door, and with every spoken word. There is something comforting about walking to the market each Sunday to enjoy the beautiful display of fruits, vegetables and dairy products. There is warmth in saying bonjour to the passers-by.

On my last day in Paris, I confidently said, " Bonjour Monsieur," as I passed the little store down the street. I guess the best part about going on exchange in Paris is falling in love with the city in your own way. And I know mine is unique and special to me, my own little pieces of Paris.