【推荐2】As a teacher we all have those memories of students—we wonder if we were able to teach or reach those students who had a need to get out of their seats every five minutes or so.

I recently received an e-mail from one such student, Paco. Paco’s e-mail brought back memories of one particular (特别) class.

In our high school’s first year, our classes were 80 minutes long instead of the traditional 40 minutes. On this particular day, I was being observed by two college professors. Of course, I was proud of the fact that the class was conducted entirely in Spanish and the students felt comfortable expressing themselves in Spanish.

On that day, Paco came running through the door with a toasted cheese sandwich in hand, saying “Senora Mike. I’m hungry and I hope you don’t mind if I just quickly eat this great toasted cheese sandwich.” I said, “Go ahead, Paco.” Paco sat down and finished his sandwich. Paco had now noticed our two visitors. Of course, our two visitors noticed Paco the minute he ran through the door.

The lesson was going along quite well, and all the students were working in their groups. Suddenly, Paco raised his hand and said, “Senora, esta lloviendo en mis pantalones.” (“Mrs. Mike, it is raining in my trousers.”) Now, being Paco’s Spanish teacher, I understood what he wanted. I knew that it was his way of requesting to go to the bathroom. You could just imagine the laughter from the other students.

I always wonder just how much Spanish Paco learned in that class, but I know he learned more than just Spanish based on an e-mail he recently wrote to me:

I know I didn’t behave myself but you actually cared. You knew I had potential (潜力). So even though I messed up a lot, you never gave up... I’m deeply thankful to you for everything you taught me about Spanish. My attitude and life will stick with me the rest of my day...

You see, Paco was my student ten years ago.

【推荐3】Moving into a new home in a new neighborhood is an exciting experience. Of course, you want to make sure that you become an acceptable and valuable part of your neighborhood   . the easiest way to accomplish this is to make sure you conduct yourself as a good neighbor should.     1    

Perhaps one of the most important things you can do as a good neighbor is to keep your property(房产) neat, clean, and in good repair.     2     By choosing to keep the outside of the home in great shape, you will help to improve the look and feel of the area.

Second, take the overall appearance of the neighborhood seriously,. When going for a walk. Take a small garbage bag.     3     This small act will let your neighbors know that you care about the area.

    4     If a neighbor is going to be out of town, offer to collect mail and newspapers. If a neighbor suffers an illness, offer to do the grocery shopping . Let them know you are there to help in any way this acceptable, while still respecting the privacy of your neighbor.

    5     By following the basic rules of respecting others, taking care of what belongs to you, and taking pride in the appearance of the neighborhood in general, you will quickly become a good neighbor that everyone appreciate.

【推荐1】School Clubs or Sports?

bha8102

Asked July 20, 2020

I am a high school freshman. Should I participate in high school clubs or sports? By clubs I mean clubs like Habitat for Humanity or Math Team. I have heard that taking up a sport in 9th grade can help you get into a better college. I am equally interested in both.

Replies

southernbelle16

Answered July 21, 2020

Get involved with extracurricular clubs. Sports don’t matter that much unless you:

a) play one continuously for years;

b) are going to college to play sports.

Clubs that involved academics, volunteer work and leadership are excellent. If you have time to play sports, then do that as well. Colleges want well-rounded people.

thinkingtoohard

Answered July 21, 2020

If you’re looking to get into a highly competitive college, yes! I wish someone had told me freshman year that by the time I was a senior, I should have founded at least one club, been a leader in two others, and done tons of volunteer work. I might be exaggerating a little bit but you get the idea ... check out what students have done to get accepted into their colleges. But make sure that your clubs/sports fit your interests. College admissions officers can easily tell when they’re just fillers.

bha8102

Asked July 22, 2020

I am interested in sports but not good at them. What if I involve myself in a club I am interested in but don’t become officer?   

Replies

@intparent

Answered July 22, 2020

One of my kids got accepted to every place she had applied to two years ago, and she had no “named” leadership positions. However, she was a very strong contributor in some team activities. Leadership isn’t always about standing in front of the room with a title. It can be about leading your team in terms of performance, for example, or in helping younger teammates make progress.

I think the leadership title positions are overrated in the college admissions process. Colleges don’t want “lone wolves” who can’t get along with others. They want students who are sincere, try the best to do the things that are important to them, and perform at a high level in the things that they set their minds to. Pick the things that you love and put a lot of effort into them. If you have good grades and test scores, the rest will follow.

【推荐2】    1    

Your school days should be some of the best and happiest days of your life. How can you gain the most from them, and ensure that you do not waste this wonderful opportunity to learn?

Be positive about school! Don’t say things which are difficult or boring. Be interested in school life and your school subjects. Join in lots of activities. Be quick to put your hand up. Go round the school with a big smile.

Expect to work.     2     . If you are not working, you are not learning, you are wasting your time at school. Teachers cannot make everything enjoyable.

Keep fit. If you do not eat a good breakfast, you will be thinking about food in class. If you go to bed late and do not have enough sleep, you will be sleepy in class. Play some sports to keep your body strong.

    3    . Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today. Do not say you will do things tomorrow. If you get behind the class, it is very difficult to get back in front. You cannot finish a race if you rest all the time.

Don’t be too disappointed if things sometimes go bad.     4     . Friends are not always perfect, and they sometimes say and do unpleasant things. Don’t let small problems seem very big and important.

Talk about problems — sometimes they are only the result of misunderstanding. Don’t be too embarrassed to ask for help. You are young. No one thinks you can do everything!

Plan your time. Don’t waste life lying in bed on Saturday morning. Go and play a sport, learn the piano, work on a project, read a book, practise English, or help someone with problems. There are always a lot of things to do. Set targets. If your last grade was a D, work for a C. Try to make progress bit by bit.     5     !

【推荐3】My problems started after I went to a boarding school. I was only 14, and at first I missed my family a lot. I often called them and cried on the phone. But after two weeks, I found I enjoyed being with my classmates at school.

I had many friends who were boys. I thought of them as my best friends—but only friends. I never guessed my friendships with boys would become a problem.

Then, three months later, my friends told me that some teachers and girls said I was hanging out with boys all day long in order to get attention from them. Seven months after that, the head teacher Mr. Wang asked the class to choose some students to join the Student Union. I thought I could win for I was doing well in school. I’d already won prizes for the best math and English exams. A week later, the list came out and it didn’t include me. I was sad.

Mr. Wang came to me and said, “Don’t be sad. I know you’re excellent! Maybe you’re a little distant from the girls in our class. They don’t know much about you, so some of them didn’t choose you. It doesn’t matter. Do your best to get along well with everyone and I think you’ll make it next time.”