1 . The most important skill I picked up at school was keeping a routine. Routines allow us to develop a rhythm to our lives, but they also have their downsides.

It can be easy to get so accustomed to your routine that you don’t realize you’re no longer conscious of your time. This can stop progress, which means you start living your life on autopilot. It’s important that you include time in your routine for self-reflection. Doing the same thing week after week can be dull. If you make time to try new things and explore new interests, you can adjust your routine to better fit your lifestyle as things change.

When I first came to college, I was told countless times that it’s important you develop a routine so you can focus on things important to you. But it’s easy to forget the bigger picture. I got so used to the same old things that I would often forget about all of the other fun and exciting opportunities college had to offer.

It wasn’t until my junior year that I really started setting time aside to explore things that were interesting to me. This was partly because COVID-19 and lockdown made my college life a lot more boring. It was this experience that made me realize I was stuck in a rut, a feeling I’m sure many came to terms with. I decided I was going to make a change. I needed to find a balance between keeping a structured schedule and finding time to be creative and try new things.

I started writing and doing research to apply the things I learned in class. I started learning new instruments, visiting new places around town and exploring new ways to get involved in the local community. All of these different experiences allowed me to look at the things I was doing from a new perspective. It made me reassess what I’m doing with my life and pursue new goals, which have added tremendous value to my life.

Routines are important, yes, but don’t forget: it’s not the routine that determines your life. It’s only you who can decide how you spend your time, so don’t forget to throw something new in there from time to time. Above all else, don’t live your life on autopilot.

1. What can happen if we “live our lives on autopilot” according to the author?

A．We make rapid progress.

B．We get bored by our dull lives.

C．We forget to practice self-reflection.

D．We become more sensitive to changes.

2. What did the author realize in his junior year of college?

A．It was vital to develop a routine.

B．A structured schedule helped beat boredom.

C．He should focus on important things.

D．He should lead a more balanced life.

3. In what way did the author make a change?

A．He changed his career path.

B．He changed his major in college.

C．He paid more attention to his books.

D．He enriched his social life.

4. What is the message the author tries to convey in the text?

A．We should balance our school work and interests.

B．It’s important to explore possibilities outside our routines.

C．Our routines define our goals and who we are.

D．Colleges offer us numerous opportunities to try new things.