I hope this email finds you well.

8 . Choosing the Right Career

You will be leaving this school and the unavoidable question many people will ask you is, “    1    ” Some of you may have already decided on a career path, but many of you still don’t have a clue! Here are some things you might want to consider.

First, does the career you are considering have staying power?     2     Rapid technological change is disruptive(扰乱性的), and we need to be forward-looking at our future prospects. While many occupations are being taken over by new technology, jobs that require high-level of critical thinking, emotional intelligence and human interaction, remain in high demand. These jobs are not easily replaced by machines or technology. So think carefully about this before you choose your professional path.

Second, choose a career that interests you. Some people might think this is unimportant, but if you are truly passionate about your job then going to work every day won’t seem a chore.     3    

Before making a choice, you should examine your values, skills and personality type. This can help you decide if a career path is a good fit for you.

Third, of course you will want to consider your chosen profession’s earning power. Although high pay plays a part, you should know that a job with a big salary will likely require more time to get to the top, much more effort and a higher level of stress.     4     If you have interests outside of work, or are struggling with other demands in your life, you might want to choose a less demanding line of work.

    5     Let me leave you with an old saying: “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

9 . Storytelling is an ancient art form that has been used to hand down legends, tales and factual stories. Perhaps the first thing that springs to mind when you think of storytelling is the fantasy land that took shape in your mind while Mom or Dad told you stories about princes, castles and monsters, with a unique voice for each character.

Storytelling does not just take place at bedtime or round a campfire, however. It can take some other forms, either via the books we read or the films we watch. But they usually have some elements in common: rather than a list of dry facts, stories have plots and they introduce characters. We respond to stories, particularly when there is emotional detail.

And unlike what we suppose, storytelling is not just a form of entertainment, but a form of learning as well. Long before reading and writing became widely spread and available, oral storytelling had already been a form that the wisdom and knowledge of the people were passed down from elders to children. A good story engages our curiosity, emotions and imagination.

Storytelling helps with learning also because stories are easy to remember. Research has found that learning obtained from a well-told story is remembered more accurately, and for far longer, than from facts and figures.

And above all, stories have a transformative power to allow us to see the world in a different way than we do if we just encounter it on our own. Stories are an entry point to understanding a different experience of the world.

This aspect of storytelling-presenting a different perspective of the world — is important when it comes to connecting with each other. It gives us an opportunity to learn from another person’s experience and it can shape, strengthen or challenge our opinions and values. So, when someone tells us their own personal story, we catch a glimpse of a view of the world that may be slightly or significantly different from our own. When we see the world as they see it, or walk in their shoes, the experience can inspire empathy (共情;同理心) with them.

10 . Guide for Teenagers

The teenage years can be tough, and it’s normal to feel sad every now and then. But if these feelings don’t go away or become so intense that you can’t handle them, you may be suffering from depression.     1    

Try not to isolate yourself

When you’re depressed, you may not feel like seeing anybody or doing anything. If you just stay in bed all day and isolate yourself, you will feel more depressed.     2    . Thus, please spend more time with friends, especially those who are active.

Keep your body healthy

Making healthy lifestyle choices can do wonders for your mood. Ever heard of a “runnershigh”? Physical activity can be as effective as medications for depression, so get involved in sports, ride your bike, or take a dance class. Any activity helps!     3    . As for food, make sure you’re feeding your mind with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Avoid alcohol and drugs

You maybe try drinking or use drugs in an effort to escape from your feelings and get a “mood boost”, even if just for a short time. However substance use can not only make depression worse, but can cause you to become more depressed.     4    . You will need special treatment for your substance problem.

    5    

Stress and worry can lead to depression. Talk to a teacher if exams or classes seem overwhelming. In addition, if you have a health concern you feel you can’t talk to your parents about, see a doctor. A health professional can help you approach your parents and guide you toward appropriate treatment. If you’re dealing with relationship, friendship, or family problems, talk to an adult you trust.