4 . When I was a teenager, I was invited to a formal dance party. I was _________, but also nervous about what to wear. Mom suggested I wear high heels (高跟鞋).

“Mom, I don’t know if I can wear these,” I said, feeling _________. “Don’t worry, sweetie. Just take small _________ and keep your weight centered,” she suggested.

As I arrived at the party, I tried to be _________ and act like everything was fine. But _________ struck when I stepped onto the dance floor. I _________ my own feet, falling to the ground in front of everyone.

I quickly got up and laughed it off, pretending like it was _________. But deep down, I felt like a tomato, wanting to _________.

My friend Lilly helped me _________ that incident and managed me another high heels as a support so that nobody would understand my hesitation. But a little bit __________ continued in my mind.

When I returned home, I told Mom I felt like a complete __________ at the party. “It’s okay. You tried something new, and it didn’t go as __________. But that’s how we learn and grow. Don’t be too __________ on yourself and wear what you feel __________ in,” Mom said, giving me a hug.

From that day forward, I stuck to flat shoes. I learned to __________ my true self and not worry about what others thought.

5 . With almost all big employers in the United States now using artificial intelligence (AI) and automation in their hiring processes, the public is considering some urgent questions: How can you prevent discrimination in hiring when a machine is keeping the discrimination? What kind of methods might help?

Some 83% of employers, including 99% of Fortune 500 companies, now use some form of automated tools as part of their hiring process, said the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s ( EEOC) chair Charlotte Burrows, at a hearing on Tuesday. She said everyone needs to speak up on the debate over these technologies. “The risks are simply too high to leave this topic just to the experts.”

Last year, the EEOC issued some guidance around the use of cutting-edge hiring tools, noting many of their shortcomings. The agency found that resume( 简历) scanners which prioritize keywords and programs which evaluate a candidate’s facial expressions and speech patterns in video interviews can create discrimination. Take, for example, a video interview that analyses an applicant’s speech patterns to determine their ability to solve problems. A person with a speech problem might score low and automatically be screened out. The problem will be for the EEOC to root out discrimination or stop it from taking place.

The EEOC is considering the most appropriate ways to handle the problem. It’s agreed that inspections are necessary to ensure that the software used by companies avoids intentional or unintentional discrimination. But who would conduct those inspections is a more challenging question. Each option presents risks, Burrows pointed out. A third party may turn a blind eye to its clients, while a government-led inspection could potentially stop innovation.

In previous remarks, Burrows has noted the great potential that AI decision making tools have to improve the lives of Americans, but only when used properly. “We must work to ensure that these new technologies do not become a high-tech pathway to discrimination,” she said.

9 . Virtual Winter Math Contest Preparation Club registrations are now open!

Winter Contest Preparation Club (January 10—February 3, 2023, Online)

Math Enrichment Courses (February 7—March 3, 2023, Online)

Course Streams

·Contest Courses are designed to cover contest questions and problem-solving strategics. Instructions focus on the fundamentals of problem solving in fun ways, and improving skills in solving a problem by recognize ng its type.

·Programming Courses focus on exploring the relationship between math and programming. Building on math knowledge, solving math puzzles, and learning programming receipts students program together to solve challenges and projects.

·Enrichment Courses are designed for students who are comfortable in math concepts at their grade level and are looking for greater challenges and new ways to stimulate their interest in math.

Program Fees and Financial Sapport

·Online Grades 1-8 Contest Club and Enrichment Courses: $275

·Online Grades 9-12 Contest Club and Enrichment Courses: $290+tax

If you are unable to pay for the full program because you have been financially affected. please apply for a scholarship. Further information and an application form can be found here.

Refund(退款)Policy

There is a $50 administrative fee for cancellation(取消)requests. Cancellations made 48hours before the first class will receive a full refund, but the administrative fee will not be returned. Requests for refunds after the deadline will not be processed.

Registration

To register for any class, you must create an account on our registration system by clicking the button below.