I was diagnosed with allergies (过敏反应) when I was a little kid. Other than family, no one truly knows I have allergies, although I have to tell people it's allergies when my eyes start to tear up. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} Sometimes my friends just tease in a friendly way.

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#}I look like a normal kid. I don't mind telling people about my allergies—after all, it's normal to have them. Having allergies hasn't affected my self-confidence.

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#}For example, I am a big traveler and I would enjoy going to see the cherry blossoms in Washington, D. C. But when I come anywhere within a 10-foot range of cherry blossoms it feels like I lose almost all my senses! Even though it's only temporary, I still feel miserable.

    My allergies haven't stopped me from traveling when I can, though. My class trip was to Williamsburg in Virginia. At first it was supposed to be during cherry blossom time, and that had me worried. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}

    I've had to rethink some of my dreams, too. Since I'm allergic to animals with fur, I may need to adjust my hopes of being a veterinarian (兽医) or working in an agricultural-science department. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}

    Now I have learned to deal with my allergies and even see the good side sometimes. Having allergies has taught me not to be prejudiced about people's health conditions.

A. I do get made fun of.

B. My allergies have been getting better.

C. If I don't take my medicine I can get really bad breath.

D. You can't tell by looking at me that I have a health condition.

E. Fortunately, it was changed to February, so I went and had the best time!

F. But I'm interested in so many things and there are plenty of other careers out there!

G. Sure, my allergies have held me back from doing some of the things that I love to do.

    Taking on a part-time job while pursuing a degree is hard work, but there are great benefits from that. Students with part-time jobs can eam their own money, develop good time-management skills, and gain experience in the workplace.

    {#blank#}1{#/blank#}As they come into adulthood, earning an income can increase their confidence. Some students need to work through school to afford tuition.{#blank#}2{#/blank#} Still, the money will be theirs to spend as they wish, and they may appreciate it more because they worked for it.

    Students taking on a job on top of their studies will have less free time than non-working students{#blank#}3{#/blank#} They learn to skip fun activities to finish their responsibilities. This prepares them for life after school when they can't find excuses for work that's not finished in time,

    Often, students take jobs that introduce them to their preferred career after school is over{#blank#}4{#/blank#} Even students who work in places not connected to their majors will look more impressive to potential employers. Employers look for employees who understand the work environment and work well as part of a team{#blank#}5{#/blank#}That will make it much easier for them to change their roles after leaving school.

A. Others will set the money aside to pay back student loans.

B. Other students may have to get help from their parents.

C. Students having part-time jobs usually get employed easily after graduation.

D. Having a part-time job helps students to get accustomed to the professional world.

E. They tend to be better planners as they make sure they complete every task on deadline.

F. Students who take part-time jobs will have more money than they would have otherwise.

G. This allows them to gain experience in the business and begin meeting people in that field.

    Many of us deal with mental health challenges on a daily basis. Being fed a steady diet of destructive world events only serves to make that harder, So I've decided to share a few strategies to avoid being completely broken down by the newsfeed right now.

    {#blank#}1{#/blank#}

    You'll find it easier to make this mental mindshift if you make a conscious effort to boost your level of positive emotion by doing things you enjoy and spending time with people you love. Positive emotions leave the door open to possibility while negative emotions keep the door shut.

    Recognize that there's a difference between being absorbed and being informed

    Sure, you want to be aware of what's happening in the world, but that doesn't mean that you have to be absorbed into your Twitter or Facebook and aim for a balanced media diet.{#blank#}2{#/blank#} Move toward the good, too.

    Look for opportunities to take action

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#} But by carrying through on sort of positive action, however small (writing a letter, making a donation, attending a face-to-face get-together in your town), you'll feel good. And that will help to stop what can otherwise quickly change into negative feelings of anxiety and sadness.{#blank#}4{#/blank#}

    Reach out-don't break down Inward

    Connect with other caring citizens who share your concern about what's happening in our country and our world. Talk to other people you know who may be going through an especially difficult time right now.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}Finally, reach out for other types of support if you feel like you're really struggling.

A. It doesn't have to be something huge.

B. Say no sometimes.

C. Hold your sense of optimism.

D. Let them know that you will be there to support them and that you care.

E. Feeling powerless fuels anxiety, taking action brings it down.

F. Don't just focus on the really bad news.

G. Doing good deeds can also relax social anxiety.

    Learning a foreign language can be interesting. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} In order to increase your chances of success, it is important to consider which method of language learning will provide you with the most benefits. So think about the three ways of learning a language: self­study at home, attending classes and online courses.

    The main disadvantage of learning by yourself is that there is no one available to answer your questions. One way to deal with this is to make a list of your questions and ask for the help of a native speaker of the language regularly. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}

    Learning a foreign language in a classroom is probably the most popular choice. The regularity(规律性) of the lessons will encourage you to attend classes. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} In most cases, the enthusiasm of the other students may also encourage you to make progress.

    Online learning is the newest method of learning a foreign language. It suits both the students who prefer to learn alone and the students who may prefer to attend a class but are unable to do so. {#blank#}4{#/blank#} It is also possible to ask questions and to communicate with other students online.

    Whichever method you choose, keep in mind the reasons why you are learning the language. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} This will help you stay focused throughout the learning process.

A.Many students prefer to learn by themselves.

B.But it can also be difficult, frustrating and boring.

C.You should also make sure you will benefit from it.

D.You will be able to ask the teacher questions face to face.

E.You may even decide to ask others sometimes to help your self­study.

F.Online learning makes the whole process more interesting and fun.

G.Your personality should be considered when deciding which method of learning to use.

Top 3 Self-Discipline Techniques

    Self-Discipline is the key to leading a healthier, happier and more successful life. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} We have shared some self-discipline techniques below. Follow these self-discipline techniques to start living a better life.

    ⒈Start small

    The journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step, as the proverb goes. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} Instead, stamina(耐力) is built up by doing a little more than the previous day's target.

    The same goes for discipline. Start by trying to carry out self-discipline techniques little by little every day for big results. Increase your goals over time.

    ⒉{#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    Staying self-disciplined requires motivation. It can be hard to stay motivated if you feel like you haven't made any progress so far. Tracking progress makes you aware of how much you've done and encourage you to keep going.

    ⒊Exercise your willpower

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#}Some days, sticking to the task is going to be difficult but by reminding yourself of the end in mind and how much the goal means to you, you will be able to ignore temporary temptations for long term gain.

    The above-mentioned self-discipline techniques have been proven to be extremely effective.

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#} And it is the key to living a happy and fulfilling life.

A. Measure your goals.

B. Build a support system.

C. However, it is easier said than done.

D. Willpower and self-discipline go hand in hand.

E. Self-discipline is linked to effective time management.

F. Self-discipline is a feature found in many successful people.

G. You don't train for a marathon by running 10 Kilometers on the first day.

    So, You Want to Be a Writer?

    What are some tips on becoming a writer?

    ⒈Read everything you can. Most writers are good readers. They read because they love to lose themselves in books. They like the sounds of language and the way that reading a good description can feel as satisfying as winning a race or eating really good food. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}. Do you like stories that are fast-paced and full of unexpected twists? Do you prefer to read books with characters who seem like someone you might know? Do you like to feel scared or do you like a story that makes you laugh until you cry? Think about the types of writing you like best, and try to identify the qualities that attract you.

    ⒉{#blank#}2{#/blank#} It's easy to forget a good idea if you do not record it immediately. If you get in the habit of carrying a notebook or journal with you everywhere you go, you can write down anything you want to remember. When you are talking to friends in the cafeteria or waiting for the bus, something might give you an idea for a character or a scene in a story. You might have a dream you don't want to forget, or you might just write down the lyrics of a song you love. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    ⒊Do your homework. If you decide that you would like to submit your work for publication, make sure you do your research. If you are sending your writing to a magazine, look through old issues. {#blank#}4{#/blank#} If you are submitting to a book publisher, explore their website to make sure your material is similar to (but not exactly the same as) other books they publish.

    ⒋Stay positive. A writer's life can be frustrating. Sometimes it's hard to sit down and write. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} This is why perseverance is an important quality for a writer to have.

A. Talk to friends.

B. Keep a notebook.

C. As you read, pay attention to what speaks to you.

D. You may get many refusals before you receive a single acceptance.

E. Does it seem like your writing fits in with other stories or articles?

F. These everyday thoughts and observations can be material for your writing one day.

G. Writing is a good way to clear your mind and make room for more of the "good stuff".