“I've always had a pretty clear idea of what I want to do.” says Mary, a middle school student who wants to become a director some day. You may not be as sure of your career (职业) as Mary. But you can start thinking about and planning for your future career.

    The following article helps middle school students plan for careers.

    Explore (探索) your interests

    Many middle school students don't yet know what they want to do. But in fact, students may change their minds several times, perhaps even after they enter society. And some of tomorrow's careers might not exist (存在) today. Focusing on just one job in middle school isn't necessary. But looking into the kinds of careers you might like can help you succeed.

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    Understanding what you enjoy and what you're good at is the most important step in exploring careers. If you don't know what you want to do, you should ask yourself what you like to learn about. If you really like science, what do you enjoy about it — the lab work or the research? It's important to think about what you like to do, because work will finally be a big part of your life.

Discover possible careers

    Once you've thought about the subjects and activities you like best, the next step is to look for careers that put those interests to use. If you love sports, for example, you might consider a career as a P.E. teacher or a soccer coach. If you like English, a career as an English teacher, a translator or a travelling guide might be a good choice.

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    After discovering possible jobs, you'll want to learn more about them. Talking directly to workers on the phone, by email, or through online discussion can help you get information about what they do. Even meeting with them in person is helpful. First-hand information is necessary for you to find out if you'll really like a career.

    Patrick doesn't like school. He thinks doing homework is too boring. He likes to play baseball and basketball after class.

    One day his cat is playing with a little elf (精灵). The elf says, "Help me! Don't give me back to that cat. If you help me, I can grant（承认you a wish." So Patrick says, "Help me do all my homework for 35 days."

    The elf doesn't always know what to do and he needs help. "Help me! Help me!" he says. And Patrick has to help. "I don't know this word," the elf asks. "Get me a dictionary. Look up the word." When it comes to math, the elf says," I know nothing about math. Here, sit down beside me and help me." The elf doesn't know anything about history, he says, "Go to the library. I need books. And you can help me read them, too."

    Patrick works hard every day. Patrick gets A at each subject. But I tell you a secret. In fact Patrick does the homework by himself.

    I have some good friends in my school. They live near our school. So it's very easy for them to get to school every day.

    Tina To get to school, I usually walk out and turn right at the post office. Then I walk along Bridge Street, Our school is on the right.

    Linda My house is near our school. To get there, I just have to cross the Green Street.

    Susan It's easy for me to get to school. 1 usually go down North Road and turn left. Our school is next to the park.

    Anna I walk along New Street. Then I turn right at the first crossing. Our school is on my left. I always walk to school. Walking is the best way to exercise.

Jack's friend Sally isn't fine these days.

One day she asks Jack for help. And she tells(告诉)Jack about her food. For breakfast. She always eats some bread. For lunch, she always has some chicken. She likes eating ice-cream and a hamburger in the evening. 

"They're not healthy for you, Sally," Jack says. "I know, but I like them," Sally says. "What about vegetables? Do you like eating carrots?" Jack asks. "No, I don't," Sally says.

"Sally, don't eat ice-cream. You must eat some vegetables and fruit. They are healthy food," Jack says. "I think you're right," Sally says.

In the next days, Sally always eats vegetables and fruit. And she is well now.