Harvard is one of the most famous educational institutions in the world and many people want to study there. The problem is that most applicants don't follow the advice that will most likely get them {#blank#}1{#/blank#} (pick).

    One of the most important things you should remember when {#blank#}2{#/blank#} (apply) to Harvard is that THEY WANT YOU TO HAVE A LIFE. This is probably the main requirement after your grades. The best situation is that you are a {#blank#}3{#/blank#} (nature) leader with lots of activities and active social life. Another important thing to remember is that you have to promote (推销) {#blank#}4{#/blank#} (you) but in a reasonable manner. You should be aware of your strengths and {#blank#}5{#/blank#} (weak). Grades are very important but they are not everything. Try to gain a great school record from your high school years, take extra courses that are interesting, and enjoy life. {#blank#}6{#/blank#} rest will come naturally.

    Last but not least, let's pay attention {#blank#}7{#/blank#} the interview. You should be respectful and most importantly, show real interest in the school (not only the name). {#blank#}8{#/blank#} is a matter of luck to get an interviewer who shares common interests with you. The thing with the interview is that Harvard {#blank#}9{#/blank#} (receive) applications from hundreds, if not thousands of students with the same grades. This means the interview is your chance to show {#blank#}10{#/blank#} you are unique.

    As I write this, I'm sitting on a bus back to Santiago in Chile where I am currently working{#blank#}1{#/blank#}a language assistant. I've just spent the weekend in a city called La Serena north of Santiago. I was lucky enough to see the flowering desert, a natural phenomenon that {#blank#}2{#/blank#}(occur) around every five years here in the Atacama Desert.

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#}(follow) a particularly large amount of rainfall earlier, a{#blank#}4{#/blank#}(vary) of flowers come into blossom. Bright purple flowers create {#blank#}5{#/blank#} unbelievably beautiful scene at the base of the surrounding mountains.

    {#blank#}6{#/blank#}(catch) a glimpse of this magnificent treasure of nature, we took a bus from La Serena to a nearby town and then rented a car to go to the desert.{#blank#}7{#/blank#} we saw did not disappoint us, and as expected it was even more fascinating than the pictures we had seen online. The bloom was particularly {#blank#}8{#/blank#}(impress) this year due to the strong presence of El Niño (a band of warm water in the Pacific Ocean that changes the temperatures and increases the rainfall in certain areas). The vast carpet of colour {#blank#}9{#/blank#} spread into the distance towards the contrasting green hills was {#blank#}10{#/blank#}(simple) breathtaking and deserved a large amount of photos! A real reminder of the beauty our planet can provide.

Going out to Sun Peaks for Fun

    We went looking for some family ski fun, not too far from greater Vancouver, and we found it and more at Sun Peaks Resort, {#blank#}1{#/blank#} (locate) just 20 minutes outside of Kamloops. Pulling into the village, you feel like you've come along a mountainside wonderland {#blank#}2{#/blank#} two hills. Right away you feel at peace in the mountains.

    Sun Peaks has two mountains for skiing and boarding, with lots of lift and capacity {#blank#}3{#/blank#} (get) you around. Most accommodations throughout the village are ski-in/ski-out, so you can park your car once and walk or ski{#blank#}4{#/blank#} you need to go. Morrisey is on one side, and Todd Mountain on the other, connected by trails and a covered bridge, with skiable ground second in Canada only to Whistler. There is {#blank#}5{#/blank#} for everyone, from snow flying saucer and snowmobile, to mini golf and jungle live CS. During the two days of skiing on the holiday, we never met more than five minutes of lineup, and many times we {#blank#}6{#/blank#} (run) ourselves with fresh powder.

    Tubing is right there at the bottom of the main ski hill, perfect for parents who want to have some drinks at Bottoms Bar & Grill {#blank#}7{#/blank#} the kids keep the fun going into the evening. The village is small and quiet, so the kids {#blank#}8{#/blank#} have a lot of freedom to run around and play.

    Bring your skates! There is an NHL-sized outdoor rink (溜冰场), just a 10 minute walk from the main village. Skate rentals are available, and you can join a game of drop-in hockey, or enjoy a family skate during one of the open ice times {#blank#}9{#/blank#} go well into the evening, under the stars. Check with guest services to see if the rink is open, since it is weather dependent.

    In the summertime at Sun Peaks, the chairlifts switch up to accommodate mountain bikes and hikers. Downhill biking trails create adventure for those {#blank#}10{#/blank#} (look) for excitement, and the golf course at Sun Peaks provides hours of great scenic links.

    To me, the most beautiful thing is the ocean. It is beautiful because it has a calming effect. When {#blank#}1{#/blank#} (listen) to the sound of the waves, I feel peaceful. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} the age of 10, I went to the beach for the first time. With my feet in the water, I felt totally relaxed, and the sound of the ocean really {#blank#}3{#/blank#} (comfort) me. From then on, I often dream of floating in the ocean, feeling carefree.