Many people in high school cannot wait to go to college and leave their hometown behind. Questions arise, though, when it comes to all of the decisions involved in choosing a college.

    One of the first considerations may be finance. State and public colleges are often the least expensive. Often, though, the better colleges are private and more expensive. It is sad when gifted students cannot attend a college of their choice just for financial reasons.

    Another major factor is location. Whether the college is in a small town or large city can have a major impact on its activities. A water lover probably will be more comfortable spending four years near an ocean or a lake. Those who cannot tolerate heat will probably be more comfortable at a northern college. Distance from home may also come into consideration. If family is a top priority, that person should stay close to home; on the other hand, if independence is desired, a campus farther from home would be more appropriate.

    School size also plays a major role in the decision process. If you want to get to know your teachers, a small college is suitable. For those of you who consider yourself a “people person” and want a wide range of activities, a large college is more fitting. Your area of interest is another factor to consider in the decision-making process if you want to get the most from your education. The whole point of college is to learn what is of interest to you.

    Crucially(至关重要地), one must take into consideration the colleges by which you can realistically be accepted. An Ivy League school for an average student would probably not be a good match. Similarly, an average school for an above-average student would not work well. The college should provide enough of a challenge for the student to work hard. Although there may not be the perfect college out there, there probably will be one that is close. Those who cannot find a suitable college are probably not looking hard enough.

    Snorkelling in Silfra

The clear water at this UNESCO world heritage(遗产) site in Thingvellir National Park will leave you speechless. It is one of the highest rated dive sites in the world. During this journey, you will snorkel within a crack between the Eurasian and American continents. You'll experience truly amazing views of the colorful underwater landscape, marine life(海洋生物), and geological formations. Silfra's water is fresh and drinkable at around 2℃ - 4℃ all year round. Visibility can reach more than 100 meters, and swimming often feels more like flying.

    This trip is for anyone who knows how to swim and is up for a unique adventure. We offer transportation with a pick-up in Reykjavik, and provide you with a dry suit. The total length of the tour is approximately five hours, and includes in-water snorkelling lasting around 30 minutes. We'll guide you through the main Silfra Big Crack, Silfra Hall, Silfra Cathedral and Silfra Lagoon.

Included:

    All necessary snorkeling equipment;

    Hot drinks and food;

    Silfra entrance fee of 1,000 ISK.

    Availability: All year at 09:00 and 15:00. Pick-up in one hour before.

    Requirements:

    Participants need to complete the Silfra medical statement before the tour.

    Divers must:

    Be at least 18 years old (young people under 18 years old need a signature from their legal guardian), and the maximum age is 65 years old;

    Be able to communicate in English.

    Be physically fit;

    Not be pregnant;

    Not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs;

    Sign a medical form.

    The pupils of Grangetown High have been busy getting to know their newest and tallest classmate — a 7-meter-tall giraffe outside their school.

    The giraffe is a huge sculpture (雕像). The school's headmaster noticed it in an artist's garden as he drove past one day, and thought it would be perfect for his school. “I knew everyone would love it," he said, "because our basketball team is known as the Grangetown Giraffes, and they wear giraffes on their shirts. So I asked them to write to the artist, asking how much it would cost to buy the giraffe. He was very kind and got it ready to deliver (递送) in six weeks — all for nothing! It was expected to arrive one Sunday morning, so that the pupils would see it when they got to school on Monday — at that time they had no idea that we were getting it."

    The artist, Tom Bennett was a university professor of chemistry before he retired in 2012 and only took up metalwork a couple of years ago. "I've always drawn pictures," he said. I can even remember doing it on my first day at school — I drew a horse. I wanted it to be the best horse picture ever, but I don't think I succeeded."Tom's first metalwork was a bicycle on which he and his wife could go cycling together, “It was the most uncomfortable bike ever created," he said, "so I gave up making bicycles and went into sculpture instead."

    Meanwhile the pupils at Grangetown High are very happy with their new classmate. "We're going to hold a competition to give it a proper name," said one girl. "Everyone likes the expression on its face, so perhaps that will give us some ideas."

    Homestay in Sydney, Australia

    Linda:

    Our big home is in Sydney, about 300 meters from Sydney University and 450 meters from the train station. The train ride is about 30 minutes to the CBD. Now we only have a small bedroom for a female student.

    The cost is $260 per week, which includes all meals when at home and laundering(洗烫) of clothes.

    E-mail: markalarms @optusnet. com.au

    John:

    I have a lovely single room for homestay (male, non-smokers only). The apartment is located across the road from a bus station. A sports field is only a two-minute walk away.

    The room is for both short and long stays. The cost is $220 per week, including breakfast and lunch on weekdays. There is no washing machine at home. Do your own laundry in the apartment block's facilities.

    E-mail: ainsley gilkes@yahoo.com.au

    Eric:

    I live in the northern suburbs of Sydney--quiet for studying and relaxing, yet close to Sydney University & NCELTR & SIBT. The subway station is nearby.

    All facilities of the house including a living room with a TV can be used. Owners are very open and friendly, and treat students as part of the family.

    The prices include all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and cleaning. The fee is $300 per week. E-mail: mineanny@hotmail.com

Rose:

    Hi, everyone! I have one room for homestay (girl students only) in a house which is very close to Sydney University (SIBT) & WSU in the northern district of Sydney. There is a bus station across the road. Travel time to the centre of the city is 40 minutes by train. We only have one homestay at a time. Therefore, our family can take good care of you. The fee is $230 per week. We are looking forward to having you in our home.

    E-mail: cliqi9239@hotmail com

Heman Bekele was not a typical high school student. 1 . spending his free time playing video games, this 14-year-old was conducting experiments. His goal was to create a 2 . that could treat skin cancer, and make it affordable for everyone who 3 . it.

Growing up in Ethiopia, Africa, Heman 4 . saw people getting sunburned by the hot sun working outside. He didn't 5 much of it when he was really little, but as he 6 . he realized how serious skin cancer really was.

Skin cancer does have cures and it is 7 in most cases. However, the average 8 of skin cancer treatment is almost $40,000. When hearing the shocking 9 , Heman planned to create a more 10 and accessible solution. He started doing experiments and working on different things, which turned into his bar of soap as a project.

His 11 won him the prize in this year's 3M Young Scientis's Challenge, a competition that 12 kids to think of unique ways to solve everyday problems. Heman was so surprised and 13 when he first heard the news of his award. "It's 14 to see that my ideas can be 15 and seen by the science community." he said.