Chris Smith’s early life seemed ordinary, similar to any other boy in his small-town class with a cheerful character, sports involvement, and a charming smile. However, his family encountered big trouble, due to his father's dishonest business practices.

He ended up homeless and it all began when Chris's little brother drowned, leading to his father's imprisonment and his mother's emotional shutdown. Chris found himself homeless when his mother left without notice. At 17, he relied on his newly married sister's hospitality, hoping to graduate high school and make it on his own.

Despite challenges, a pivotal moment came from his history teacher, recognizing Chris’s intelligence and warning him of potential regrets if he didn’t graduate. Guidance extended further with Chris’s wrestling coach, teaching him the value of hard work and teamwork over individual achievement.

For Chris, school became a retreat. He would go to the library and gym, finding inspiration in stories of underdogs overcoming odds. Graduation brought a full college scholarship, but financial struggles led to loss of funding. Determined, Chris secured grants and loans, transferring to a smaller college, and graduating in the top 10 of his class.

Undiscouraged by setbacks, Chris earned acceptance to medical school, got married, and faced a new challenge when he and his wife adopted a child in need. Applying for medical residencies, Chris aimed high, including Johns Hopkins, the No. 1 program in the nation. To his surprise, he received the acceptance letter.

Chris, now a practicing radiologist, emphasizes the importance of hard work to students, echoing the encouragement he received. His journey from homelessness to professional success illustrates the transformative power of flexibility, mentorship, and a determined commitment to one’s dreams.

Emily Harrington climbed her way into the history books last week, becoming the first woman to free-climb the Golden Gate route（路线）of Yosemite National Park's EI Capitan in less than one day. EI Capitan is considered one of the most difficult rock climbing places in the world. She topped the 3,000-foot mountain last Wednesday in 21 hours, 13 minutes and 51seconds.

Free-climbing-the method Harrington used-requires climbers to use their hands and feet to push themselves up, but they wear ropes and other protective equipment in case of a fall. However, it is not without its dangers: One of Harrington's climbs on El Capitan last year landed her in the hospital.

This year it was not all plain sailing. As Emily began her climb a little past 1:30 a. m, she kept telling herself: "Slow is smooth, smooth is fast." At one especially difficult point in the climb, as her hands, covered with sweat, reached for her next move, she fell over and knocked her head against a rock. The injury wasn't serious, but Harrington, bloody, tired and defeated, considered stopping. After taking a rest and putting a bandage（绷带）on her forehead, Harrington got back to work. She reached the top at 10:30 p.m., welcomed by close friends and her husband-to-be, Adrian Ballinger.

"I think the reason it was successful was kind of a mixture of finally being prepared enough, finally having the experience required, having the fitness and the training, as well as a little bit of luck," Harrington said.

Harrington celebrated the moment, like many would, with a bit of Champagne. Now that one life dream is out of the way, Harrington said she and Ballinger plan to take a break from the "big goals" for a while.

Something Fun

A person is on trial for murder in a court room in Oklahoma. There is strong evidence indicating that he is guilty（有罪的）. However, the body is not found.

In the defense’s (辩护方) closing speech, the lawyer, knowing that his client (委托人) is guilty and that it looks like he’ll probably be seriously punished, decided to play a clever trick.

“Ladies and gentlemen of the jury (陪审团), I have a surprise for you all,” the lawyer says as he looks at his watch. “Within one minute, the person assumed dead in this case will walk into this court room,” he says and he looks towards the court-room door. The jury, somewhat surprised, looks at the door eagerly. A minute passes. Nothing happens.

Finally the lawyer says, “Actually, I made up the previous statement. But you all waited with expectation. I, therefore, put it to you that there is a reasonable doubt in this case as to whether anyone was killed and insist that you pass a judgment of not guilty.”

The jury, clearly confused, back off to discuss.

A very few minutes later, the jury returned and one of them pronounces a verdict (裁决) of guilty.

“But how?” asks the lawyer in surprise. “You must have had some doubt; I saw all of you stare at the door.”

Answers the jury member, “Oh, we did look. But your client didn’t.”