Before she could even talk, Ellie Heath spent hours drawing pictures every day. When she grew older, the 15-year-old girl discovered the joy of sewing (缝纫). She said that she found it calming. She started out to make small things, like jewelry and soft toys. Over times, she began making clothing. Her love of the creative work led her to open a business. Three Blue Bunnies is the name of her company, which makes what she calls “wearable art”.

“My definition (定义) of wearable art is something that makes you feel unique. It’s one of a kind, and often handmade,” she explains.

All the pieces Ellie created were made of used or donated fabrics. She worked a lot with jean jackets, renewing (翻新) them with artistic additions. The process started with finding a piece of material that looked good with the jackets. “Then, I find out the design that works on it through trial and error (反复尝试) or maybe just the design comes to me,” she added.

Ellie improved her creative skills at school. Cheryl Crow was one of her teachers early on. Crow called Ellie “a dream student”. She said Ellie worked hard and made progress. “She is not only very creative, but also very kind and helpful to the other students.”

Ellie has many dreams. She wants to be a teacher and to spread the joy of creativity among children. She also dreams her business will grow and become a model for other young people who have a dream to achieve.

It was the summer of 2005, in the small town of Plano, Texas. Our family was new to town, and we knew no one. This was our third move since leaving eastern Ohio three years before. I wasn’t into sports and I was out of most social dealings of a small-town seventh grader, and thus had to prove myself over and over.

But things changed in my third period on the second day, I didn’t know Mom had signed me up for a choir (合唱团), but it was OK because I liked music. Our teacher, Richard J. Winters, was also new to town and to teaching He was in his 40s, just starting his choir directing career.

He was a former soldier, and l immediately recognized he loved both kids and music. On our first day, he told us what he wanted for us and from us. We each took turns in making music beside the piano, I was nervous to sing in front of the class, but I did it well. When all the students finished singing, he declared, “You are going to be a great choir!” Through many competitions, our choir proved not just good, but among the best in Texas.

Mr. Winters encouraged us to take part in many competitions and to be proud of our musical talents. He allowed us to be human and make mistakes. “If you are going to make a mistake, make it a good one,” he once said. With his encouragement, I found my home and my passion: music.

He was like a father to us in so many ways. With his encouragement, I gained the confidence to follow my careers, as a passionate singer and songwriter in the studio. When we had a gathering for Mr. Winters, “his” kids came from around the world to honor him. We told him what an impact he had had on each of us. Mr. Winters, you taught us how to be champions.

When someone asks me what my goals are for the coming year, I don’t usually know how to reply. Of course I, as most people do, want to see an improvement in my grades. This year, however, I’m hoping for something different.

Through the course of my school life, I’ve gradually developed a new understanding of the word “prioritization (优先次序)”. The first thing I wish to get in Senior One is the ability to spend my time better. I’ll surely become busier with the coming semester, and proper organization is important. From school clubs to academic (学术的) competitions, everything should be set up in a way that doesn’t influence my health, which leads me to my second goal.

My mother has always told me to put my health first, so in the future, I hope to both physically and mentally healthy. A person can’t study without having the energy to do so. In order to stay energetic, they must put their health first, no matter how busy they are, or how much work they have to complete.

And finally, I hope that I won’t be discouraged by my failure and never give up on my dreams. I hope that I’ll have the courage to try new activities and clubs. I believe my final goal can apply to every student around the world. We should all respect each other’s likes and dislikes, and focus on each other’s strengths, not our weaknesses. Everyone should try to take part in all kinds of opportunities.

Albert Einstein once said, “life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” In my case, it’s the other way around. In order to keep moving, I must keep my balance — the balance between studies and activities, efficiency and procrastination (拖延症), academics and health, passions and dislikes. The new journey is going to be a hard one, but if I establish these goals, I believe I will make it through to the end.