Standing in front of the mirror one day, I came to the disturbing realization that I fell short of the requirements of my dream. The reflection that stared back was of a skinny brown-haired girl who stood a mere five feet tall. My entire life had been about dedication and trying to be the best dancer in my studio. I’d always had brilliant dreams and high ambitions. I never noticed how hard it might be to achieve something that you really wanted. Most people spend their whole lives searching for their calling, but I’ve known that I was born to be a dancer since I met my brilliant inspiring mentor, Lorie Bernier, 5 feet 1 inch. I’ve devoted sixteen years to helping my dream come true to be a lifelong dance teacher at my studio.

Last summer I attended an audition class in Boston taught by a highly respected Broadway dancer. At this seminar he explained the procedures for getting into a dance company. While listening and taking notes, I was thinking that I certainly had the experience, but there was one area where I didn’t quite measure up. He informed us that at most audition all dancers under 5 feet 6 inches are automatically eliminated or simply overlooked. He said that most casting directors were looking for the stereotyped dancer with long legs, a long neck and a size one waist. Standing half a foot under this height, I felt my heart drop to the floor.

It is really hard to listen to someone basically telling you, “Sorry, but you’ve been working really hard for sixteen years for nothing, so find a new dream.” Unfortunately, it just doesn’t work that way. Dancing isn’t just a hobby for me; it’s more like an addiction. I exhibit every step heart and soul. Through dance I find a sense of pride and satisfaction that I don’t think anyone could understand or appreciate. To have all that I’ve ever wanted instantly shot down created a sick feeling in my stomach.

Fishing is probably the world’s most popular sport. People spend many dollars each year on items like boats and four-wheel-drive vehicles. In addition, they spend money on fishing equipment, bait, fuel and boat repairs. And you can see that fishing can be an expensive pastime. Fishing lovers believe that their hobby is worth it. Others say that fishing is spoiling the environment and that it is a cruel hobby.

Supporters of fishing say that it is a nice hobby. Firstly, of the millions of people who fish for fun, most only catch enough fish to feed their families. They catch fish that are found in large numbers, so there is little danger to the species.

Secondly, recreational fishermen contribute to the economy. They spend money on equipment and other items, and they also spend it indirectly by paying taxes on their equipment and fuel. Those who travel to fishing spots pay for accommodation and airfares. This money keeps people in work and provides new jobs each year.

Thirdly, fishing is relaxing and fun so it lessens stress. Instead of turning to drugs or alcohol, it is far better to go fishing. People who are relaxed are generally healthier and much nicer to be near –except for the smell of the bait!

Those who disagree with fishing say that there are too many fish thoughtlessly taken from rivers, lakes, streams and oceans. This could lead to the dying out of some species. Modern cars and boats mean that people can fish in remote areas of the world, so no place is safe from greedy fishermen who take both males and females, leaving few fish to produce young.

Those against fishing also say that it is a blood sport, which means that an animal must die so that a human can have fun. Many of the fish caught for sport are not suitable for eating, so they are thrown away. Once hooked, fish have no chance of escape.

The Big Goal

Sam loved football. Ever since he could remember, his family spent Saturday mornings at the town football fields watching his big brother and sister play. It always looked like great fun, with kids running up and down over the grass, chasing the black and white ball as fast as they could.

Now that Sam was finally old enough to join the beginner team, he was feeling nervous. Sure, he had watched a lot of football games, but that didn't mean he was good at kicking the ball. He practiced with his teammates and had fun doing practice, but it wasn’t easy to kick the ball into the big white net when there was no one trying to stop him.

Now the morning of Sam's first game was here, and there was another player standing in front of him on the field. She was very tall, with long golden hair. The whistle blew, and she ran past Sam toward the ball.

Sam blinked. She was already gone, dribbling（运球）the ball toward the net. He had let her get past him! Sam ran after her, but it was hard to keep up.

The ball kept rolling back and forth. Sam was tired. A real game felt so much longer than practice.

Sam was about to stop running and take a short rest. He put his hands on his knees breathing heavily. Suddenly, the ball rolled to a stop right in front of him. He was wide open!

Sam knew what he had to do. He gave the ball short kicks all the way down the field. He set up just in front of the net and gave one last hard kick. The ball sailed into the net for a goal. Sam scored his first point!

Sam turned around to see that kids were jumping up and down in excitement. But they were wearing red clothes, not blue ones like Sam's. Sam blinked and looked at the goalkeeper in the net. It was his teammate. Briana.

Sam realized that he had kicked the ball into the wrong net!

Briana ran over to Sam and put her arm around him.