On International Perspective

Leah had been trying for Auditions (试演) for All-State Band. Then, the day before the audition, she met into Rachel Jacobs. “So, Leah, I hear you are auditioning for All-State. Do you really want to embarrass yourself?” Rachel said snottily (自负的). Rachel and Leah had been fighting for first chair in the school band ever since Leah had gotten it. “Rachel, I’m still first chair,” Leah replied.

That afternoon, Mr. Johnson, the school band director, stood up to make an announcement. “Kids,” he said, “today Rachel Jacobs would like to challenge Leah Foster for first chair.” Leah wasn’t worried; Rachel had challenged her four times and nothing had come of it. However, Leah hit the note wrong, and her sound was not good at all. Rachel, on the other hand, played perfectly. Leah was shameful. It was one of the band pieces she should have known. Rachel was given first chair, and Leah left the band room with tears. She went through the rest of her classes in a haze.

“We’re leaving for the audition in one hour!” said Mr. Foster the next morning. “I don’t feel well. Maybe next year,” said Leah. Then she burst into tears and ran from the room. Her mom followed her into her bedroom and sat on the foot of her bed. “Oh, Leah. First of all, I’ve heard you play your song, and you’re not going to shame yourself. Bravery isn’t about not being scared—it means doing something despite the fact that you’re afraid. And if you go out there and do your best, we’ll be proud of you, no matter what the outcome.” Leah’s mom smiled. “So what do you say? Do we have an audition to go to?”

“Yeah, I guess,” Leah replied. “Good girl! Get dressed now. We still have half an hour.” Leah sat outside the audition room nervously grasping her flute (笛子). Finally, they called her name.

Paragraph 1: Leah stepped onto the audition stage.

Paragraph 2: “Congratulations! You deserve it,” Leah said, sticking out her hands.