My parents and teachers-even some of my friends—think I’m quiet and shy, really smart but not very cool. In fact, that’s who I am when I am with them, but not who I really am. The real me comes out when I’m around guys who are more like me-like Tom Henderson and Graham Barry. I met Tom and Graham at a Young Scientist contest last y car. The three of us were among the five finalists. As soon as we met, we really hit it off.

As we talked about the conference, we discovered that all three of us were interested in space debris mitigation, which is the study of the prevention of space garbage damaging satellites and the new space station. It was great to meet other people my age who actually knew what I was talking about. When I talk about “space garbage,” most of the kids at my school just say, “Oh, you mean like asteroid-type (小行星之类的) things? I played a videogame about that once.”

Luckily, we met each other on the first day of the conference, so we were able to spend a lot of time together for the entire three days. We talked about everything from the best schools to go to, what degrees to get, and even the names of the best people in each field. We want to study with the pioneers. Both Tom and I want to study with Dr. Claude Phipps, the inventor of a project that developed a laser (光) that knocks down space garbage before it does any damage to expensive space vehicles. Graham wants to study under Didier Patrick Queloz, the physics Nobel winner from the University of Cambridge.

Even though the three of us don’t get a chance to see each other very often, we’re still the best of friends. We call each other a couple of times a month. I always feel happy when I talk with Tom and Graham. It’s like the other person in me wakes up. With them, I’m my “real shade.”

Conflict is a normal part of any healthy relationship. After all, two people can’t be expected to agree on everything all the time. 【小题1】

Conflicts may be resolved in positive or negative ways. When they’re handled in a positive way, they provide an opportunity to strengthen the bond. 【小题2】 The following is a practical five-step process for conflict resolution.

◆Agree that you disagree. Make clear the issue that is causing the disagreement. Answer the question “What is this disagreement about?”

◆Take turns talking and listening. Use talking and listening skills to have a conversation about the problem. 【小题3】 Each person should also have an opportunity to listen to the other person’s point of view.

◆Restate what you hear. Reflect what the other person says to figure out his or her thought and feelings.【小题4】

◆Come up with a solution. Think of ideas that may solve the problem. You both should agree on the solution you choose.

◆【小题5】 If you are unable or unwilling to reach a solution, contact an unbiased(无偏见的)person who can offer objective and practical suggestions.