Rich or poor, young or old, we all have problems. We can easily become unhappy _________ we solve our problems. Worrying about our problems can affect how we do things at school or at home. So how do we _________ our problems?

Most of us have probably been _________ with our friends, parents or teachers. Perhaps they said _________ you didn’t like, or you felt they were unfair. Sometimes, people can stay angry for years about a small problem. Time goes by, and good friendships may be lost.

When we are angry, however, we are usually the ones affected. Have you ever seen young children playing together? But they fight very soon, and decide not to talk to each other. However, this usually doesn’t _________ for long. They become good friends again. This is an important _________ for us: we can solve a problem by learning to forget.

Many students often complain about school. They might feel they have too much work to do sometimes, or think the rules are too _________. We must learn how to change these “problems” into “challenges” (挑战). As an adults, it is our duty to _________ our best to deal with each challenge with the help of our teachers.

By comparing yourself to other people, you will find your problems are not so _________. Think about Stephen Hawking, for example, a very clever scientist. He can’t walk or even speak, but he regards his many physical problems as unimportant. Now he is known as an excellent scientist in the world. We are __________ quite healthy and smart. Let’s not worry about our problems. Let’s face the challenges instead.

The pencil maker talked to the Pencil just before putting him into the box.

“There are _______ things you need to know before sending you out into the world.” he told the Pencil. “Always remember them, and you will become the best pencil you can be. First, you will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in someone’s _______. Then you will experience a painful sharpening (削尖) _______, but it will help you become a better pencil. Next, you will be able to correct any mistakes you might make. What’s more, the most important part of you will always be what is _______. Finally, on every piece of paper where you are used, you must leave your mark. No matter what the condition is, you must continue to _______.”

The Pencil understood and _______ to remember them, “I will follow your advice.”

Actually, being a good person and becoming a good pencil are quite _______. Now, you are in the place of the pencil. Always remember the following words, and you will become the _______ person you can be. Firstly, you will be able to do many great things, but only if you make use of your talent and allow others to see your ability. And you will go through difficulties in life and they might be _______. But you’ll need them to become stronger. Then you will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.

Next, the most important part of you will always be your heart. At last, wherever you go, work hard. And no matter what the situation is, you must continue to do your ________. Believe it, each of you is a special person and your life could be really meaningful as long as you want to.