I left school when I was 18 years old and I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. So I started working on my parents’ farm. I helped look after the animals and learned how to grow plants. 【小题1】

After two years, I decided to try something new. I always loved art and design (设计), so I wanted to find a creative job. But I was worried about telling my parents about my decision. They needed me to help on the farm. How could I tell them that I wanted to leave? I put off talking to them about it for a few months. But finally, I knew that I had to tell them my decision. 【小题2】 In fact, they wanted to sell the farm and relax for a few years, but they were worried about telling me! It turned out that we just didn’t share our decisions because we loved each other.

A few months later, my parents sold the farm and moved to a house near the sea. 【小题3】 They have made new friends and go for long walks on the beach every day. And as for me, I went back to college and studies design. 【小题4】 I design and build houses for people. I love my job because I get creative every day.

Right now you probably spend most of your time in school. Do you wonder what you are going to do after junior high school? Will you continue to go to school? Will you learn a trade? Perhaps it is time to think about your choices and to prepare for them. Someday work will be a big part of your life.

What kind of job would be right for you? Think about your interests and your skills. You may like to listen to music. dance. play basketball. or work with computers. You may know how to drive a car or how to get along with people. Knowing both your interests and skills will help make a better plan for your future job.

To get an idea of what work you would like to do. make a list of your interests and skills. Think about what you have done to be successful in your interests. After that. brainstorm a list of job choices that might match your interests and skills. You can later keep your lists with the projects and records that can help you get the job you want. They can help you know more clearly about your achievements in school and in the world of work.

Laura Zhang. an art designer. finds her work satisfying because it allows her to use her interests and skills. She enjoyed imagining something in her mind while she was in school. She took art. design. and computer lessons. and also learned about taking photos on her own.

Here is what she says about the meaning of work:“If you have a job you like. work means much more than just making money. It means using your talents. making a contribution (贡献). and getting a real sense of satisfaction from doing a job. ”