北师大版高中英语教材模块5
Unit 15 Lesson 1 Life-long Learning
Nowadays, more and more people of various ages and backgrounds are continuing to study to improve themselves. Here's what they have to say about their life-long learning experience.
Sun Wen-28 years old
“It's never too late to learn.” That was the advice I got after I failed my college entrance exam. Now I'm about to graduate from the School of Continuing Education at Qinghua University with a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering by distance learning. Because of my new qualification, I'm getting promoted at work.
In the past, if someone like me had failed to get into university through the college exam, he would have had no chance of getting a degree. But it's different now. I decided to give myself a second chance by studying for a degree in the evenings and on weekends while keeping a secure full-time job. Frankly speaking, the last four years have been hard work, but it's been worth it!
Ms Tang-45 years old
Three months ago, when my manager told me that I would be laid off, my mind went blank and my heart swelled with anger. In the past, if someone had worked for a company for over 20 years, they would have stayed there until retirement! I suspect that they laid me off because the company was not doing that well but it still brought a lump to my throat and made me want to cry. I felt as if I had done something wrong! I know this isn't true though. It's just the status of the job market at the moment.
At first, I enjoyed being a full-time housewife and called myself “CHO” or “chief home officer”. But soon I got bored and decided to do a business course. I have always dreamed of starting my own company.
I have nearly finished the course now and it has been very helpful. I have learnt so many new skills and have already prepared a business plan for setting up my own export company! I think that getting laid off will prove to be the best thing that ever happened to me.
Grandpa Chen-75 years old
I'm sure you all know the saying “You can't teach an old dog new tricks.” Well, it's certainly not true! I'm an old dog, and I'm teaching myself new tricks every day!
It all started a few months ago when postage went up. I'd been sending letters by airmail to my daughter in the US once a week, but, suddenly, it was too expensive. I decided that it was time I became an Internet user. I got my grandson to instruct me on how to email and use the Internet and I really enjoy the speed at which my messages get sent and answered. And aside from emailing, it's fun to see and talk to my grandchildren in the US on the i-Cam. In the past, if I'd wanted to see them, I would have had to visit them in person.
So many people think that after you retire, all you can do is switch off your brain and bury everything you've learnt. That's so wrong!
Anyway, it's time for me to go now. I have to practise the alphabet! I'm doing an English course on the Internet.