In my generation, most people assume (假设) a lot. We assume that after getting a driver’s license, we should see a brand new car sitting in our driveway. We assume that the latest iPhone product should be in our hands as soon as something goes wrong with our old one. We also assume that college, being as expensive as it is, should be given. However, what we don’t realize is that all of these things are very special privileges (特权).

New cars, the latest technology and college fees are something that most people have in the place where I live. I’m not necessarily complaining about this. I live in a very fortunate area, and I try to remind myself of that every day.

Getting nice things is great, but sometimes, the competition that rules our lives gets too fierce. When someone else gets something great, you begin to think, “Why can’t I have that?” When everyone around you goes to college, you think that one day you will obviously do the same, because who doesn’t?

Even now, having almost done with my first year of college, I constantly see people who forget why we’re here, and how lucky we are to be on this campus. All of the distractions can surely keep you from doing your best, and they can easily make you forget your real purpose at college. The parties, friends, events, and overall social life can move you into a never-ending whirlpool (旋涡) of not doing schoolwork. Having fun is a part of life, but balance is the key when it comes to college.

Appreciation nowadays is slowly changing into a distant thought. We constantly forget how lucky we are to have the things and the life that we live. Surely, who doesn’t dream of a new car waiting for them, or that brand new iPhone that you see in all of the commercials? But wanting something is different from expecting it. Setting yourself up with an “ I should get this” attitude will only push appreciation further away.

Appreciate what you have, but don’t expect what you don’t have. Say thank you to those who help and support you, and realize that whoever you are, you’re lucky in a great way.

   Each morning Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table, reading his book. His grandson wanted to be just like him and tried to copy him in every way he could.

One day the grandson asked, “Grandpa, I try to read the book just like you, but I don’t understand it, and I forget what I understand as soon as I close the book. What good does reading the book do?”

The grandpa quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and replied, “Take this coal basket down to the river and bring me back a basket of water.”

The boy did as he was told, but all the water leaked out before he got back to the house. The grandpa laughed and said, “You’ll have to move a little faster next time,” and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again. This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he returned. Out of breath, he told his grandpa that it was impossible to carry water in a basket, so he went to get a bucket instead. The grandpa said, “I don’t want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water. You’re just not trying hard enough.” The boy again dipped the basket into the river and ran hard, but when he reached his grandpa the basket was empty again. Out of breath, he said, “Grandpa, it’s useless!”

“So, you think it is useless?” the grandpa said, “Look at the basket.”

The boy looked at the basket and for the first time he realized that the basket was different. It had been transformed from a dirty old coal basket and was now clean.

“Grandson, that’s what happens when you read the book. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, you’ll be changed, inside and out.”

   I was stepping out of my office with a complex feeling. That was my _____ day in my office. I was _____ about what was going on in my mind. My staff members wished me many good wishes. I _____ with a smile. For the last time, I returned to my table again and _____ the board, which read “CEO” below my name. I read it and sighed deeply.

One month passed. I tried my best to _____ myself to a new life which was a bit _____. After all, I had no office or routine (常规的) life. Though I got enough job offers, I _____ them all. I didn’t know why I was no longer interested in a job. _____, one day I was anxious to visit my ex-office. So, I went there immediately. When I got there, some of my colleagues were _____. I met others, but I felt as if I ______ something. They greeted me and talked to me, but showed less ______ for me. Everything seemed very casual to me.

With a ______ heart, I left the office for a nearby park. Sitting on a bench, I ______ every single person moving around there. Slowly, I realized no one was at fault. It was my disillusion (幻灭)of ______ and position of my past days. I think ______ people must be feeling the same if they don’t ______ specific work after retirement (退休).

It was my good day in that park. While ______ on the bench, I heard a kid saying to his friend, “What is this? Why are you ______ about yesterday’s incident? ______ it! Let it go. Let’s play together again.” This “Let it go” is the best way to make your ______ cool!

   What is friendship? The answers may be different. 【小题1】 . We cannot live without friendship just as we cannot live without air or water. Friendship gives us a felling of safety  and  warmth， and friendship encourages us to go ahead all the time.

 【小题2】 . When we feel happy， we can share our happiness with friends. When we feel down， friends will comfort us. If we are overconfident， our friends can persuade us， and they can make us confident and brave when we are discouraged.

Friendship is valuable. It can touch your heart and give you hope. Many people are proud of having a good friend. 【小题3】 . If you help your friends for no reason but simply because they are your friends， this means that you regard（认为） your friends as yourself. This is true friendship.

In fact， friendship isn't always easily kept. 【小题4】，you should treat him or her in the way you want to be treated. Keep the secrets that your friend tells you. Keep your promise with your friend. Share things withyour friend. We should try our best to protect the friendship from being hurt.

Because of friendship， our lives are full of happiness. Therefore， the more friends we have， the more pleasures（乐事） we can share with them. Let's say “Thank you” to our friends for their love and care. 【小题5】， never forget to keep the beautiful friendship!