How do you stay true to yourself when you’re surrounded by friends and families that have an opinion on everything you do? It’s not easy! 【小题1】 Here are four tips which can help you live a dynamic（充满活力的）life.

【小题2】

Stay true to yourself by listening to the only opinions that really matter-your own and those from people who believe in and encourage you. Deep down you know yourself better than anybody else.

Don’t fear.

【小题3】 The reason why most people don’t take risks, or live on the edge is the fear of what others might think of them. If you want to live the life you truly deserve, you must give up the need to be liked by everybody.

Value yourself and your choices.

When you do, others will too. Own the choices you make in your life. 【小题4】 When you believe in yourself, others will believe in you too. Show confidence in your choices, and what you stand for whether others agree or not.

Focus on appreciation.

No matter what the circumstances（环境）are, there is always something to be grateful for. All successful people ask, “What am I grateful for? How can I improve my situation and use these tough times to inspire others?” 【小题5】

These steps, if applied, will help you transform（使改变）your peace of mind, lifestyle, and productivity.

   In the United States alone,over 100 million cell-phones are thrown away each year.Cell-phones are part of a growing mountain of electronic waste like computers and personal digital assistants.The electronic waste stream is increasing three times taster than traditional garbage as a whole.

Electronic devices contain valuable metals such as gold and silver.A Swiss study reported that while the weight of electronic goods represented by precious metals was relatively small in comparison to total waste,the concentration（含量）of gold and other precious metals was higher in So-called e-waste than in naturally occurring minerals.

Electronic wastes also contain many poisonous metals.Even when the machines are recycled and the harmful metals removed,the recycling process often is carried out in poor countries,in practically uncontrolled ways which allow many poisonous substances to escape into the environment.

Creating products out of raw materials creates much more waste material,up to 100 times more,than the material contained in the finished products.Consider again the cell-phone,and imagine the mines that produced those metals,the factories needed to make the box and packaging（包装）it came in.Many wastes produced in the producing process are harmful as well.

The U.S Environmental Protection Agency notes that most waste is dangerous in that"the production, distribution,and use of products-as well as management of the resulting waste-all result in greenhouse gas release." Individuals can reduce their contribution by creating less waste at the start-for instance,buying reusable products and recycling.

In many countries the concept of extended producer responsibility is being considered or has been put in place as an incentive（动机）for reducing waste.If producers are required to take back packaging they use to sell their products,would they reduce the packaging in the first place?

Governments' incentive to require producers to take responsibility for the packaging they produce is usually based on money.Why,they ask,should cities or towns be responsible for paying to deal with the bubble wrap（气泡垫）that encased your television?

From the governments' point of view,a primary goal of laws requiring extended producer responsibility is to transfer both the costs and the physical responsibility of waste management from the government and tax-payers back to the producers.

—George Orwell

   Everyone needs a break, and vacations are not meant for serious study. 【小题1】 The Spring Festival is coming up so this is the perfect time to discuss some great English language literature to take on a long train journey.

Before getting into the recommendation, you need to determine your English reading comprehension level. If you’re at the beginner level, there are two options: reading a children’s book or reading a book that you’ve read in Chinese translation. 【小题2】 If you’re at the intermediate level, popular books like pop fiction, mysteries and thrillers are good options. For advanced readers, classic works of literature or modern prize winners (Nobel, Pulitzer) are good options.

【小题3】 When I pick up a book I like, even though the first few chapters are really hard to get through, I would try to get accustomed to the language the author uses. Generally, after the first few chapters, things get a lot easier, especially if I get involved in the story.

Another great way to keep yourself motivated is to find a friend who’s interested in reading the same book. You can make goals that you both want to achieve. 【小题4】

Some quick recommendations: Harry Potter, start with the first book and go on from there; the Narnia series; anything by US writer Michael Crichton; and if you like horror, US writer Stephen King is always unusual and fun. 【小题5】 Happy reading!

   You should always prepare for an interview whether you are about to face a traditional question-and-answer interview or a behavioral interview. There are things you can do before a behavioral interview that will put you at ease,make you feel and look more confident and make you stand out from the competition.

The first thing you must try to do is determine what competencies（技能）the prospective employer is looking for in a candidate（申请者）. Carefully read through the job announcement even  if you've already done this. It usually includes clues about the type of candidate the employers are seeking. This information may simply be listed under job requirements or it may be hidden within the list of job duties. If it's the latter,you will have to figure out what competencies are needed to perform those duties.

Another way to learn what competencies the employer desires is to talk to a recruiter（招聘人员） if you get through one. You should also use your network to connect with people who know about the prospective employer and you will know what qualities he most values.

If you cant get definitive answers about the particular position for which you are applying, try to make some educated guesses about the qualities needed for similar jobs.

You can consult job announcements for similar positions to find out what qualities other employers are seeking.

Once you have figured out what competencies the employer wants, you will have to come up with specific examples of how you used them. Try to answer some of the sample questions that follow. Do not be unclear in your responses. You will have to give enough information to prove that you possess a particular competency.