第一部分 英文故事
Lesson 2 · After the Final Semester · 人生故事系列第二课
After the Final Semester, I Had No Idea What to Do Next
The last semester of high school was finally over. When our teacher announced that we had finished our final exams, everyone in the classroom cheered. Some students threw their pens into the air. Others started talking about summer vacations, university plans, and trips they had been dreaming about for months. I packed my books into my backpack, walked out of the classroom, and stood in the hallway for a moment.
I had been waiting for this day for years. I used to imagine that finishing high school would feel like opening a door to an exciting new world. I thought I would feel free, confident, and ready to begin the next chapter of my life. Instead, I felt strangely empty. For the first time in a long time, nobody was telling me exactly what I needed to do the following morning.
During the school year, my schedule had been simple. I woke up early, went to class, completed my assignments, studied for tests, and came home. Even when I complained about homework, at least I knew what was expected of me. Now that routine had disappeared. My calendar was almost completely blank, and I had no clear idea how to fill it.
On the bus home, I opened my phone and looked at the messages in our class group chat. One friend had already received an offer from a university. Another was planning to travel with his family. A girl from my English class had found a summer job at a local store. Everyone seemed to be moving forward, while I was sitting on the bus wondering what I should do first.
I knew I shouldn't compare my life with everyone else's, but that was easier said than done. Whenever someone announced good news, I felt happy for them for a few seconds. Then I started asking myself uncomfortable questions. Was I falling behind? Had I wasted too much time? Should I have made better decisions earlier?
When I arrived home, my mother was preparing dinner. She asked how my last exam had gone, and I told her it had been easier than I expected. Then she asked the question I had been trying to avoid.
"So, what are you going to do now?"
"I don't know yet," I answered.
She stopped cutting vegetables and looked at me. "That's all right. But you should start thinking about it seriously."
"I have been thinking about it," I said. "That's the problem. The more I think, the less certain I become."
My mother smiled a little. "You don't need to figure out your entire life this week. Start with the next few months."
That evening, I sat at my desk and opened the notebook I had used to prepare my résumé. On the first page, I wrote three questions: What do I need? What can I do? What should I do next?
The first question was the easiest. I needed money. I wanted to buy a reliable laptop, pay for my own phone plan, and save enough to cover some personal expenses without asking my parents for help every time. I also wanted to learn how to manage money instead of spending whatever I received.
The second question was harder. I didn't have much formal work experience. I had helped my father clean the garage, carried groceries for my grandparents, and occasionally looked after a neighbour's dog. At school, I had worked on group projects, met deadlines, and learned to communicate with different people. But would an employer consider those things useful?
I began to understand that having no work experience didn't mean I had nothing to offer. I could be punctual. I could follow instructions. I could learn new tasks, ask questions when I didn't understand something, and treat customers politely. I might not be the most experienced applicant, but I could still be a dependable one.
The third question remained unanswered. Should I look for a job immediately? Should I apply to college? Should I take a few months off to work and think? Each option seemed reasonable, but each came with risks. If I started working, I might postpone further education longer than I intended. If I went straight to college, I would have to make decisions about tuition, programs, and future employment before I fully understood what I wanted.
I searched online for information about local colleges and entry-level jobs. I opened several websites, read descriptions, and compared requirements. After an hour, I had more browser tabs than useful answers. Some programs sounded interesting but were expensive. Some jobs required experience I didn't have. Others offered low wages or schedules that might not fit my plans.
For a while, I felt as if every road led to another question.
The next morning, I met my friend Daniel at a coffee shop near the bus stop. We had been classmates since Grade Ten, and he was one of the few people I could talk to without pretending that everything was going well.
"Have you decided what you're doing this summer?" he asked.
"Not really. I'm thinking about getting a job, but I don't know whether I should study first."
Daniel stirred his coffee. "My cousin started working right after high school. He saved money for a year, then went to college. He said working helped him understand what he wanted to study."
"That sounds sensible," I said. "But what if I get comfortable earning money and never go back to school?"
"Then you need a plan," Daniel replied. "You can set a deadline. For example, work for six months, save a certain amount, and review your options before the end of the year."
I had never thought about setting a deadline for making my next decision. I had assumed that I needed to choose the perfect path before taking the first step. Daniel's suggestion made me realize that I could make a temporary plan without treating it as a permanent commitment.
On my way home, I stopped at the public library. I asked the librarian where I could find reliable information about careers, education, and employment. She showed me a section with career guides and suggested that I look at official college websites and government employment resources rather than relying entirely on random posts on social media.
I spent the afternoon reading about different occupations. Some required university degrees. Others offered apprenticeships or on-the-job training. I learned that there were more ways to build a career than I had imagined. A person's first job did not necessarily determine what they would do for the rest of their life.
That discovery relieved some of the pressure I had been putting on myself. I didn't have to make one decision that would settle everything forever. I needed to make a reasonable decision based on what I knew at the moment, then adjust it as I gained experience.
That night, I talked with my parents again. I told them I wanted to look for a summer job while researching education and training programs. I would not abandon the idea of college, but I would give myself a specific period to explore my options. Before the summer ended, I would review what I had learned and decide on my next step.
My father listened carefully. "That sounds like a practical plan," he said. "Just remember that working and studying both require discipline. Don't spend the whole summer waiting for the right opportunity to appear."
"I won't," I promised.
The following day, I revised my résumé and made a list of places where I could apply. I checked the hiring pages of nearby stores, restaurants, supermarkets, and community facilities. I also asked a neighbour whether he knew of any businesses looking for part-time workers.
I still felt nervous. I worried that employers would reject my applications, that I would make mistakes during an interview, or that I would choose the wrong direction. But I decided that uncertainty was not a good enough reason to remain inactive.
I couldn't see the whole road ahead of me. I didn't know where I would be in five years, what kind of work I would eventually do, or whether I would change my mind more than once. What I did know was that I could take the next practical step.
For the first time since my final exams ended, my calendar was no longer completely blank. I had written down three tasks for the coming week: finish my résumé, submit my first applications, and research two education programs that interested me.
They were small tasks, but they gave me somewhere to begin. I was still unsure about my future, yet I no longer felt that I had to solve my entire life before breakfast.
Maybe growing up wasn't about having every answer ready. Maybe it was about learning how to ask better questions, gather useful information, and keep moving even when the destination wasn't clear.
I closed my notebook and turned off the desk lamp. Tomorrow, I would start applying for jobs. I didn't know what the employers would say, but at least I would no longer be waiting for my future to choose me.
第二部分 英文故事完整中文翻译
最后一个学期结束了，我却不知道下一步该往哪里走
高中最后一个学期终于结束了。老师宣布我们已经完成所有期末考试时，整个教室顿时沸腾起来。有些学生把笔抛向空中，其他人则开始讨论暑假旅行、大学计划，以及那些已经梦想了好几个月的事情。我把书本装进背包，走出教室，在走廊里站了一会儿。
多年来，我一直期待着这一天。我曾经想象，高中毕业就像推开一扇通往精彩新世界的大门。我以为自己会感到自由、自信，并且已经准备好迎接人生的新篇章。然而，真正到了这一天，我的心里却有一种说不出的空落感。很长一段时间以来，我第一次发现，没有人会明确告诉我第二天早晨应该做什么。
上学期间，我的日程安排很简单：早起、上课、完成作业、准备考试，然后回家。即使我经常抱怨家庭作业，至少我知道别人对我有什么要求。如今，那种有规律的生活突然消失了。我的日历几乎空空如也，我不知道该怎样填满接下来的日子。
坐公交车回家的路上，我打开手机，查看班级群里的消息。一位朋友已经收到了大学录取通知，另一位正计划和家人一起旅行。英语课上的一名女生已经在当地一家商店找到了暑期工作。每个人似乎都在向前迈进，只有我坐在公交车上，不知道自己究竟应该先做什么。
我知道不应该拿自己的人生和别人比较，但真正做到这一点并不容易。每当有人宣布好消息时，我最初几秒钟确实会替他们高兴。紧接着，一连串令人不安的问题便开始出现在我的脑海里：我是不是落后了？我是不是浪费了太多时间？我是不是应该早点作出更好的决定？
到家时，母亲正在准备晚饭。她问我最后一门考试考得怎么样，我告诉她，比预想的容易一些。随后，她问出了那个我一直想回避的问题。
“那么，你接下来打算做什么？”
“我还不知道。”我回答。
她停下切菜的动作，看了看我。“这没关系。不过，你应该开始认真考虑了。”
“我一直在考虑。”我说，“问题就在这里。想得越多，我反而越没有把握。”
母亲微微一笑。“你不需要在这一周之内想清楚自己的一生。先考虑接下来的几个月就行了。”
那天晚上，我坐在书桌前，打开了之前用来准备简历的笔记本。我在第一页写下三个问题：我需要什么？我能做什么？我下一步应该做什么？
第一个问题最容易回答。我需要钱。我想买一台可靠的笔记本电脑，自己支付手机套餐费用，还想存下一些钱，用来承担个人开销，而不是每次需要花钱时都向父母求助。我也想学会管理自己的钱，而不是拿到多少就花掉多少。
第二个问题就难多了。我没有多少正式工作经验。我曾经帮父亲打扫车库，帮祖父母搬运食品杂货，偶尔还替邻居照看狗。在学校里，我参与过小组项目，按时完成过任务，也学会了与不同的人沟通。但雇主会认为这些经历有用吗？
我开始明白，没有工作经验并不意味着自己毫无价值。我可以守时，可以遵守指示，可以学习新的工作内容；遇到不懂的事情时，我可以主动提问，也可以礼貌地对待顾客。我也许不是经验最丰富的求职者，但我仍然可以成为一个值得信赖的员工。
第三个问题仍然没有答案。我应该立即找工作吗？我应该申请学院课程吗？还是先用几个月时间工作，同时认真思考未来？每种选择似乎都有道理，但也各自存在风险。如果我开始工作，可能会把继续接受教育的计划一拖再拖。如果我直接进入学院，又必须在还没有完全了解自己兴趣的情况下，决定学费、专业和未来就业方向。
我开始在网上搜索当地学院和入门级工作的资料。我打开了几个网站，阅读课程介绍，并比较招聘要求。一个小时之后，浏览器里打开的网页标签越来越多，但真正有用的答案却没有增加多少。有些课程听起来很有意思，学费却不便宜。有些工作要求我根本不具备的经验。还有一些职位工资较低，或者工作时间可能与我的计划冲突。
有那么一段时间，我觉得无论选择哪条路，最终都会遇到另一个问题。
第二天早上，我在公交车站附近的一家咖啡馆见到了朋友丹尼尔。我们从十年级起就是同学，他也是少数几个能让我坦诚交谈、而不必假装一切顺利的人之一。
“你决定好今年夏天做什么了吗？”他问。
“还没有。我在考虑找份工作，但不知道是不是应该先去读书。”
丹尼尔搅动着杯里的咖啡。“我表哥高中毕业后就开始工作。他存了一年钱，然后才去读学院。他说，工作经历帮助他弄清楚了自己真正想学什么。”
“听起来挺合理。”我说，“可是，如果我习惯了挣钱，最后再也不回学校怎么办？”
“那你就需要一个计划。”丹尼尔回答，“你可以给自己设定一个期限。比如，先工作六个月，存下一定数额的钱，然后在年底之前重新评估自己的选择。”
我以前从未想过，可以为下一次人生决定设定一个明确的期限。我一直以为，自己必须先选出一条完美的道路，才能迈出第一步。丹尼尔的建议让我意识到，我完全可以制定一个阶段性的计划，而不必把它当成永远不能改变的承诺。
回家的路上，我在公共图书馆停了下来。我向图书管理员询问，在哪里可以找到有关职业、教育和就业的可靠资料。她带我来到职业指南所在的区域，并建议我查阅学院官方网站和政府就业资源，不要完全依赖社交媒体上的零散帖子。
那天下午，我花了几个小时阅读不同职业的介绍。有些工作需要大学学位，另一些则可以通过学徒培训或在职培训入行。我发现，建立职业生涯的方法远比自己原先想象的多。一个人从事的第一份工作，并不一定决定他今后余生要做什么。
这个发现让我松了一口气。我不必作出一个决定，就把自己的一生永远固定下来。我需要做的，是根据目前掌握的信息作出合理选择，然后随着经验的增加，不断调整自己的方向。
那天晚上，我再次和父母交谈。我告诉他们，我想先找一份暑期工作，同时研究不同的教育和职业培训项目。我不会放弃上学院的想法，但我会给自己一段明确的时间来了解各种选择。暑假结束之前，我会回顾自己学到的东西，再决定下一步怎么走。
父亲认真听完我的计划。“这听起来很实际。”他说，“不过要记住，工作和学习都需要自律。不要整个夏天都坐在那里，等着合适的机会自己出现。”
“我不会的。”我答应道。
第二天，我修改了简历，并列出准备申请工作的地点。我查看了附近商店、餐馆、超市和社区设施的招聘页面。我还问了一位邻居，是否知道哪些商家正在招聘兼职员工。
我依然感到紧张。我担心雇主会拒绝我的申请，担心面试时犯错，也担心自己选错方向。但我决定，不再把对未来的不确定当作停滞不前的理由。
我看不清前方整条道路。我不知道五年后自己会在哪里，不知道最终会从事什么工作，也不知道自己是否会改变不止一次主意。但我知道，至少可以先迈出实际的下一步。
期末考试结束以来，我的日历第一次不再是一片空白。我写下了未来一周要完成的三件事：完善简历，提交第一批求职申请，并研究两个自己感兴趣的教育项目。
这些任务都很小，却为我提供了一个开始的地方。我依然对未来没有把握，但我不再觉得自己必须在吃早饭之前，就把整个人生安排得明明白白。
也许，成长并不是要随时准备好所有答案。也许，成长意味着学会提出更好的问题，搜集有用的信息，即使目的地还不清楚，也依然继续前行。
我合上笔记本，关掉台灯。明天，我就要开始申请工作了。我不知道雇主会给出什么答复，但至少，我不会再坐在那里，等待未来主动来选择我。
第三部分 核心词汇精讲
本课词汇围绕高中毕业后的现实选择展开，包括表达不确定、作出决定、寻找工作和规划未来时常用的英语。
1. graduate
发音：/ˈɡrædʒueɪt/（动词）
意思： 毕业。
常见搭配：
graduate from high school：高中毕业
graduate from college：学院或大学毕业
graduate in June：六月毕业
a high school graduate：高中毕业生
例句：
I will graduate from high school this spring.
我将在今年春天高中毕业。
She graduated from college two years ago.
她两年前从学院毕业。
注意：graduate from 后面通常接学校或教育阶段。说“高中毕业”时，可以说 graduate from high school。
2. future
发音：/ˈfjuːtʃər/
意思： 未来；将来。
常见搭配：
in the future：将来
future plans：未来计划
future career：未来职业
think about the future：考虑未来
a bright future：光明的未来
例句：
I'm worried about my future.
我对自己的未来感到担忧。
I haven't decided what I want to do in the future.
我还没有决定将来想做什么。
3. uncertain
发音：/ʌnˈsɜːrtən/
意思： 不确定的；没有把握的。
常见搭配：
feel uncertain：感到不确定
be uncertain about something：对某事没有把握
an uncertain future：不确定的未来
uncertain about what to do：不知道该怎么办
例句：
I'm uncertain about which program to choose.
我不确定应该选择哪个课程。
The future is uncertain, but I can still make a plan.
未来无法确定，但我仍然可以制定计划。
用法提醒：uncertain 不一定表示恐惧，也可以表示还没有足够的信息作出决定。
4. option
发音：/ˈɑːpʃən/
意思： 选择；可选择的方案。
常见搭配：
have several options：有几种选择
consider your options：考虑各种选择
explore different options：了解不同的选择
the best option：最佳选择
a good option for me：适合我的一个选择
例句：
I need more time to consider my options.
我需要更多时间来考虑各种选择。
Working for a year is one option.
先工作一年是一种选择。
5. opportunity
发音：/ˌɑːpərˈtuːnəti/
意思： 机会。
常见搭配：
a job opportunity：工作机会
an opportunity to learn：学习的机会
take an opportunity：把握机会
look for opportunities：寻找机会
miss an opportunity：错过机会
例句：
I'm looking for an opportunity to gain work experience.
我正在寻找积累工作经验的机会。
This job could be a good opportunity for me.
这份工作可能是一个很好的机会。
6. experience
发音：/ɪkˈspɪriəns/
意思： 经验；经历。
在求职语境中，experience 通常表示工作经验或实际经历。
常见搭配：
work experience：工作经验
previous experience：以往的经验
gain experience：积累经验
have experience in：在某方面有经验
practical experience：实践经验
例句：
I don't have much work experience.
我没有太多工作经验。
This job will help me gain experience.
这份工作会帮助我积累经验。
语法提醒：表示“经验”时，experience 通常是不可数名词；表示某次具体经历时，也可以用复数 experiences。
7. deadline
发音：/ˈdedlaɪn/
意思： 截止日期；最后期限。
常见搭配：
meet a deadline：按时完成
miss a deadline：错过截止日期
set a deadline：设定期限
an application deadline：申请截止日期
before the deadline：在截止日期之前
例句：
I set a deadline for making my decision.
我为自己作出决定设定了一个期限。
The application deadline is next Friday.
申请截止日期是下周五。
8. practical
发音：/ˈpræktɪkəl/
意思： 实际的；实用的；切实可行的。
常见搭配：
a practical plan：切实可行的计划
practical advice：实用的建议
practical skills：实用技能
a practical solution：可行的解决办法
例句：
I need a practical plan, not just a dream.
我需要一个切实可行的计划，而不只是梦想。
Your suggestion sounds practical.
你的建议听起来很实际。
9. depend on
意思： 取决于；依靠。
常见搭配：
It depends on the cost.：这取决于费用。
depend on your situation：取决于你的情况
depend on your parents：依靠父母
It depends on what you want.：这取决于你想要什么。
例句：
Whether I go to college now depends on my financial situation.
我现在是否去读学院，取决于我的经济状况。
10. remain
发音：/rɪˈmeɪn/
意思： 仍然是；保持；留下。
常见搭配：
remain uncertain：仍然不确定
remain calm：保持冷静
remain the same：保持不变
remain a possibility：仍然是一种可能
例句：
My plans may change, but college will remain an option.
我的计划可能会改变，但读学院仍然是一个选择。
第四部分 重点短语与真实用法
英语短语
中文意思
例句
figure out
弄明白；想出办法
I need to figure out what to do next. 我需要弄清楚下一步该做什么。
think seriously about
认真考虑
I need to think seriously about my future. 我需要认真考虑自己的未来。
compare A with B
把A与B比较
I shouldn't compare my life with other people's lives. 我不应该拿自己的人生和别人的人生比较。
be expected to
被要求；被期待
I knew what was expected of me at school. 我知道学校对我有什么要求。
look for a job
找工作
I'm looking for a summer job. 我正在找一份暑期工作。
entry-level job
入门级工作
I'm applying for entry-level jobs. 我正在申请入门级工作。
gain work experience
积累工作经验
I want to gain work experience this summer. 我想在今年夏天积累工作经验。
set a deadline
设定期限
I'll set a deadline for making my decision. 我会为自己作出决定设定期限。
on-the-job training
在职培训
The company offers on-the-job training. 这家公司提供在职培训。
take the next step
迈出下一步
I'm ready to take the next step. 我准备好迈出下一步了。
move forward
继续向前；取得进展
I want to move forward with my plans. 我想继续推进自己的计划。
make a decision
作出决定
I don't have to make a decision today. 我不必今天就作出决定。
give myself time
给自己一些时间
I need to give myself time to explore my options. 我需要给自己一些时间去了解各种选择。
rely on
依赖；依靠
Don't rely entirely on social media. 不要完全依赖社交媒体。
put off
推迟；拖延
I don't want to put off my education forever. 我不想无限期推迟继续接受教育。
注意两个容易混淆的表达：
look for a job 是寻找工作。
apply for a job 是申请一份工作。
例如：
I'm looking for a job, and I've applied for three positions.
我正在找工作，而且已经申请了三个职位。
前者强调寻找机会，后者强调向雇主正式提交申请。
第五部分 重点句型与语法
1. I don't know what to do next.
我不知道下一步该做什么。
结构：主语 + don't know + 疑问词 + to do。
类似表达：
I don't know where to start. 我不知道从哪里开始。
I don't know how to answer the question. 我不知道怎样回答这个问题。
I don't know which program to choose. 我不知道应该选择哪个课程。
I don't know when to apply. 我不知道什么时候申请。
这里的 what to do、where to start 和 how to answer 都是“疑问词 + 不定式”结构，可以用来表达不知道该采取什么行动。
2. The more I think, the less certain I become.
我想得越多，反而越没有把握。
结构：The + 比较级……，the + 比较级……。
表示一个变化与另一个变化之间的关联。
例如：
The more I practice, the better I become. 我练习得越多，就会变得越好。
The earlier I start, the more time I have. 我开始得越早，拥有的时间就越多。
The more money I save, the less worried I feel. 我存的钱越多，就越不担心。
这个结构在日常对话和写作中都很常用。
3. I might not be the most experienced applicant, but I can still be a dependable one.
我可能不是经验最丰富的求职者，但我仍然可以成为一个值得信赖的人。
这里的 might 表示一种可能性，语气比直接断言更谨慎。
例如：
I might need more time. 我可能需要更多时间。
The job might be a good fit for me. 这份工作可能适合我。
I might change my mind later. 我以后可能会改变主意。
might not 表示“可能不”，并不等于确定不会。
4. I don't have to decide everything today.
我不必今天就决定所有事情。
这里的 don't have to 表示“不必、没有必要”，而不是“不能”。
比较：
I don't have to work tomorrow. 我明天不必工作。
I mustn't be late. 我绝不能迟到。
前一句表示没有必要，后一句表示禁止或强烈要求不要做某事。
5. I decided that uncertainty was not a good enough reason to remain inactive.
我决定，不再把对未来的不确定当作停滞不前的理由。
这里的 reason to do something 表示“做某事的理由”。
例如：
I have a reason to keep trying. 我有理由继续努力。
Fear is not a good reason to give up. 恐惧并不是放弃的充分理由。
I need a reason to change my plans. 我需要一个改变计划的理由。
6. I would give myself a specific period to explore my options.
我会给自己一段明确的时间，去了解各种选择。
这里的 would 用于表达当时计划中的安排，常见于间接叙述或描述过去作出的计划。
例如：
I told my parents I would look for a job. 我告诉父母，我会去找工作。
I decided I would review my plans in August. 我决定在八月份重新审视自己的计划。
第六部分 近义词辨析
1. job 与 career
job 通常指一份具体的工作；career 指较长期的职业发展道路。
I'm looking for a job.
我正在找工作。
I'm thinking about a career in technology.
我正在考虑从事科技行业。
一个人可以有许多份 job，而这些工作可能共同构成一条 career。
2. choice 与 decision
choice 强调可以选择的选项或选择本身；decision 更强调作出决定的过程或结果。
I have three choices.
我有三个选择。
I need to make a decision.
我需要作出决定。
常见搭配是 make a decision，而不是直接说 do a decision。
3. uncertain 与 unsure
两者都可以表达不确定，但使用场景略有不同。
unsure 在日常口语中非常常见，通常强调个人没有把握。
I'm unsure about my plans.
我对自己的计划没有把握。
uncertain 也可以形容个人的心情，但在描述局势、未来或结果时尤其常见。
The future is uncertain.
未来充满不确定性。
4. opportunity 与 chance
两者都可以表示机会。
opportunity 经常指有利于学习、工作或发展的机会，语气稍正式。
This job is a great opportunity to learn.
这份工作是一个很好的学习机会。
chance 用法更广，也可以指某件事情发生的可能性。
Do I have a chance of getting the job?
我有机会得到这份工作吗？
5. salary 与 wage
salary 通常指按年或按月约定的固定工资；wage 常用于按小时或按工作量计算的工资。不过，现实中的薪酬安排并不完全由这两个词决定。
The position offers an annual salary of $45,000.
这个职位提供每年45,000加元的薪水。
The job pays $20 an hour.
这份工作时薪20加元。
在加拿大日常生活中，也经常使用 pay 表示工资或薪酬。
I need to save part of my pay.
我需要把一部分工资存起来。
第七部分 实用情景对话
情景一 与朋友谈论毕业后的计划
人物： Me（我）和 Daniel（丹尼尔）
Daniel: So, now that school is over, what are you going to do?
那么，现在学校已经结束了，你打算做什么？
Me: I'm still trying to figure that out. I want to get a job, but I'm also thinking about college.
我还在想这件事。我想找份工作，但也在考虑读学院。
Daniel: You don't have to make a permanent decision right away.
你不必马上作出一个永久性的决定。
Me: I know, but I don't want to waste time either.
我知道，但我也不想浪费时间。
Daniel: Why don't you work for a few months and see how things go?
为什么不先工作几个月，看看情况怎么样？
Me: That's one option. I could save some money and learn more about different careers.
这倒是一种选择。我可以存些钱，同时多了解一些不同的职业。
Daniel: Exactly. You might discover something you really enjoy.
没错。你可能会发现自己真正喜欢的事情。
Me: Or I might discover what I don't want to do.
也可能发现自己不想做什么。
Daniel: That would be useful, too.
那也很有用。
Me: You're right. I think I'll start applying for jobs this week.
你说得对。我想这周就开始申请工作。
Daniel: Good. You don't need to know everything. You just need to get started.
很好。你不需要什么都知道，只需要先开始行动。
Me: Thanks. I feel a little less worried now.
谢谢。我现在稍微没那么担心了。
情景二 向父母解释自己的计划
Father: Have you made any progress with your plans?
你的计划有进展了吗？
Me: Yes. I've decided to look for a summer job while researching college programs.
有。我决定先找一份暑期工作，同时研究学院的课程项目。
Father: How long are you planning to work?
你打算工作多久？
Me: I'll work through the summer and review my options before the end of August.
我会在整个夏天工作，并在八月底之前重新评估自己的选择。
Father: What if you find a job you really like?
如果你找到一份自己特别喜欢的工作呢？
Me: I'll consider whether it offers opportunities to learn and grow. I don't want to make a decision based only on the money.
我会考虑这份工作是否能让我学习和成长。我不想仅仅根据收入来作决定。
Father: That's a sensible way to think about it.
这样的考虑方式很理智。
Me: I also want to save some money before deciding whether to continue my education.
我也想先存下一些钱，再决定是否继续接受教育。
Father: Just remember to keep your long-term goals in mind.
只要记住，不要忘记自己的长期目标。
Me: I will. I don't have everything figured out yet, but I have a plan for the next few months.
我会的。我还没有把所有事情都想清楚，但我已经为接下来的几个月制定了计划。
情景三 在图书馆询问职业资料
Me: Excuse me. Could you help me find information about different careers?
打扰一下。您能帮我找一些有关不同职业的资料吗？
Librarian: Of course. Are you looking for information about a particular occupation?
当然可以。你是在寻找某一种特定职业的资料吗？
Me: Not exactly. I've just graduated from high school, and I'm trying to explore my options.
不完全是。我刚刚结束高中学业，正在尝试了解自己有哪些选择。
Librarian: In that case, you might want to start with our career guides.
这样的话，你可以先看看我们的职业指南。
Me: Do they include information about education requirements and job prospects?
里面有关于教育要求和就业前景的信息吗？
Librarian: Yes. Some guides also explain training programs and typical working conditions.
有些指南还介绍培训项目和常见的工作条件。
Me: That sounds helpful. Are there any reliable websites you would recommend?
听起来很有帮助。您有没有推荐的可靠网站？
Librarian: You can start with official college websites and government employment resources.
你可以先从学院官方网站和政府就业资源入手。
Me: Thank you. I'll take a look at those first.
谢谢。我先看看这些资料。
Librarian: You're welcome. Take your time, and don't hesitate to ask if you need help.
不客气。慢慢了解，有需要时随时来问。
第八部分 今日额外朗读
建议：先独立朗读英文，再阅读中文翻译。注意比较自然语速下的停顿、重音和句子之间的逻辑关系。
You Don't Need to Have Everything Figured Out
When I was younger, I thought adults had everything figured out. They seemed to know where they were going, how much money they needed, and what they wanted from life. Whenever I faced a difficult decision, I imagined that growing up would somehow give me all the answers.
Now that I have finished high school, I am beginning to realize how wrong that idea was. My parents still make plans, but they also change those plans when circumstances change. My teachers have years of experience, yet they sometimes admit that they don't know what will happen next. Even people who appear confident can have doubts about their choices.
At first, this discovery made me feel uncomfortable. I wanted someone to give me a clear set of instructions. I wanted to know which job would be right for me, which program I should study, and how I could avoid making expensive mistakes. I thought that if I researched long enough, I would eventually find a perfect answer.
But life doesn't always work that way. Some questions can only be answered through experience. Reading about a job may tell me what the responsibilities are, but it cannot completely tell me whether I will enjoy doing that work every day. Looking at a college website may help me understand a program, but it cannot guarantee that the program will match my interests three years from now.
I have started to see the value of small experiments. Applying for a job can teach me how employers evaluate applicants. Working with customers can help me discover whether I enjoy solving problems and communicating with people. Taking a short course can show me whether a subject interests me enough to study it in greater depth.
These experiences may not give me an immediate answer, but they can provide useful information. Every reasonable attempt helps me understand myself a little better. Even a disappointing result can teach me something, provided I take the time to examine what happened instead of simply blaming myself.
I also need to stop treating other people's progress as a measure of my own success. Some people know exactly what they want to study when they graduate. Others need more time. Some begin working immediately, while others continue their education. There is no guarantee that the person who moves fastest will end up in the best position.
Of course, having no clear direction doesn't mean I should avoid making decisions. I still need to pay attention to money, deadlines, responsibilities, and the consequences of my choices. Dreams are important, but they become more useful when I connect them with practical steps.
For now, I can set a few realistic goals. I can prepare a good résumé, apply for suitable jobs, save part of my income, and research educational programs. I can ask experienced people for advice without expecting them to make every decision for me. I can review my progress at the end of each month and change my approach when necessary.
I may make mistakes along the way. I may accept a job that turns out to be unsuitable or discover that a subject I once liked is not right for me. If that happens, I will need to learn from the experience and make a better-informed decision next time.
The important thing is to remain willing to learn. I don't need to predict every turn in the road before I begin walking. I need enough information to choose a reasonable direction, enough discipline to take action, and enough flexibility to change course when new information becomes available.
My future is still uncertain, but uncertainty no longer has to mean doing nothing. I can move forward one step at a time, learning as I go and building a life through the choices I make each day.
Perhaps that is what becoming an adult really means. It is not about knowing everything in advance. It is about accepting responsibility for the things I can control, learning to deal with the things I cannot control, and continuing to move forward even when I don't have all the answers.
中文完整翻译
你不必把所有事情都想清楚
小时候，我以为成年人早已把一切都想清楚了。他们似乎知道自己要去哪里，需要多少钱，以及想从人生中得到什么。每当我遇到难以决定的事情时，我总觉得，等自己长大以后，自然就会知道所有答案。
如今，高中已经结束，我开始意识到，这种想法有多么不准确。父母仍然会制定计划，但当情况发生变化时，他们也会调整计划。老师们拥有多年的经验，却有时也会承认，他们不知道接下来会发生什么。即使是那些看起来很有自信的人，也可能怀疑自己所作的选择。
起初，这个发现让我有些不安。我希望有人能够给我一套明确的行动指南。我想知道哪份工作最适合自己，应该学习哪个专业，以及怎样才能避免代价高昂的错误。我以为，只要研究得足够久，最终就能找到一个完美的答案。
但生活并不总是这样。有些问题只能通过亲身经历才能得到回答。阅读一份工作的介绍，可以让我知道它有哪些职责，却无法完全告诉我，自己是否会喜欢每天从事这样的工作。浏览学院网站，可以帮助我了解某个课程项目，却不能保证三年之后，这个项目仍然符合我的兴趣。
我开始看见小规模尝试的价值。申请一份工作，可以让我了解雇主如何评估求职者。与顾客打交道，可以帮助我发现自己是否喜欢解决问题、与人沟通。参加一门短期课程，则可以让我判断某个学科是否足够吸引自己，值得进一步深入学习。
这些经历也许不能立即给我答案，却能提供有用的信息。每一次合理的尝试，都能让我多了解自己一点。即使结果令人失望，也仍然可能有所收获，前提是我愿意花时间分析发生了什么，而不是简单地责怪自己。
我还需要停止把别人的进展当成衡量自己成功与否的标准。有些人高中毕业时，就已经清楚自己想学什么；另一些人则需要更多时间。有些人立即开始工作，另一些人继续接受教育。走得最快的人，并不一定最终会处于最好的位置。
当然，没有明确方向，也不意味着我应该逃避决定。我仍然需要认真考虑金钱、截止日期、责任，以及各种选择可能带来的后果。梦想很重要，但只有把梦想与实际行动联系起来，它们才能发挥更大的作用。
现阶段，我可以设定几个现实的目标。我可以准备一份好的简历，申请合适的工作，存下一部分收入，并研究不同的教育项目。我可以向有经验的人请教，但不应该指望他们替我作出所有决定。我可以在每个月结束时检查自己的进展，并在必要时调整方法。
在这个过程中，我可能会犯错。我可能接受一份后来发现并不适合自己的工作，也可能发现自己曾经喜欢的学科并不适合自己。如果发生这样的情况，我就需要从经历中学习，在下一次作出决定时掌握更多信息。
重要的是，始终愿意学习。在开始走路之前，我不必预先知道道路上的每一个转弯。我只需要掌握足够的信息，选择一个合理的方向；拥有足够的自律，采取实际行动；同时保留足够的灵活性，在获得新信息时及时调整路线。
我的未来仍然充满不确定性，但不确定并不意味着什么都不做。我可以一步一步向前走，在行动中学习，并通过每天作出的选择逐渐建立自己的人生。
也许，这才是成年真正的含义。它并不是要求一个人提前知道一切，而是学会对自己能够掌控的事情承担责任，学会应对那些无法掌控的事情，并且即使没有所有答案，也依然继续前行。
用英语谈谈你自己的未来
请用完整的英语句子回答下面的问题。每道题不必只回答一句，可以尝试用三到五句话表达自己的想法。
1. What are you going to do after you graduate from high school?
高中毕业后，你打算做什么？
2. What kind of job would you like to have, and why?
你想找什么样的工作？为什么？
3. Would you prefer to start working immediately or continue your education? Why?
你更愿意立即工作还是继续接受教育？为什么？
4. What are you most worried about when you think about your future?
想到未来时，你最担心什么？
5. What is one practical step you can take this week to move closer to your goals?
本周你可以采取哪一个实际行动，让自己离目标更近一步？
下面是一段可以模仿的回答：
Sample answer
I'm still trying to figure out what I want to do in the future. I'd like to find a part-time job so I can earn some money and gain work experience. At the same time, I want to research different college programs. I don't have to make a permanent decision right away, but I do need a practical plan. This week, I'll update my résumé and apply for a few jobs.
中文参考
我还在努力弄清楚自己将来想做什么。我想找一份兼职工作，这样既能挣钱，也能积累工作经验。同时，我想研究不同的学院课程。我不必马上作出一个永久性的决定，但我确实需要一个切实可行的计划。本周，我会更新简历，并申请几份工作。
本课学习重点回顾
用 graduate from high school 表达高中毕业。
用 figure out、consider your options 表达思考和权衡选择。
用 work experience、entry-level job、apply for a job 谈论初次求职。
用 set a deadline、make a decision、take the next step 描述行动计划。
掌握 The more..., the less... 比较结构，以及 don't have to 表示“不必”的用法。
学习英语不仅是记住单词和语法，也是在真实生活中学会表达自己的打算、疑虑与决定。下一课，主人公将正式开始寻找工作，整理简历、查看招聘信息，并面对求职过程中的第一个现实问题：没有工作经验的高中毕业生，怎样才能让雇主愿意给自己一次机会？